Its normal to get anxious around this time of year when you have a newborn, baby or a toddler. A drop in temperature and change in season often heralds the arrival of ‘winter bug season’ where it can seem like your little one is constantly sick. Rough nights, snot filled days, time off nursery and work are all synonymous with the autumn/winter period and incredibly exhausting all round . Remember its normal for babies, toddlers and preschool children to get up to 10 illnesses a year. Once they start school this averages out to about 6 colds a year and for teenagers/adults about 4. Most of these are concentrated in the Autumn/Winter period, e.g. during seasonal changes. Therefore its normal to be more anxious about your child’s health around this time of year! Remember, most winter bugs are not serious and can be managed at home. However, its helpful to know how to recognise them and what to do! . What causes children to be sicker? Its not the weather!! (I know what you’re thinking, but it isn’t!). We spend much more time indoors, have more close contact with others and the air is drier which encourages viruses! A lot of illnesses can be asymptomatic in some people, whilst causing symptoms in others. All of this helps infections spread! Children are particularly vulnerable because they are in close proximity with others and their hygiene is questionable at best . Colds, coughs and illnesses are inevitable for children and an important way for them to build their immunity. As a parent, seeing your little cherub sick is hard, but I hope this post has empowered you with knowledge to know what to do and when to seek help . If you have any questions about anything, please don’t DM me, ask below so that the anybody else reading the comments can benefit too! . Dr Kiran . #paediatrics #winterbug #healthadvice #healthadvocate #babyadvice #babyhealth #toddlerhealth #winterseason❄️ #winter2022 #autumn2022