Going into the cold and flu season, you might already be steeling yourself for the runny noses, hacking coughs, and long nights. Infectious disease specialists are telling us that we are just starting to settle back into the prepandemic level of variability year to year when it comes to cold viruses, RSV, and influenza. That’s on top of the intermitttent waves of COVID variants.
There are lots of things you can do to help yourselves during the season, many of which you already know. Hand washing, covering your cough, getting your shots, getting plenty of rest, staying home when you’re sick. One thing I see that isn’t necessarily top of mind for parents, but that we pediatricians will always ask about, is how well the kid is drinking.
“How well is she drinking?” “Is she getting enough fluids?” The answer to this tells us two things. First, it gives us an indication of how sick the child is. If they’re so achy or miserable, or if they’re coughing so much or breathing so hard, that they can’t drink or keep fluids down, that raises our level of concern.
Second, it also tells us how sick the child might get. When kids are dehydrated, it makes all other symptoms worse. It makes the mucus thicker and harder to cough or blow out, which could lead to breathing difficulties. It makes their heart work harder to pump blood to the lungs and body and brain. It makes them tired and fussy and achy, which makes it harder for them to get rest.
All of which is why pediatricians ask about and check for signs of dehydration when it comes to colds. It’s a good thing to keep an eye on when they’re well too, because it will also help keep up a healthy immune system. As always, reach out to your pediatrician if you have any questions or concerns!
