Winter & childhood illness
As winter begins here in Australia, it's essential to be prepared for the inevitable onslaught of sniffles and sneezes that often accompany the colder months. While our winters may be milder compared to other parts of the world, they still impact our children—and consequently, us—as we navigate through the season.
Did you know that the rates of colds triple in winter? It might seem surprising, but factors such as spending more time indoors, reduced exposure to sunlight leading to lower vitamin D levels, and increased use of indoor heating and air conditioning all contribute to this spike in colds. Unfortunately, children are especially vulnerable to these seasonal bugs.
The truth is, immature immune systems that haven't yet been exposed to common viruses can make it feel like our children have a perpetual cold. It's incredibly frustrating, and this pattern could persist for your child from now until summer.
But does this mean there's something wrong?
As we all know, cold season can feel like a never-ending cycle of sniffles and sneezes, especially when it comes to our little ones. But before you start to worry, let’s take a deep breath and talk about what’s normal and what’s not when it comes to kids and colds.
First off, it’s essential to remember that most children will experience between 8 - 10 colds per year, sometimes even more. While this might sound alarming, it doesn’t necessarily mean there’s an underlying immune problem. The key is to look at the bigger picture. Is your child thriving and growing well overall? If so, then focusing on getting through each cold with love and a little extra sleep will do wonders.
When our little munchkins are under the weather, it can be tough for them (and us!). Sore throats, stuffy noses, and general discomfort can lead to lots of tears and whining. And let’s be honest, it can be challenging for us parents too, especially if we have our own anxieties about illness or doctor visits.
But here’s the thing: acknowledging our feelings about sickness is crucial. Whether you hate doctor visits or find yourself getting more anxious with each sniffle, it’s essential to tap into how you’re feeling and find ways to support yourself so you can better care for your child.
Now, let’s talk about what to worry about and what not to worry about:
Things to Worry About:
Fever in babies under 3 months
Fever lasting 3 days
No drinking or wet nappies
Things to Be Less Concerned About:
Not eating
Lack of routine
Wanting extra cuddles
Your routines won’t be ruined in a few days. As your child starts to feel better, you can gradually ease back into your regular schedule. And remember, a lingering cough post-virus is normal. Communicate with your child about what’s happening and reassure them that they’ll be back to their energetic selves soon.
Helpful Tips:
Medication Management: Write down when you give medications like Panadol or Nurofen to avoid dosage mistakes.
Hydration is Key: Offer fluids in fun ways to encourage hydration.
Sleep, Sleep, Sleep: Rest is vital for recovery, so don’t hesitate to add in extra naps or bedtime sleep.
And most importantly, trust your gut. You know your child best, so if something doesn’t feel right, don’t hesitate to seek help or return to the GP.
I hope you found these tips helpful! If you have any questions or want to share your thoughts, hit reply—I’d love to hear from you.
Wishing you and your little ones a speedy recovery and lots of cuddles,