health
As the temperature drops and jerseys come back into your wardrobe rotation, so too do the sniffles. For many parents, winter can feel like an endless race from runny noses to night-time coughs.
Winter welcomes longer nights, shorter days and, of course, the dreaded winter illnesses.“ During winter, children and adults spend more time indoors, often in poorly ventilated spaces like classrooms, crèches, play areas and at home with limited airflow, making it easier for viruses to spread,” explains Dr Nandipa Mafongosi, paediatrician and medical advisor at Bestmed Medical Scheme.“ Cold, dry air can also dry out the mucosal lining of the nose and throat, which weakens the body’ s first line of defence against infection.”
Add to that the fact that little immune systems are still finding their feet, and you have the perfect recipe for repeat colds.
“ It is normal for young children to have about six to eight colds a year, and most of these tend to cluster during the colder months,” she says.
Cold or flu – how can you tell?
When your child wakes up looking flushed and glassy-eyed, the first question is often: is this just a cold, or something more?
“ Telling the difference between a cold, flu and other viral infections can be a little tricky, as they often carry similar symptoms,” says Dr Mafongosi. There are, however, a few tell-tale clues.
A common cold is usually mild and slow to build. Expect a runny or blocked nose, sneezing, a mild cough and little to no fever. Flu, however, tends to arrive unannounced and hit hard.“ Children may have a high fever, chills, headaches, body aches, extreme tiredness, a sore throat and a dry cough,” she explains.
Other viral infections can vary widely, sometimes bringing sore throats, tummy aches, fevers, or even rashes into the mix, and occasionally, fatigue or headaches.
If symptoms are severe, unusual, persist beyond a few days or simply don’ t improve, it’ s time to check in with a healthcare professional. Trust your gut – you know your child best.
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