Flu Prevention Tips – Keeping Kids Healthy

Updated: 2026-01-29

Read time: 7 minutes

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School is back up and running, along with runny noses. As you send your kids back to the classroom and you go back to work, germs will be everywhere and can spread more easily than you may think. For instance, in school environments, kids are in close contact with each other throughout the day, sharing supplies, desks, and even the air they breathe. But there’s a silver lining, with a few simple tips, you can help minimize their exposure while maximizing their health. Let’s get started.

Top Tips for Avoiding the Flu

1. Hand Washing
2. Using an Air Purifier at Home
3. Maintaining Good Sneezing/Cough Etiquette
4. Proper Cleaning and Ventilation

A mother taking care of her child who has a temperature

Everything You Need to Know About Flu Season

Flu season typically runs from fall through early spring, with peak activity occurring between December and February. The reason for so many winter cases can be attributed to a couple of things. First, the cold weather tends to make people spend most of their time indoors, increasing the time we share in spaces with other people and viruses can spread. However, schools in particular become hotspots for the flu since kids are in close quarters year round. Children tend to be more susceptible to catching and spreading the virus due to their developing immune systems, especially during winter.

Specifically, the flu spreads primarily through respiratory droplets. When an infected child coughs, sneezes, or talks, tiny droplets containing the virus are released into the air and can be inhaled by others nearby. The virus can also transfer when someone touches a surface contaminated with flu droplets, such as a desk or toy, and then touches their eyes, nose, or mouth. Hence, close contact in schools and play areas makes it easy for the virus to circulate quickly among children.

However, teaching your children and yourself how to quickly recognize flu symptoms early-on can help prevent further spread. In children, common symptoms include a sudden fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, and fatigue. Some kids may also experience chills, headaches, or even gastrointestinal issues like nausea. Since these symptoms can overlap with those of other illnesses, be sure to monitor changes in your child’s behavior if you’re a parent, and know the proper steps to take going forward.

Best Air Purifiers for Combating Airborne Bacteria and Viruses

How Air Purifiers Can Help Keep Kids Healthy

As mentioned, children are generally more susceptible to the flu, but for several reasons. First, their immune systems are still developing, making it harder for them to fight off infections compared to adults. Kids, especially those under the age of five, haven’t had as much exposure to various flu viruses, so they lack the immunity that older children and adults might have built up over time.

Additionally, kids spend a lot of time in close contact with others, especially in schools and daycare settings. They share toys, supplies, and interact in ways that often lead to the spread of germs. Younger children also may not consistently practice good hygiene habits, like regular hand washing or covering their mouths when sneezing or coughing. These factors combined make children more vulnerable during flu season and a reason to forget about high-fiving.

But this is where air purifiers can come into play to help you combat the spread of airborne germs and allergens during flu season in your home. These devices work by filtering out particles such as viruses, bacteria, and dust, which can trigger respiratory issues or spread illness. Using a purifier with a HEPA filter is especially effective; it captures up to 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, including many airborne pathogens. Some air purifiers also feature UV-C light technology, which can neutralize certain bacteria and viruses, adding an extra layer of protection for your family!

To choose the best air purifier for your family though, look for models with features tailored to children’s needs, such as quiet operation to avoid disturbing their sweet dreams as well as compact designs that fit into smaller spaces like their bedrooms. Child-friendly air purifiers may also include safety features like filter lock mechanisms and simple controls. Running an air purifier offers more benefits than one, and can be a great way to improve the overall health of you and your family year round.

Maximizing Air Purifier Efficiency During Flu Season

To get the most out of an air purifier in any room, consider where you place it. It’s best to position the purifier in an area where air can flow freely, ideally near the center of the room or close to the bed to capture germs that might be circulating while you sleep. Avoid placing it behind furniture, in corners, or near curtains, which blocks airflow and reduces its efficiency.

Be sure to regularly change the filter as well. During flu season, the air purifier works harder to trap viruses, bacteria, and allergens. If filters become clogged, the purifier’s ability to clean the air decreases. As a quick guide, know that most HEPA filters need replacement every 6 to 12 months, but again it’s a good practice to check them more frequently in high-use periods like flu season. Some models even have filter change indicators to help you stay on schedule.

Running the air purifier continuously is also a good idea during flu season. Having the purifier on around the clock helps maintain a consistently clean environment and modern purifiers are designed for energy efficiency, so keeping them running all day and night won’t significantly impact your energy bill, but it will greatly improve indoor air quality.

Other Top Tips for Avoiding the Flu

Beyond air purifiers, although a great first step, there are some other quick habits and things to be mindful of as you go about your day during the upcoming flu season.

1. Hand Washing

When you get home, after you go to the bathroom, and before you leave the house, washing your hands regularly is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of flu! As a quick refresher, be sure to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or the time it takes you to sing happy birthday in your head twice, especially after sneezing, coughing, or touching shared surfaces. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are a great and convenient alternative to quickly kill most germs too! Making this a habit helps reduce the number of germs that can be transferred to the face or to other people that you interact with.

2. Using an Air Purifier at Home

Running an air purifier in common areas and bedrooms significantly reduces the number of airborne germs. Air purifiers, particularly those with HEPA filters, can capture tiny particles, including viruses and allergens, creating a healthier environment. When choosing an air purifier, be sure to select a model that adequately fits the size of the room and has any features you might find helpful, such as a sleep mode or automatic adjustments. This simple addition can help clean the air continuously, especially when you and your kids are indoors more often during flu season. But more on this later…

3. Maintaining Good Sneezing and Coughing Etiquette

Teaching your kids to sneeze or cough into their elbows instead of their hands is a good habit. This practice minimizes the transfer of viruses onto hands, which then can be transferred to shared surfaces. Reinforcing this idea, especially in school environments, can help limit the spread of airborne particles, and just makes sense!

4. Proper Cleaning and Ventilation

Regular cleaning around your home is a great step for minimizing potential exposure to the flu virus while maintaining general health. During colder months, note that ventilation is often limited, causing indoor air to become stale and filled with airborne germs. Meaning its best to clean high-touch surfaces frequently along with letting air purifiers for instance to run continuously to filter out contaminants for an all around solution.

Final Thought

Keeping kids healthy during flu season involves regular hand washing, good sneezing etiquette, and using air purifiers to reduce airborne germs. With continuous use and proper maintenance, your air purifier can help you create a safe and clean indoor environment during flu season and an extra layer of protection for children during the back-to-school months.