Why Everyone Seems Sick Lately

It’s that time of year again– runny noses, coughs, and fevers seem to be making the rounds. We are in the middle of “quad-demic” which you know I don’t like catchy click-baity headlines, butttt it’s kinda true. A quad-demic is circulating RSV, COVID, Flu, and Norovirus around the same time or in an area. And although I can’t speak for every area in the country, it’s true that we have seen this in Florida. There has been an overlap that started with RSV, then COVID, then Norovirus, and now a lot of flu with norovirus, flu, and pneumonia overlapping right now. It is tiring, I get it.

If you feel like your family has been on a never-ending cycle of illnesses, you’re not alone. Exposure to new viruses is a natural part of building immunity, but it can feel exhausting when sickness hits back-to-back. Knowing what illnesses are circulating and what symptoms to watch for can make the chaos feel more manageable. While you can’t stop every illness, having reliable resources can make all the difference.

Why does it feel like my child is always sick?

During this time of year, it can feel like your child is always sick – and you’re not alone in feeling that way. This PedsDocTalk podcast episode explains why children seem to get sick so often and when it’s time to be concerned. It’s an important listen to understand the basics of viruses, the immune system, exposure, and when to escalate care for back-to-back illnesses.

Most of these illnesses are caused by viruses. Cold temperatures create ideal conditions for many viruses to thrive, and increased indoor activities mean more shared germs. Plus, there are numerous viruses, each with different strains or variants, which is why catching one virus doesn’t make you immune to the next.

For practical tips, check out this PedsDocTalk YouTube video, which covers helpful cough and cold remedies for babies and older children. Download the free guide, What’s in a Pediatrician Mom’s Medicine Cabinet, for my top picks for dealing with cough and cold, fever and pain, constipation, rashes and wounds, allergies, and more. And don’t miss the comforting turmeric milk (golden milk) recipe for when you’re fighting a cold – it’s a favorite!

What illnesses are circulating now?

Here’s what’s currently making the rounds based on CDC data, clinical practice, and feedback from the PedsDocTalk community:

Influenza

Influenza season is in full swing, with seasonal influenza activity continuing to rise across the country. The CDC estimates there have already been at least 3.1 million illnesses, 37,000 hospitalizations, and 1,500 deaths from flu so far this season. Of all the flu cases tested this season, Influenza A is the most common. For tips on flu symptoms, reducing risk, and what to monitor, check out this PedsDocTalk YouTube video.

Norovirus

This highly contagious bug is causing waves of gastrointestinal illness, with symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. Norovirus Outbreaks this season are higher than what was reported during the same period in previous years (2012-2020 and 2021-2024)– so if it feels like everyone’s had norovirus, you’re probably right. While it’s often short-lived, staying hydrated is key! This PedsDocTalk YouTube video breaks down the difference between stomach viruses and food poisoning, managing symptoms, when to seek medical attention, and how to prevent the spread.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

RSV continues to peak, particularly as the season runs from fall through spring. It’s one of the leading causes of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in children. Bronchiolitis often starts with mild symptoms like a runny nose, cough, and sometimes a fever. By day two or three, the cough may worsen, and you might notice your child’s breathing becoming faster and more labored. 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.

This PedsDocTalk YouTube video is helpful for those considering the vaccine or antibody to reduce the risk of severe RSV infections – it covers available options, effectiveness, side effects, and safety.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia, whether bacterial or viral, can develop after a cold or flu. Children with pneumonia may have a wet or dry cough, fever, shortness of breath, and chest pain. This PedsDocTalk YouTube video covers the rise in mycoplasma pneumonia cases and viral and bacterial pneumonia. It also helps differentiate between pneumonia and a common cold, offering guidance on diagnosis, treatment, and when to seek medical care.

A few additional notable mentions from the PDT community

There are always different illnesses circulating– many follow predictable patterns, but sometimes certain conditions spike in different areas. Recently, the PedsDocTalk community has mentioned several common illnesses, including persistent coughs, croup, ear infections, and pink eye. For more information and practical tips, be sure to check out the PedsDocTalk blog, resources, and subscribe to the PedsDocTalk YouTube channel to stay informed and prepared.

How can I monitor my sick child at home?

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 are common when your child is sick and after often a natural response as the immune system fights off the infection. While it can feel overwhelming, a fever is usually a sign that the body is doing its job. This PedsDocTalk YouTube video explains why children get fevers, how to accurately check their temperature, when to treat a fever, and when it’s time to seek medical care.

A final note about mindset during this time…

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed or blame yourself when your child is sick, but here’s an important reminder: 

Germs are everywhere, and children get sick. 

It’s natural for parents to have health anxiety about their children getting sick, but there’s no need to feel guilty or blame yourself. You’re doing your best to keep your child healthy, and sometimes illness is part of that journey.

Remember, you can only control what you can. While you can focus on promoting immune health, it’s impossible to protect your children from everything. This acceptance does not mean you’re dismissing the threats but rather acknowledging the reality that you can’t control every outcome. It’s a reminder that we all have human limits.

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

On The PDT Podcast

I believe resilience is about teaching children to handle challenges, adapt to change, and recover from setbacks while respecting their emotions. We can model resilience by demonstrating healthy coping skills, fostering a growth mindset, and helping children develop emotional awareness and problem-solving abilities. By supporting them through difficulties and validating their feelings, we empower children to face life’s challenges with confidence!

I discuss:

• How to model resilience and demonstrate healthy coping skills

• That it’s important to encourage children to embrace their feelings

• The need to promote problem-solving and support by allowing children to tackle challenges independently, while offering guidance and reassurance.

On The PDT YouTube

In this video, I discuss humidifiers’ benefits for respiratory health, skin care, and sleep, highlighting Vicks products and proper maintenance tips. The video includes:

• Benefits of humidity/steam

• Vicks Humidifier

• Scent and humidity

• Caring for your humidifier

• Safety precautions

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