What Parents Should Watch For After the Holidays
After the holiday season, many Iowa families find themselves dealing with an increase in winter illnesses. Children are back in school, spending more time indoors, and exposed to germs that spread easily during the colder months. Understanding the most common winter illnesses, and knowing when to seek medical care, can help parents feel more confident navigating this season.
Common Winter Illnesses in Children
Flu (Influenza)
The flu is a viral illness that often comes on suddenly and can make children feel very sick.
Common symptoms of the Flu include:
● Fever and chills
● Cough and sore throat
● Headache and body aches
● Extreme fatigue
● Vomiting or diarrhea (more common in children)
Flu symptoms tend to be more intense than a typical cold. While many children recover at home with rest and fluids, some may develop complications, especially younger children or those with underlying health conditions.
RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)
RSV is very common during Iowa winters and is especially concerning for infants and young children.
Symptoms of RSV may include:
● Runny nose and cough
● Wheezing or fast breathing
● Decreased appetite
● Fever
In babies, RSV can sometimes cause more serious breathing issues. Parents should closely monitor infants for signs of labored breathing or difficulty feeding.
The Common Cold
Colds are extremely common during winter and usually mild, but they can linger.
Typical cold symptoms include:
● Runny or stuffy nose
● Sneezing
● Mild cough
● Low-grade fever (sometimes)
Colds usually improve within 7–10 days and can often be managed at home with rest, hydration, and comfort care.
Strep Throat
Strep throat is a bacterial infection that is more common in school-aged children and requires treatment.
Signs of strep throat may include:
● Sudden sore throat
● Pain when swallowing
● Fever
● Swollen lymph nodes
● Red or white patches in the throat
● Headache or stomach pain
Unlike viral illnesses, strep throat needs antibiotics, so testing by a healthcare provider is important.
When to Call the Pediatrician
You should always contact your child’s pediatrician if your child’s fever lasts longer than two to three days or becomes very high, if they develop a sore throat without typical cold symptoms, or if their symptoms are not improving or begin to worsen. It’s also important to call if your child seems unusually tired, irritable, or difficult to wake, if you suspect strep throat or the flu, or if your child has asthma or another chronic health condition. Your pediatrician can help determine whether your child needs an office visit, testing, or treatment and guide you on the next best steps for care.
When to Visit Urgent Care or Seek Immediate Care
Consider urgent care or emergency evaluation if your child has one or more of the following:
● Difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, or wheezing
● Bluish lips or face
● Signs of dehydration (very little urine, dry mouth, no tears when crying)
● Severe or persistent vomiting
● High fever in an infant
● Symptoms that improve and then suddenly worsen
When in doubt, it’s always better to seek care sooner rather than later.
Helping Prevent the Spread of Winter Illnesses
While it’s impossible to avoid all germs, there are steps parents can take to help reduce the spread of illness. Encouraging frequent handwashing, keeping sick children home from school
or activities, and teaching kids to properly cover coughs and sneezes can make a big difference. Supporting healthy sleep routines and balanced nutrition also helps strengthen the immune system. Staying up to date on recommended vaccines is another important way to protect your child and those around them throughout the winter season.
Supporting Your Family Through Winter
Winter illness season can feel overwhelming, especially after the busy holidays. Knowing what symptoms to watch for and when to seek care can make a big difference. Your pediatric care team is always a trusted resource for questions, guidance, and reassurance throughout the winter months.
If you’re unsure whether your child needs to be seen, don’t hesitate to call us directly at (515) 255-3181. We’re here to help keep your family healthy all season long!