Find out what a pediatrician and mum of 2 advise that you do this winter

Hi mama,

Winter is officially here (in NZ anyway)! Last week I shared 8 tips on how to prepare for the silly sickness season.

This week, I’m sharing with you tips from my high-school friend, pediatrician and mum of two on how to prepare and get through this winter.

Here are her 9 tips on how to get through this winter: 

• Get yourself and adults in the household up to date with their immunisation e.g. flu, covid-19
• For children, immunise on time and add on the optionals:
  • Flu
  • Menactra (meningococcal vaccine group A, C, Y & W)
  • Bexero (meningococcal vaccine group B)
  • Second chicken pox vaccine – additional to the one on schedule
• Find and enrol in a GP practice that has later opening hours, open Saturdays and is able to do “on the day” bookings when required
• Hydration is key – stock up on ice blocks, yogurts, jellies, juice to help kids (and you as well!) their fluid intake
• Honey can be helpful for kids over the age of 1 for cough
• Include lots of vitamin c in your family’s diet from fruits and vegetables
• If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, avoid sharing food with your toddler or preschooler as there is a risk of CMV viral infection in pregnancy to fetus
• Just like Pokemon, surrender to the inevitable that your kids and other kids are one big germ pool and they’ll catch it all
• Ask for help when you’re sick, because who looks after the sick mums?

I hope you have found these tips as helpful as I have!

May the force be with you, mama.