Sniffle Solutions

While your kids are more likely to catch colds in the winter than in the summer, it’s not impossible to get sick in warm weather. Contrary to popular belief, chilly temperatures don’t breed the cold virus. The idea that heading outside with wet hair or without a jacket can bring on a cold is just a myth -- so don’t blame frigid weather for your sore throat.

In fact, the bigger winter threat is the lack of humidity in colder temperatures. Not only can your nasal passages dry out, making them more susceptible to colds, but research also suggests that viruses live longer in dry air. To safeguard your family, you may want to consider running a humidifier in your home during the winter.

The other reason sneezes and sniffles are more prevalent in the winter is because there’s more opportunity to spread germs. Because we spend a greater amount of time indoors and in close contact with others, we’re more likely to get coughed or sneezed on, or to touch a contaminated surface. That’s especially true for children in classrooms and day care centers, so remind your kids to wash their hands often -- especially as they head back to school.

Has your child gotten sick in the summer? Join the conversation.