As the fall and winter seasons arrive, you may notice people around you getting sick more often. It’s important to take the right precautions during the holidays to stay healthy and enjoy time with your loved ones without worrying about common illnesses going around. Dr. Chad Rodgers, chief medical officer of AFMC and practicing pediatrician, shares insights with his patients into the common illnesses that affect children during these cooler months, including the flu, RSV, and various viral infections. Here’s an overview of what to expect and how to navigate this busy health season.
IN THIS BLOG:
1. What are the common respiratory infections affecting children during the fall and winter?
Common respiratory infections during the colder months include influenza (the flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and other viral infections such as rhinovirus and paramyxovirus.
2. How can RSV impact both children and older adults?
RSV is known to cause severe effects, particularly in young children, but it can also significantly impact older adults, exacerbating existing conditions like COPD.
3. What factors contribute to the spread of respiratory viruses in colder weather?
Falling temperatures drive people indoors, creating closer contact that facilitates the rapid spread of viruses, particularly during seasonal gatherings such as Halloween, Thanksgiving, and holiday parties.
4. What are the signs that pneumonia may have developed after a cold or respiratory infection?
Common signs of pneumonia include cough, fever, body aches, chills, and decreased appetite, especially following a preceding illness like the flu or cold.
5. When should I consult a doctor regarding my child’s illness?
It is important to seek medical advice if your child is not improving after three to five days of illness, particularly if they have a persistent fever or signs of dehydration.
Respiratory Infections and the Flu
During the fall and winter, respiratory infections become particularly prevalent among children. The most common culprits are influenza (the flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and other viral infections like rhinovirus and paramyxovirus. RSV, in particular, has gained attention not only for its prevalence among young children but also for its severe effects on adults, especially following increased testing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“[RSV] does contribute to a lot of time lost at work and at daycare,” Dr. Rodgers adds. “If you get it, it’s a terrible cold.”
Originally thought to predominantly affect children, RSV is now recognized as particularly impactful to older adults as well. It can worsen illnesses common for older adults, such as COPD. Other viral infections, such as rhinovirus, typically present as common cold symptoms and are managed through symptomatic treatment since there’s no specific cure.
“In the end, a lot of times, it doesn’t really matter what the virus is because it’s going to get better. You have to let it work its way through,” Dr. Rodgers says. “Early testing is key, and you can begin taking medicine if you detect flu and COVID early.”
Colder Weather Keeps Us Inside
Falling temperatures drive people indoors, creating closer contact and facilitating the rapid spread of viruses. Seasonal activities—Halloween gatherings, Thanksgiving dinners, and holiday parties—also contribute to the increased likelihood of transmission.
“We tend to be more shut up inside where it’s warmer and closer to one other. Warm environments and close contact really promote the spread of viruses,” Dr. Rodgers says. “People are coughing and sneezing. Kids are wiping their snot everywhere and then touching everything, including their nose, eyes, and mouth.”
Going outside can actually be helpful this time of year. Getting some fresh air and being out in cooler temperatures can sometimes help prevent the spread of viruses, which survive in warmer environments like the human body.
Contrary to your mom telling you to “wear a hat or you’ll catch a cold,” take this as your ticket to lose a few layers at this year’s holiday get-togethers.
Pneumonia Cases Are Up
Complications from other viruses, like the flu and COVID, can lead to bacterial pneumonia. When you’re hit hard with a cold, and your immune system is fighting back, the conditions are perfect for bacterial pneumonia to swoop in.
“Pneumonia will sometimes just pop up out of nowhere for other reasons, but usually you’ll have a preceding illness that creates the right conditions for you to develop pneumonia,” Dr. Rodgers says.
Common signs of pneumonia include:
- Cough
- Fever
- Body aches
- Chills
- Decreased appetite
Monitor your child’s symptoms, particularly after they’ve been diagnosed with the flu or other respiratory infections.
An additional concern during this season is the rise in respiratory infections, particularly Mycoplasma pneumonia. Sounds like the name of a spider. Yuck.
“Mycoplasma pneumonia (or walking pneumonia) starts with the typical pneumonia symptoms like a sore throat and cough, but it’s not as terrible as what I call ‘big-bad pneumonia,’” Dr. Rodgers explains.
“Typically, pneumonia will knock you out. You won’t want to eat or drink, and you may be vomiting. But walking pneumonia tends to be a little less severe because you can still get up and walk around.”
While not as severe as regular pneumonia, walking pneumonia can lead to severe infection if not treated. It also spreads more easily because people may not necessarily feel like they are sick, but they can still spread the pneumonia virus. Children and older adults are notably more susceptible due to their weaker immune systems.
Reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that between March 31 and October 5, the percentage of children aged 2–4 who were diagnosed with Mycoplasma pneumonia increased by 6.2%. Among children ages 5–17, the percentage increased by almost 4%.
The CDC has lots of great information about pneumonia that you can check out when you have some downtime. It’s a great way to be prepared, especially if your family is prone to getting sick during the holidays.
When to Consult a Doctor
Dr. Chad emphasizes the importance of seeking medical advice if your child is not improving after three to five days of illness, particularly if symptoms like fever persist beyond that timeframe or if your child is dehydrated. Regular hydration is crucial for recovery during illnesses.
Over-the-counter medications, such as Tylenol and Motrin, can help manage symptoms of fever and discomfort, but persistent symptoms should prompt a visit to the pediatrician.
Protecting Against Illness
Preventative measures can significantly reduce the risk of illness this fall. Dr. Chad recommends:
- Keeping up with vaccinations
- Practicing good hand hygiene
- Staying home when feeling unwell
- Wearing a mask
- Practicing social distancing
- Encouraging children to avoid close contact with sick peers
As we enter the fall season, staying informed about common illnesses and prevention techniques will help you keep your children healthy and minimize the impact of seasonal sickness. By understanding the risks and exhibiting proactive measures, you can enjoy a safer, healthier holiday season.
Meet Dr. Chad Rodgers
Dr. Rodgers is the chief medical officer at AFMC and a board-certified pediatrician at Little Rock Pediatric Clinic. Dr. Rodgers received his medical degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, where he completed his internship and residence at Arkansas Children’s Hospital, serving as pediatric chief resident. He has served as president of the Arkansas Medical Society and the Arkansas chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. His areas of interest include pediatric development, positive and adverse childhood experiences, social determinants of health, and health literacy.
