Certain viruses thrive and can even circulate better in the colder, drier winter air. The spread can often be aided by drier and stickier nasal mucous during the winter months. With the cold weather outside, children tend to spend more time indoors together, easily passing on germs and infections.

Such winter illnesses can vary from mild to severe, depending on a clutch of factors like the type of illness and the child’s immune system. A square perception of these winter ailments and their early warning signs enables parents to seek appropriate medical care and take precautions to stop the spread of the disease.

Common winter illnesses among children

Common cold (Rhinovirus)

The common cold can be caused by any of 200-odd rhinoviruses. It can last for 5 days to two weeks during winter, and the infected child is usually contagious even before symptoms surface.

Common symptoms in children include:

Cough
Fever
Runny nose
Sore throat
Congestion
Appetite loss

1. Flu (Influenza)

The flu is a very contagious viral infection affecting the lungs’ air passages. One of the most common and severe viral diseases among children during winter, it usually lasts less than a week. Sometimes, a flu infection can turn serious and the child might need hospitalisation. If not treated, severe flu cases can lead to pneumonia or even turn fatal.

Common symptoms in children include:

High fever
Severe body aches
Headache
Sore throat
Worsening cough
Tiredness
Runny or stuffy nose

2. Covid-19

This extremely contagious viral disease that shook the world a few years back, and has become almost a routine illness since, is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It is common during winter and causes mild or no symptoms in children. In some children with pre-existing health conditions like heart and lung diseases, though, it could produce severe symptoms.

Common symptoms in children include:

Fever
Cough
Shortness of breath
Sore throat
Muscle pain
Runny nose

3. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

This is a seasonal virus that spreads swiftly in babies and children. RSV mimics the symptoms of a cold in many children. Nonetheless, in premature babies, infants below six months and children with pre-existing health problems, RSV can lead to severe complications like bronchiolitis and pneumonia.

RSV symptoms are usually similar to those of the common cold. However, when the lungs get affected, additional symptoms can develop in infants and children, like:

Worsening cough
Wheezing or whistling sound during breathing
Difficulty breathing
Difficulty with feeding and drinking

4. Pneumonia

It is a lung infection precipitated by a virus or bacteria. Pneumonia is more prevalent in children under 5, while kids with a weakened immune system, chronic health problems or lung issues are at a higher risk. Symptoms vary based on what is causing the pneumonia, a bacterium or a virus.

Common symptoms in children include:

Mucus-producing cough
Abdominal pain
Loss of appetite
Chills

Rapid or hard breathing

Tips to safeguard your children against winter illnesses

Get the flu shot
Ensure a healthy diet
Give them lots of fluids
They should take proper rest
They must wash their hands frequently