Does Everyone Seem Sick Lately?

There are many, many viruses circulating – so if you or a family member are sick right now, you’re not alone. The main reason your child is getting sick is from exposure to new viruses. Your child’s body will build up defenses or immunity against these viruses when exposed, but this takes time. Meanwhile, you can help them get through these viruses by being knowledgeable and prepared with some helpful PedsDocTalk resources.

During this time of year, it can feel like your child is always sick. It’s not just you – this PedsDocTalk podcast episode explains why your child is always sick and when to be concerned. A majority of these illnesses are from viruses. During the winter months, many viruses spread easily because of the cold temperatures that allow the viruses to thrive and the increase in indoor activities.

There are numerous viruses with different strains or variants that can cause illness. So, just because you get a common cold doesn’t mean you can’t get another common cold. This PedsDocTalk YouTube video shares helpful cough and cold remedies for babies and older children. Don’t forget to check out the turmeric milk (golden milk) recipe for when you’re fighting a cold!

Anytime you have a child sick, it’s key to keep an eye on their hydration, breathing, fever trends, rashes, and overall behavior. These are big-picture things to monitor when your child is sick at home with general viral symptoms. This can help you determine if a visit to your child’s clinician is necessary.

Fevers commonly occur with illness. Sometimes, parents think this is cause for concern. Fevers happen when your immune system is working! Watch this PedsDocTalk YouTube video about fevers in children that covers why children get fevers often, how to check a temperature, when to treat a child with a fever, and when to seek medical care.

So, what illnesses seem to be circulating right now?

According to the CDC Influenza report, seasonal influenza rates are elevated in most areas. Currently, influenza A is the most frequently reported influenza strain. Several key flu metrics have decreased for three weeks. Check out this PedsDocTalk YouTube video to learn about flu symptoms, ways to reduce flu risk, and what to monitor.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) season often runs from fall through spring, with a peak in February. Bronchiolitis has a pretty classic presentation, it typically starts with a runny nose, cough, and possibly a fever. Then, on day two to three, the cough gets worse and the breathing gets faster. It’s key to watch out for signs of difficult or labored breathing – this PedsDocTalk YouTube video covers more about bronchiolitis and RSV and shows signs of difficulty breathing.

Based on the PedsDocTalk Friday Instagram polls, there are some cases of strep throat. This is an infection caused by the bacteria Group A streptococcus. Children over the age of 3 years will typically have abrupt onset of symptoms, including fever, headache, sore throat, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and decreased appetite. If you look in a child’s mouth, you’ll often see a red throat with white pus-like patches on their tonsils, although the white patches aren’t always present. Treatment includes antibiotics to help improve symptoms and prevent future complications.

A helpful mindset…

It’s important to remember that this isn’t your fault – germs are everywhere, and children get sick. Parents often have health anxiety about their children getting sick. There is no need to feel guilt and blame when your child is sick. You are doing your best to keep your child healthy.

Accept and believe that you can only control what you can. You can focus on promoting immune health, but you cannot protect yourself or your children from everything. This acceptance does not make you dismissive of threats, it just means acknowledging the reality of the situation and accepting our human limits of control.

When your child does get sick, their body is building up defenses and immunity. Then, as they get older, their immune system becomes familiar with many viruses. They may get sick with similar viruses or strains, but it will likely be less severe. Eventually, even with constant exposure to germs and viruses – they won’t be sick all the time.

On The Podcast

Childhood trauma has unfortunately become a buzzword across social media where sometimes things are labeled as “trauma” that may not exactly be. Or maybe a parent is inadvertently doing something that can lead to trauma. On this episode, I welcome Kobe Campbell, a licensed trauma therapist and author, to discuss : 

• What is the definition of childhood trauma

• How not all crying is trauma

• How to ask yourself if something you’re doing is traumatizing your child

• Holding your child for vaccines, giving meds, brushing teeth. Is this trauma?

• Sleep training- Is this trauma?

Ask Dr. Mona

An opportunity for YOU to ask Dr. Mona your parenting questions!

Dr. Mona will answer these questions in a future Sunday Morning Q&A email. Chances are if you have a parenting concern or question, another parent can relate. So let's figure this out together!