The holidays are full of joy, but also germs. With kids spending more time around others at school, parties, and family gatherings, viruses like colds, flu, and RSV can spread quickly.
One of the best ways to protect your child? Handwashing. It’s simple, quick, and proven to work.
In fact, the CDC says handwashing education can cut school absences from stomach bugs by up to 57%. That means fewer sick days, fewer missed activities, and more time enjoying the season together. Even though handwashing seems like such a low-tech procedure, it played a dramatic role in revolutionizing modern medicine.
Teaching kids to wash their hands before eating and after coughing, sneezing, or using the restroom can make a big difference in keeping them healthy. Try singing a favorite song like “Happy Birthday” twice, using a colorful timer, or letting them pick a fun soap scent. Small tricks like these can turn handwashing into a habit, and just 20 seconds of scrubbing with soap and water is all it takes to wash away most germs.
Parents play a big role, too. When you wash your hands regularly, your child is more likely to do the same. How you wash your hands matters too. If you approach handwashing in a thoughtful and mindful way, your children will do the same. Kids learn by watching, so every time you wash your own hands, you’re setting a healthy example—and helping protect not just your child, but also vulnerable loved ones like babies, grandparents, and those with weakened immune systems.
But even with the best prevention, kids still get sick. And when they do, it’s comforting to know that help is always available. If your child wakes up sick at 2 a.m., you don’t have to wait until morning. MemorialCare offers 24/7 virtual urgent care and QuickCare visits, so you can get help fast from the comfort of your home. Whether it’s a late-night fever or a weekend sniffle, care is just a click away.
This holiday season, give your family the gift of good health. Clean hands and knowing care is available around the clock can go a long way in keeping everyone safe, happy, and ready to enjoy all the special moments ahead. And don’t forget, flu shots and regular check-ups are also important this time of year!
About Dr. Leslie Young:
Leslie Young, M.D., earned his medical degree from UC Irvine College of Medicine and completed his pediatric residency at UCLA Medical Center. Inspired by his own experiences with severe atopic dermatitis and nasal allergies, which led to hospitalizations during his childhood, Dr. Young considers the doctors who cared for him as his heroes and role models.
Born in Taiwan and fluent in Mandarin, Dr. Young, who immigrated to the United States during his teenage years, brings a unique understanding of cross-cultural interactions. He has also learned medical Spanish to better connect with Spanish-speaking families. He specializes in helping children with ADHD, bringing his expertise to a wider audience.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Young is dedicated to serving others and building meaningful relationships, leading the Rotary Club in community service projects. He also enjoys spending time with his dog, running, and weightlifting.