Dear ones, how many of you or your kids are sniffling and coughing again? The cold season is also cold season. But some children seem to catch it more often than others. Today we’re talking about this and lots of other things with Aaron Pfister, paediatrician and on Instagram as @deinkinderdoc.
Dear Aaron, it’s autumn and many children are sick again. Which illnesses are particularly prevalent at the moment?
Autumn is typically characterised by respiratory infections – i.e. colds, RS virus, parainfluenza, rhinoviruses and occasionally the first cases of flu. Gastrointestinal viruses such as norovirus or rotavirus are also frequently found in daycare centres at the moment.
This is the first daycare winter for my youngest. However, he was already at a childminder last year. Can I hope that he has already trained his immune system by then?
In any case, children who have already been in a smaller group have usually already got to know a few viruses. But: This doesn’t mean that the winter will remain completely quiet, the daycare centre is simply a new „virus world“.
Some children feel constantly ill and others hardly ever. Why are there such differences?
There are several reasons: Some children already have a lot of defensive experiences due to siblings or previous care. Others are simply unlucky with their contacts or pick up new viruses more quickly. The immune system needs a few years of training, and the first 2-3 years of daycare are often particularly „sporty“ for the immune system And 12 infections per year are completely normal!
What are your top 3 tips to protect against infection?
1, A balanced diet with lots of fruit and vegetables. 2. ventilate rooms and get plenty of fresh air. 3. Sufficient sleep and outdoor exercise strengthen the immune system best.
As a paediatrician, do you recommend nutritional supplements for autumn/winter?
Vitamin D is indeed useful, we recommend it to all children (and adults) in the dark months. Everything else only after consultation if there is a real deficiency, colourful pills or „immune shots“ are unnecessary.
I have to discuss thick jackets and hats with my teenager. How much protection does the right clothing actually offer us on cold days?
The cold doesn’t directly make you ill, but it does favour infections: cold mucous membranes are less well supplied with blood, making it easier for viruses to spread. A hat is therefore not a game changer, but it makes sense, especially when it’s wet and windy.
If we do get caught out: What home remedies do you like to recommend to help everyone recover quickly?
Drink plenty (preferably water or tea), fresh air, saline nasal spray and tender loving care. And lots and lots of patience.
And finally: When can a sick child go to daycare and when not?
If the child is fever-free, feels well and is actively playing, they can usually go again. Stay at home if your child has a fever, a severe cough, vomiting or diarrhoea. The rule of thumb: If you would give your child to another parent to play with as they are without feeling guilty, then they are fit to go to daycare.
You can also find lots of tips and answers to common parenting questions in my „Child sick course“, which covers everything parents need to know if their child suddenly has a fever, coughs or is simply unwell.
