We’re entering the thick of respiratory season in Arizona, when many children are battling common illnesses such as colds, flu, RSV and COVID-19. These viruses often start with similar symptoms — fever, cough, fatigue and a runny nose — making it hard for parents to tell them apart based on symptoms alone

As families spend more time indoors and in close contact, these illnesses spread more easily. The good news is most respiratory infections improve on their own. Still, there are a few important things parents should know, and simple steps families can take to help keep Arizona’s children healthy throughout respiratory season.

Vaccination

We have proven methods to protect our children, and one of them is the flu shot. Children six months and older are eligible for the annual flu vaccine. While it’s recommended to receive it by the end of October, it’s not too late in the season to get a flu shot. Respiratory season typically peaks from late-January to mid-February, but getting vaccinated now can still help protect against serious illness. Flu viruses change each year, which is why annual vaccination is important.

Additionally, there are two vaccination options to protect against respiratory syncytial virus or RSV. One is maternal vaccination during the last trimester of pregnancy. The second is available for newborns under 6 months of age and/or high-risk babies in their second respiratory season. RSV can cause severe illness in infants and young children, sometimes leading to hospitalization; vaccination helps protect babies during their most vulnerable months.

If you have questions about vaccines or what’s recommended for your child, talk to your pediatrician.

Everyday habits to reduce the spread

In addition to vaccines, there are a few everyday habits to help prevent respiratory illnesses. The first is handwashing. Encourage children to wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. To make it fun, have younger children sing their ABCs while washing. Handwashing is especially important after coughing, sneezing, using the bathroom and before and after eating.

If soap and water aren’t available, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer can do the trick! Teach kids to cough or sneeze into their elbows, rather than their hands and avoid touching their face. And, when we feel a cold coming on, it’s best to stay home from school and activities, as well as limit contact between sick family members and young children.

Don’t forget to prioritize plenty of sleep and nutritious meals to support strong immune systems.

Helpful items to have at home

There are also a few things to keep on hand as respiratory season continues. These include over-the-counter pain medication to reduce fevers, a humidifier to ease congestion and saline drops for the nose. Chicken soup never hurts along with plenty of fluids.

For babies, nasal aspirators or bulb syringes can be especially helpful. Infants have small nasal passages, so when they have a cold, it can be harder to breathe in or feed. Gentle suctioning can provide relief.

When to call the pediatrician or seek care

While many respiratory illnesses are mild, some symptoms may require more attention. When in doubt, it’s always best to call your pediatrician.

Seek medical care if your child has concerning symptoms like a high, persistent fever; is not drinking enough fluids; seems unusually tired, irritable or difficult to wake; has trouble breathing or rapid breathing; or symptoms that continue to worsen over a few days.

As both a pediatric hospitalist and a parent, I understand the worry that comes with every cough and fever. But armed with the right knowledge and by taking these actions now, we can help more Arizona children stay healthy through respiratory season.

Richard S. Engel, MD, is the associate division chief of pediatric hospital medicine at Phoenix Children’s. For information, visit www.phoenixchildrens.org.