With the onset of winter, the chances of contracting diseases increase, especially among children who have an immature immune system. The cold weather and changes in temperature make this season suitable for the spread of some serious diseases that particularly affect children. In Dalili Medical, we review the most prominent diseases that may affect children during the winter, in addition to the most important tips for preventing them.

Why do diseases increase in the winter?

 

There are many reasons and factors that contribute to the increase in diseases during the winter, namely that people tend to gather in closed places for long periods due to the low temperatures. In these conditions, the distance between individuals is less than a meter, which is the distance required for the transmission of infection in most respiratory diseases that spread through the air (such as measles and chickenpox) or through droplets (such as influenza and Covid-19). In addition, the low humidity level creates a suitable environment for the transmission of viruses, allowing them to remain in the air for a longer period, which increases the risk of disease.

Serious diseases that affect children during the winter?

 

**Colds and flu** Colds and flu are among the most prominent winter diseases that affect children, as they occur as a result of inflammation of the upper respiratory tract due to a group of viruses. These flus are often the main reason for children's absence from school.

Symptoms of colds and flu usually last from 7 to 10 days, and include a variety of symptoms such as:

- Nasal congestion

- Runny nose

- Cough

- Sore throat

- Sneezing

- Mild fever

**- Scarlet fever** Scarlet fever is a bacterial infection that mainly affects children, and may lead to tonsillitis and skin infections. In severe cases, it can develop into a serious disease known as streptococcal disease, and its symptoms appear as follows:

- Inflammation of the throat and tonsils.

- Rash due to high temperatures.

- Severe headache.

- A significant increase in body temperature.

- Swelling of the face, especially the cheeks.

- Swelling of the tongue.

- Swollen glands in the neck.

- Loss of appetite.

- Feeling nauseous and vomiting.

- Appearance of red lines in the folds of the body.

- Appearance of a white layer that disappears after several days

**Bronchiolitis** Bronchiolitis causes mucus to accumulate inside them, causing breathing difficulties in children. This disease is common among children during the winter, and is often caused by infection with the respiratory syncytial virus, which is a common respiratory viral infection among infants under the age of two, although it can occur as a result of infection with other viruses.

The respiratory syncytial virus causes a group of symptoms, including:

- Symptoms similar to those of a cold.

- Wheezing, or a whistling sound during breathing.

- Increased breathing rate.

- Persistent cough.

This virus can also cause apnea in newborns during the first month of their lives.

Infection with the respiratory syncytial virus usually lasts for one to two weeks, and can be serious in some cases. It is important to note that a premature baby or one with lung or heart problems may require additional care compared to other children.

**Influenza** is an acute viral infection that affects the lungs and upper respiratory tract, and is caused by several types of viruses. This infection is very common among children during the winter.

The period of influenza usually lasts from 3 to 7 days, and the following symptoms appear:

- Muscle pain.

- Fever.

- Headache.

- Fatigue and exhaustion.

- Dry cough.

- Runny nose.

- Sore throat.

**Pneumonia** is a disease that affects children in the winter after exposure to colds, flu, or any other infection. Pneumonia can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection, and appears through the following symptoms:

- High temperature.

- Cough with yellow or green phlegm.

- Wheezing.

- Rapid breathing.

- Difficulty breathing.

- Abdominal swelling.

- Chest pain.

**Sore throat** is a contagious bacterial infection that is considered a winter disease that affects children, especially those between the ages of 5 and 15. Symptoms of sore throat include the following:

**Symptoms of sore throat:**

- Sore throat.

- Difficulty swallowing.

- High temperature.

- Stomach pain.

- Headache.

Treating sore throat is quick and easy, which is very important to avoid complications in children, such as the formation of an abscess in the throat or back of the pharynx.

**Stomach flu**: It is a highly contagious viral infection that affects the stomach and intestines, often referred to as indigestion, and occurs as a result of infection with the norovirus. Common symptoms include:

- Vomiting.

- Watery diarrhea.

- Abdominal pain.

- Low fever.

- Headache.

- Fatigue and exhaustion.

Stomach flu is a common winter illness that affects children quickly after exposure to the virus. The duration of symptoms varies; for example, vomiting usually lasts from one to two days, while some other digestive symptoms may last up to a week.

**- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)**Respiratory syncytial virus is a common illness that affects infants during the winter. Its danger lies in its ability to cause inflammation of the respiratory tract and trachea, leading to the following symptoms:

- Runny nose.

- Rapid or short-term breathing.

- Fever.

- Nasal congestion.

The infection period with this virus usually lasts from 3 to 5 days, and its effect may extend to two weeks or even 3 weeks. Among the serious complications that may result from it is pneumonia

**Otitis media:**

**Symptoms:**

Otitis media is a common infection among childrenChildren, especially after catching a cold. The most prominent symptoms are:

- Earache.

- Loss of appetite.

- Difficulty sleeping.

- Continuous crying in infants.

**Complications:** If ear infection is not treated properly, it may lead to hearing loss, and in some cases it may require surgery.

**Prevention methods:** It is important to avoid exposing children to smoke and pollution

**Treat colds quickly to avoid the spread of infection to the ear**

 

It is important to make sure that the ears are dry after bathing.

**When should you consult a doctor?**

 

A doctor should be consulted if adherence to treatment continues for a period ranging from three days to a week without any improvement, or in the event of difficulty breathing or inability to breathe sometimes, in addition to the continued high temperatures.

**Treatment of winter diseases in children**

 

Treatment of diseases that affect children in the winter is usually easy, as most of these diseases are viral and do not require the use of antibiotics.

Some tips for dealing with winter diseases that affect children:

- Give the child acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce fever, according to the dose determined by the pediatrician.

- Provide small doses of oral rehydration solution to keep the child's body hydrated and prevent dehydration resulting from vomiting and diarrhea.

- Use a nasal aspirator and nasal drops containing saline solution to relieve congestion

**Prevention of winter diseases in children**

 

Given the spread of many diseases that affect children during the winter, it is recommended to follow a set of preventive measures to reduce these diseases, including:

- Encourage the child to wash his hands regularly with soap and water.

- Ensure that the child gets enough rest during the day.

- Make sure to provide healthy food for the child while emphasizing drinking sufficient amounts of water.

- Avoid mixing the child with people who show symptoms of a cold or flu.

- Ensure that the child receives the necessary vaccinations, including the influenza vaccine.

- Protecting the newborn or young infant from being in crowded places.

- Providing the child with his own water bottle when he goes to school, to avoid using the water fountain that may be contaminated with viruses.

**Ways to boost immunity in children to prevent winter diseases**

 

Parents can boost their children's immunity to prevent winter diseases by eating fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins and essential nutrients. They can also use nutritional supplements designed for children, such as:

. **The Gummies Vitamins and Minerals Sweets 100 Pieces**   The Gummies is one of the best vitamins and supplements that can be given to children, as it contains a comprehensive formula of vitamins and minerals. Children love it very much because it comes in the form and taste of candy, which makes eating it a fun experience for them.

. **GUMMIKING (Gummy King) 60 tablets**   GummiKing (Gummy King) 60 tablets is one of the best nutritional supplements for children aged two years and above. It is characterized by being free of gelatin and gluten, and it is a vegetarian supplement certified by Vegan Action. It also comes in natural flavours such as strawberry, orange, lemon, grape, cherry, and grapefruit.

. **Manuka Honey 1839 for Kids UMF 8+ 182 MGO 500g**    Manuka Honey 1839 for Kids is an excellent choice for immune support, as it contains antibacterial and nourishing properties.

With these options, parents can effectively boost their children’s immunity during the winter season.

- Cooling effect lasts for 8 hours per sheet.