Parenthood can feel like an endless cycle of illnesses passing through the household. No sooner do you overcome one, and another arises. That’s especially true in the winter months as cold temperatures and harsh weather drive us to spend more time indoors.
When you have a sick child, determining when and where to seek medical care need not add to your worries.
“Having a sick child is stressful, from the illness itself to the logistical challenges of navigating caregiving amid working and other life obligations,” says Dr. Kevin Gentile, a Pediatrician with ThedaCare Physicians Pediatrics-Neenah. “ThedaCare Pediatrics clinics set aside appointments each day for new illnesses or issues that may arise, so you can cross one concern off your list.”
Respiratory illnesses are among the most common ailments kids experience. Read on for guidance on types of illnesses, common symptoms, when to seek care and prevention steps.
Respiratory Illness Types
Many maladies fall under the umbrella of respiratory viruses. These include influenza (the flu), COVID-19, RSV and countless other types of viruses lumped under the category of “common cold.”
Respiratory viruses are common among kids. The average child experiences six to eight colds each year. Children who are in day care or school are more likely to become sick with these bugs.
“Day cares and schools are wonderful places for kids to learn and socialize,” Dr. Gentile says. “These environments can also lead to the spread of germs, especially during fall and winter. This is because kids often spend more time indoors and are still learning hygiene habits and building their immune systems.”
Sorting Symptoms
Respiratory illness symptoms can have a lot of cross-over. That can make it tricky to determine the cause of the sickness.
Common respiratory symptoms can include:
- Body/muscle aches
- Congestion/runny nose/sneezing
- Cough
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Fussiness (in infants)
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Swollen glands
“Knowing exactly which illness your child has isn’t as important as monitoring their symptoms and taking steps to help them feel comfortable as they recover,” Dr. Gentile says.
When to Seek Care
Most kids will recover from a respiratory illness on their own within about a week with comfort measures and home care. As they recuperate, it’s important for children to get plenty of rest and fluids. Over-the-counter fever-reducing medications, including acetaminophen and ibuprofen, can help as well.
Consider making an appointment for your child if they:
- Have a high fever (above 100.4) and are under 3 months of age
- Show signs of dehydration (not peeing regularly)
- Have a cough that worsens or causes trouble breathing
- Uncharacteristically refuse to eat/drink/breastfeed/bottle-feed
- Experience symptoms lasting more than 10 days
- Have symptoms that fail to improve with over-the-counter medication
- Have a very sore throat without cold symptoms, which could indicate strep
Seek emergency care for your child for the following symptoms:
- Heavy breathing where you can easily see their ribs
- Fast breathing that makes eating/drinking difficult
- Blue color around the lips and face
- Vomiting all food and drink
- Dehydration/no urine (fewer than three wet diapers or bathroom trips/day)
- Excessive irritability or sleepiness
Prioritize Prevention
It’s difficult to impossible for kids to avoid getting respiratory illnesses altogether. However, you can take many steps to help reduce the number of times your child gets sick.
Here’s how:
- Follow vaccine guidelines
- Annual flu shot: everyone ages 6 months and older
- COVID-19: seek a recommendation from your child’s physician or provider
- Pneumonia: all children younger than 5, as well as children 5-18 with certain health risk factors
- RSV: infants under the age 8 months if their mother did not receive the vaccine while pregnant; children between the ages of 8 months and 19 months who are at high risk of developing serious RSV infection
- Encourage frequent handwashing
- Teach children to sneeze into their elbow
- Sanitize toys and high-touch surfaces regularly
- Help kids eat a healthy, well-balanced diet
- Ensure kids get plenty of sleep
Here for Your Child — and You!
When in doubt about whether your child needs care for a respiratory illness, it doesn’t hurt to make an appointment or call your child’s physician or provider. Our teams are here as a resource for you and your child.
“Choosing to bring your child to their pediatrician’s office when they’re sick is a great choice,” Dr. Gentile says. “Your child is familiar with their doctor and the clinic, which can help reduce stress for them and you.”
Need sick care for your child?
Call your preferred pediatric clinic to schedule, or make an appointment online using MyThedaCare.
