Winter’s officially here, and while that means cozy nights and hot cocoa, it also means the season of sniffles and coughs. We know how worrying it can be when your little one isn’t feeling their best. Is it just a common cold, or something more serious? To help you navigate this season of sniffles, we’ll explore some of the most common winter illnesses in children, from the distinctive “bark” of croup to the wheezing discomfort of RSV. We’ll also provide guidance on when it’s time to bundle up and head to the doctor.
Croup
Ever heard a child cough and thought they sounded like a barking seal? That’s likely croup! This viral infection causes swelling in the airways, leading to that distinctive “barking” cough, hoarseness, and sometimes noisy breathing. Croup often worsens at night, which can be especially scary for little ones (and parents!). Thankfully, most cases are mild and can be managed at home with cool-mist humidifiers (the steam helps soothe those airways!), lots of fluids, and cuddles.
RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)
RSV is like that popular kid in school that everyone knows – almost all children will have had an RSV infection by their second birthday. It usually starts with mild, cold-like symptoms like a runny nose, cough, and sometimes fever. However, RSV can sometimes lead to bronchiolitis, an inflammation of the small airways in the lungs, making it harder for little ones to breathe. Pay close attention to your child’s breathing. If you notice any rapid breathing, wheezing, or if the breathing is particularly labored, especially in babies, go to the emergency room.
Ear Infections
Ah, the dreaded ear infection. These can be a real pain (literally!) for little ones. Fluid buildup behind the eardrum causes pressure and discomfort, often accompanied by fever, fussiness, and difficulty sleeping. Here’s a quick tip to help you decide if a trip to the doctor is in order: Gently press on the spot behind your child’s earlobe. If they show signs of discomfort or pain, it’s time to get that ear checked out by a healthcare professional.
Strep Throat
Unlike the common cold, which is caused by a virus, strep throat is a bacterial infection that brings on a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and sometimes fever. Since strep throat requires antibiotics, a quick trip to the doctor for a strep test is necessary to get your little one on the road to recovery.
Influenza (the Flu)
Don’t forget about the flu! This highly contagious virus can hit kids hard, causing fever, chills, body aches, fatigue, and a cough. The good news is that we have a powerful tool to fight the flu: vaccination! Getting your child (and yourself!) the flu vaccine every year is the best way to protect against this unwelcome winter visitor.
Other Seasonal Illnesses
While the previous illnesses are common culprits during the winter months, they’re certainly not the only ones making the rounds. It’s important to be aware of these other seasonal illnesses that can also impact your child’s health:
Common Cold: The classic! Runny noses, congestion, coughs – these are all par for the course during the winter months. Most colds clear up on their own with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications as needed.
Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu): This isn’t actually a flu but rather an infection that causes vomiting and diarrhea. Keeping your child hydrated is key, so offer small, frequent sips of fluids.
When to Seek Medical Attention
It’s important to seek medical attention if your child:
- Is having difficulty breathing
- Has a high fever that does not improve with medication
- Is not feeding well or is dehydrated
- Has severe ear pain or drainage from the ear
- Has a cough that lasts for more than two weeks
- Has any other symptoms that are concerning to you
Tips for Preventing Winter Illnesses
The best offense is a good defense! Here are some simple yet effective ways to reduce the spread of germs:
- Handwashing: Make frequent handwashing a habit for the whole family. Sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice while scrubbing with soap and water – it’s the perfect amount of time!
- Cough and Sneeze Etiquette: Teach your kids to cough or sneeze into their elbow or a tissue (and then throw that tissue away!).
- Hands Off the Face: We know, it’s easier said than done, but encourage your little ones to keep their hands away from their eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Clean and Disinfect: Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces like toys, doorknobs, light switches, and countertops.
We Are Here to Help
At Comanche County Memorial Hospital (CCMH), we’re committed to providing exceptional care for your little ones, especially when those common winter illnesses strike. We’re here to answer your questions, provide guidance, and ensure your children receive the best possible medical care.
If your little one is feeling under the weather, don’t hesitate to reach out! You can contact your child’s pediatrician, explore Lawton Community Health Services’ pediatrics, or use our handy Find A Provider tool to connect with a qualified healthcare professional. We’re here to help your family stay healthy and happy all winter long.
Resources:
https://www.childrens.com/health-wellness/5-common-winter-illnesses-in-kids
https://www.kidshealthpediatrics.com/children-winter-illnesses
Disclaimer:
The Comanche County Memorial Hospital website does not provide specific medical advice for individual cases. Comanche County Memorial Hospital does not endorse any services obtained through information provided on this site, articles on the site or any links on this site.
Use of the information obtained by the Comanche County Memorial Hospital website does not replace medical advice given by a qualified medical provider to meet the medical needs of our readers or others.
While content is frequently updated, medical information changes quickly. Information may be out of date, and/or contain inaccuracies or typographical errors. For questions or concerns, please contact us at contact@ccmhhealth.com.