Winter is often celebrated for its festivities and cozy weather, but for parents, it brings a specific set of challenges. While the drop in temperature is refreshing, it also marks the beginning of "flu season." According to latest reports from Times of India (TOI), pediatricians are witnessing 60% surge in stomach flu and respiratory complaints as winter approaches.

 

It is not the cold air itself that makes children sick, but rather the increased time spent indoors in close proximity to others, combined with drier air that allows viruses to survive longer and spread faster. For children with developing immune systems, this season requires extra vigilance and care.

 

 

The most prevalent winter ailment is known as the common cold, which stems from the presence of rhinoviruses that proliferate in a chilled, arid environment. The common cold is characterized by symptoms that include a runny or blocked nose as well as a scratchy throat, sneezing and coughing, accompanied by a very low grade fever.

 

Preventative measures against the common cold include following strict hygiene. It is important to have your children properly wash their hands with soap and water, particularly after touching or playing with toys or surfaces in public. You should teach your children to cough or sneeze into their elbow instead of into their hands so that they do not pass on any germs from their hands to toys or other individuals.

 

Influenza is a more serious illness than a cold and has a rapid onset. Influenza is caused by a virus, and it may present with high fevers, extreme body aches, exhaustion, and a dry cough. Young children and individuals with certain preexisting medical conditions may have hospitalization as a complication of influenza.

 

The most effective way to prevent the occurrence of influenza is to receive an influenza vaccination every year. In addition to the influenza vaccine, healthy eating (increased vitamins) and adequate sleep are two other ways to help build a child’s immune system.

 

The Respiratory Syncytial Virus is a top concern for young children with regard to respiratory diseases. When older children get RSV, it is typically a mild cold, but it can produce significant illness for newborns through bronchiolitis or pneumonia. Indicators to look for in your infant include wheezing, quickened breaths or nostrils flaring.

 

Since RSV spreads via droplets and surfaces, parents should practice good hand hygiene and regularly clean the toys and surfaces their child has interacted with, particularly during RSV’s peak winter months. In addition, parents of high-risk infants (premature infants) should discuss with their child’s pediatrician the best methods of preventing lung complications in their infant during RSV Season.

 

Ear infections are usually a secondary problem that develops after having a cold or flu. When your child has a cold or flu, congestion creates blockages and prevents proper flow of fluid through the eustachian tubes, allowing bacteria to multiply causing an ear infection. Ear infections can present with the following symptoms: ear pain, pulling on the ear, irritability and fever.

 

To reduce the chances of developing an ear infection, treat your child's nasal congestion immediately with saline nasal drops or using a humidifier. Also, encourage your child to gently blow their nose rather than sniffling, as this may result in the accumulation of excess fluid in the eustachian tubes. Additionally, make sure that your child does not have any exposure to secondhand smoke since exposure to secondhand smoke will cause irritation to the eustachian tubes, and the chance of ear infection will be significantly increased.

 

Viral gastroenteritis, commonly referred to as "stomach flu," refers to an inflammation caused by viruses, such as norovirus, that affect both the "gastrointestinal tract" (stomach) and "gastrointestinal" (intestine). Symptoms of viral gastroenteritis include vomiting, diarrhea (liquid stool), cramps, and fever, with the most serious complication being loss of fluids due to vomiting and diarrhea.

 

The stomach flu is incredibly contagious, therefore it is necessary to concentrate on practising correct hygiene, therefore, everyone should wash their hands thoroughly after using the toilet and before eating.

In addition, if a member of the family has developed symptoms of viral gastroenteritis, disinfect any area that may have been contaminated and wash any clothing in hot water. It is important to provide a person suffering from viral gastroenteritis with small sips (1-2 teaspoons) of an oral rehydrating solution, rather than large quantities of water and/or sugar-sweetened liquids, to help reduce fluid loss.

 

Strep throat is a bacterial infection seen most often in school-aged children during the winter months. Opposed to a viral sore throat, strep throat typically presents suddenly with high fever, painful swallowing, red & swollen tonsils, and no accompanying cough.

 

Since strep is a bacterium, it spreads through direct contact by sharing personal items (such as toothbrushes) and respiratory droplets (via the air). You can help prevent your children from getting strep by:

(1) Teaching them not to share water bottles, eating utensils or toothbrushes with anyone else; and

 

(2) Encouraging them to wash their hands regularly, especially while at school. If a child has strep throat, ensure that they have a separate toothbrush than their sibling(s) and replace their toothbrush after they have been taking antibiotics for 24 hours to help prevent reinvesting themselves with the bacteria.

 

Cold air outside and hot heating inside dehydrate the skin in winter causing winter eczema to occur. This disease is characterized by having red, itchy, dry patches on the skin that crack and bleed if the skin is pricked; the danger of getting infected is due to scratching them .

 

By using a humidifier to increase the humidity level in your home and not taking very hot baths; when setting up the humidifier you should have your child's skin overdressed in lightweight cotton or breathable materials; and not letting their bare skin touch wool while bathing so as not to irritate the skin. Apply a thick, unscented ointment or lotion right after bathing while the skin is damp so that the ointment or lotion captures the moisture in the skin.

 

Pneumonia is an infection affecting the lungs caused by either bacterium or virus, or fungus; pneumonia typically occurs following a cold or flu that has mothered into a more serious infection. Signs of pneumonia include coughing, pain in chest area, fever (possibly high), difficulty in breathing.

 

Vaccination is one of your best forms of protection against pneumonia. Ensure that your child has received all of the necessary vaccinations to gain protection against categories of bacteria and/or viruses that typically cause respiratory infections such pneumonia. Good respiratory hygiene is also incredibly important. It is vital to limit your child's exposure to other people who currently have any type of active respiratory illnesses.

 

Winter health for kids is about proactive prevention. By understanding the risks of Flu, RSV, and other common infections, you can take simple yet effective steps to protect your family. From the flu shot to frequent hand washing, these small habits create a strong defense against winter ailments. However, if your child does fall ill, timely and expert care is non-negotiable.

The Department of Paediatrics at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital is fully equipped to handle the full spectrum of child healthcare, from routine check-ups to emergencies. With our Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) for severe complications like pneumonia and specialized doctors for allergies and dermatology, we provide comprehensive support to ensure your child stays healthy and happy throughout the season.

 

Q1: What is the difference between a Cold and Flu in Children?

Typically, a cold develops gradually- with symptoms like a runny nose and mild fever. The onset of the flu, however, can be very sudden- with higher temperatures (frequently above 101 degrees Fahrenheit), body aches, chills, and extreme exhaustion. If you are uncertain whether your child has the flu or a cold, the best way to get an answer is to have your child screened with a quick diagnostic test at the hospital.

 

Q2: When Should I See a Doctor for My Child's Winter Illness?

If your child experiences fever for over three days, has difficulty breathing, shows signs of dehydration (e.g., dry mouth, lacking tears) or the cold worsens after being on the road to recovery- you should take them to see a physician. If your child is less than three months old, you should immediately take them to see a physician (or to an emergency room) for evaluation if they develop a fever.

 

Q3: Can Winter Colds be Treated with Antibiotics?

No. Antibiotics kill bacteria, while colds, flu, and RSV are all caused by viruses and cannot be treated with antibiotics. In fact, using these medications for viral illnesses is harmful because it can promote the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

 

Q4: How Should I Dress My Child in the Winter?

The best way to dress a child for cold weather is in multiple layers of clothing. You should choose one more layer than you would typically wear while assuming that you are comfortable.