Winter Wellness

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Cold vs Flu: How to tell the difference between your child's symptoms and how to treat them

Every year parents can expect their children to get several colds, especially during the fall and winter months, when the risk of flu is also higher. So how can you tell if your child is having symptoms of the flu or just a common cold?

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Winter blues? Or something more serious

Each winter you might notice a dip in your child’s mood and a change in his or her behavior, and then witness them return to being themselves again once springtime hits. You might even experience these seasonal changes yourself.

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6 Ways to help your family stay healthy during Flu season [Infographic]

6 Ways to Help Your Family Stay Healthy During Flu Season. How can I keep my family healthy during flu season?

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Truth be told about Cold and Flu Season [Infographic]

Ever wonder what is true and false about the flu? Find out everything you need to know about the cold and flu this flu season.

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Sick with the Flu know when to go to the ER [Infographic]

When your child gets the flu, identify the symptoms and match them to our chart to know if, when and where you should seek medical treatment.

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6 non-medical remedies for the flu [Infographic]

Symptoms of the flu can include sore throat, congestion, fever, chills and fatigue. If your child is feeling sick, help them feel better by encouraging rest and keeping them hydrated. You can also try these home remedies to give relief.

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In case you MIST it: Nasal flu vaccine gets reshelved

If you are like many parents, the nasal spray flu vaccine sounds like an easy way to protect your child against the flu. You don't have to worry about your child's fear of needles or the tears or tantrums leading up to the shot.

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Your guide to preventing and treating Influenza (the Flu)

Influenza is a seasonal illness caused by a viral infection of the respiratory system. Learn about flu symptoms in children & read our guide to prevent the flu.

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Pertussis can be fatal to your child – everyone should get vaccinated

Pertussis is a highly contagious illness of the respiratory mucous membrane. It’s marked by a series of short, violent coughs sometimes followed by a high-pitched intake of breath that sounds like whoop. A type of bacteria called Bordetella pertussis causes this infectious disease. The bacteria attach to the cilia (tiny, hair-like extensions) that line the upper respiratory system. Bordetella pertussis toxins (poisons) damage the cilia and cause airways to swell.

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Should your child take Tamiflu?

When children are sick, all you want is to help them feel better. With bacterial infections, you might give them antibiotics, but when it comes to viruses like the flu, you may not have many options.

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Surviving the time change with a toddler

When daylight saving time changes come around, or you need to adjust your child’s sleep schedule for other reasons, you should take careful steps to change the bedtime routine.

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Influenza — Educational Resources

To help your family stay healthy during flu season, the infectious disease experts from Children’s Health℠ have developed resources about the flu.

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Four hidden spots for holiday germs

Presents aren't the only thing in hiding during the holiday season. With more travel, parties, family and shopping, germs hide out and often show up uninvited to spread contagious illnesses that can put a damper on holiday fun.

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5 flu season guidelines: When to bring your child to the ER

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), if your child has the flu, they are contagious as early as one day before symptoms develop — and up to five to seven days after.

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Egg allergies and the flu shot

When fall comes around each year, it’s time to think about everyone in your family getting a flu shot, for their protection and to do your part to boost community health. But, if your child has an egg allergy, you may be concerned about the egg protein in the flu shot.

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5 tips for an active, healthier winter

As the winter months’ approach and the temperatures get cooler, many of us hibernate and seek out our favorite comfort foods. Making time for physical activity not only helps you offset all the holiday eating, but it can also help you create new family traditions around healthier behaviors. Following these five tips from the experts at our Get Up & Go program can help you get on the road to a healthier winter.

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Fast Facts: Managing asthma in the winter

Have you ever noticed that it's more difficult to breathe in the wintertime? That's because cold air causes your airways to contract. For kids with asthma, that constriction can make breathing much more difficult — and makes asthma attacks more likely. Meanwhile, other health conditions like the flu and respiratory infections are more common during colder months, and those can make asthma symptoms worse.