Navigating the Autumn “Sickness Season”

The winter months are typically thought of as peak time for illnesses, but the truth is kids can get sick anytime of year. An especially tricky time is the back-to-school season when kids experience greater exposure to potential illnesses. How can parents best prepare?

Pediatrician Christopher Wright, MD, at Le Bonheur Pediatrics, offers his expert advice, sharing tips and tricks for keeping kids healthy and safe.

Does Colder Weather Really Have an Impact?

Regarding the question of how weather plays into illness, Dr. Wright notes that some experts suggest that the cold weather dries out a person’s nasal passages and other airways, which then leads to a weakened immune system and an increased risk of becoming infected. Others attribute the spike in cold-weather illness to the fact that germs are more stable in the dry, cold weather.

“It's probably a mix of these things, and maybe some other things that aren't at the forefront,” he states. “I also think noninfectious illnesses can get worse with the weather. I always expect to see a small surge in children suffering with an asthma flare-up when the weather changes from hot to cold. It’s a lot of different things coming together to influence when we get sick.”

Key Strategies to Reduce Risk of Sickness

Dr. Wright offers a number of strategies families can employ to reduce the risk of getting sick. Perhaps one of the most effective steps is to practice good hand hygiene, making sure to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (about the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday”).

Another tip is to cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing and staying away from others when they’re sick—and vice versa. A healthy diet and proper sleep helps the immune system stay strong as well.

In terms of masking, Dr. Wright says sometimes masks can be appropriate in the right situation. “I know there are a lot of memories many of us have with masks. They're not a force field against illness, but they can sometimes be a helpful tool. Maybe if someone's sick at home, especially if the person who is sick is interested in trying to reduce the odds of getting their family members sick.”

The Truth About Over-the-Counter Medications

While some over-the-counter (OTC) medications can help ease symptoms, they don’t really provide a real cure. For cough, at-home treatments depend on age. Young children need to cough to keep their airway open, in order to reduce the risk of developing pneumonia. So, most OTC cough preparations for this age group are designed to soothe the throat and not so much for suppressing the cough reflex. If you have any questions surrounding a medication, the best approach is to reach out to your pediatrician.

“It's important to always read the packages. I think for older children, my favorite active ingredient in over-the-counter medications for cough is dextromethorphan. That's usually for ages six and up for otherwise healthy children,” notes Dr. Wright. “But, it's important to consult with your pediatrician when you're unsure.”

Of course, if a sickness is more than something like the common cold or a mild stomach virus, it’s essential to pay attention to worsening symptoms. For example, if a high fever isn’t responding to fever-reducing medicine or the child is lethargic, weak or severely dehydrated to the point where they’re having difficulty urinating.

“These are things most of us would always call the pediatrician for, but things we especially don't want to ignore because they could turn into something more serious,” he cautions.