Stay Ahead of the Season: Tips to Beat Cold, Flu, & RSV 🍂

Guest: Pratiksha Das, Third-Year Undergraduate at The University of Maryland: College Park

As the crisp air of fall arrives, cold, flu, and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) season begins to make its rounds– especially among children. These common respiratory illnesses can spread quickly, causing discomfort and missed school days. Being proactive with prevention and knowing when to seek care can help keep your family healthy this season. With the right steps, you can protect your little ones and enjoy a happy, healthy fall together.

What to Watch For:

  • Cold symptoms: Runny nose, sneezing, mild cough, and congestion.

  • Flu symptoms: Fever over 101, body aches (thigh pain, walking slowly), fatigue (increased sleepiness, putting their heads down alot), cough, and sore throat.

  • RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus): Often starts like a cold but can cause more severe breathing problems over time, especially in infants and young children as they get more tired. Watch for wheezing, rapid breathing, coughing so hard that your child cannot catch her/his breath or eat. Watch for signs that breathing is becoming more difficult like your child’s ribs moving in and out or sucking in (retractions).

How to Protect Your Kids:

  • Encourage frequent handwashing with soap and water.

  • Teach your child to cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow.

  • Clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces like doorknobs and tables regularly. 

  • Keep your child home if they’re feeling unwell to avoid spreading germs.

  • Make sure everyone in the family gets their annual flu vaccine — it’s the best defense against the flu.

Comfort Tips for Home Care:

If your child does get sick, there are simple ways to help ease their symptoms at home:

  • Use a cool-mist humidifier to help with congestion and ease breathing.

  • Use a saline nasal aspirator to get out mucus and help with inflammation.

  • Keep your child well hydrated with plenty of fluids.

  • Elevate their head slightly during sleep to reduce coughing and improve breathing.

  • Offer plenty of rest and comfort.

  • In kids over the age of 1 years old, honey and chamomile tea can be used instead of cough medicine.

If your child develops symptoms that seem severe or worsen quickly, call your pediatrician. Keeping a close eye on your child’s condition and acting early can make all the difference. Remember, simple prevention steps go a long way in protecting your family and helping everyone enjoy a healthy fall season.

Guest User