*The Pfizer Pediatric Platform products, information, and additional gift pack have been provided by Pfizer Consumer Healthcare. All thoughts and reviews are my own.
Sitting down while doing her homework like any other normal afternoon is when I heard it.
A deep barking type cough that I knew in my motherly gut of guts most likely meant one thing.
So, I proceeded to walk over and when I touched her ear, I knew she had a fever.
Sure enough the thermometer confirmed at 102.8, what I already perceived to be true that my girl was indeed sick.
An hour later at the pediatrician, it was further confirmed that my oldest had bacterial pneumonia in her left lung.
But it is spring and just when us parents think we may be out of the woods as far as illness is concerned we truly aren’t.
But why is that?
Well, one day it is almost 70 degrees and warm enough to shed the heavy jackets and the next it is barely above freezing with wind chills to make it feel as though winter will never completely loosen its grip on us even though the calendar clearly says it is spring. Just take a look at this humorous take on spring weather from the new ABC show, The Real O’Neal’s, which sums it up perfectly:
Spring is here. Flowers are blooming and love is in the air…Well, for most of us.
Posted by The Real O'Neals on Thursday, March 24, 2016
I have written about illness with children and how to fight against it, as well as how to treat it in the past, but today I am going one step further to help ward against it during a time when most would think it would be clearly behind us–Spring.
5 Tips to Help Parents Fight Against Spring Time Sickness for Their Families
1. Dress for the actual temperature outside.
Again one minute, we were in the deep freeze of winter and now it feels as though the sun is finally coming out again for another glorious spring season. but don’t let mother nature fool you, make sure you check the temperatures in your area daily (sometimes a few times a day as spring winds can blow in fairly quickly and without warning quite often) to make sure you know how to dress yourself and your little appropriately for the actual real feel temperature outside.
2. Wash your hands with soap and water or use antibacterial.
Just because the weather is getting nicer out, doesn’t mean disinfecting your hands of germs should stop. Most I know do this during the colder months, but remember we aren’t out of the woods yet with cold and flu season, so keep up with this continually to help with all the illness that could be triggered in a moments notice.
3. Continue to stay hydrated.
Drinking lots of fluids is always helpful for all sorts of reasons, including staying well. But as the temperatures do begin to rise here and there, this just helps us to even more so.
4. Open the windows to let the fresh Spring air in.
Finally some warmer air is actually upon us somewhat and opening the windows to let some fresh air in can do a world of wonders in releasing the germs in your home. Thus this allows new and fresher air in to circulate giving way to
5. Spring clean and purge when you can now.
As soon as the temperatures begin to rise for spring time, begin to throw away more, especially toothbrushes that can contain all sorts of nasty germs and should indeed be discarded whenever little ones are sick. But even before the onset of getting ill, throwing away such items can help keep the illnesses at bay.
[Tweet “How do you handle #spring #sickness with your kids? #ad”]
But when all else fails and your little one does get sick like mine did recently, make sure to have plenty of children’s cold medicine on hand formulated just for kids from Target (my favorite place to shop as many know). These are our go-to pediatric sickness solutions:
- Children’s Advil® – Ease those aches and pains, while reducing a child’s fever fast, which is a great solution for kids as young as 2 and up to 11. It comes in several great-tasting flavors, including: Sugar-free Dye-free Berry, Bubble Gum, Grape, Blue Raspberry, Fruit and Dye-Free White Grape flavors. There’s also Infants’ Advil® White Grape, which provides unsurpassed fever relief with a syringe for easy dosing for children 6-23 months.
- Children’s Robitussin® DM Day/Night Pack (Children’s Robitussin® Cough & Chest Congestion and Children’s Robitussin® Nighttime Cough) – This non-drowsy daytime formula helps break up chest congestion, while the long-acting nighttime formula relieves coughs and runny noses to help kids get the rest they need.
- Children’s Dimetapp® Cold & Cough – This tackles a child’s most bothersome stuffy and runny noses, all while working to relieve cough.
*Remember though that it is important to always read and keep the cartons for complete warnings and dosing information on Pfizer Pediatric Platform products and to use as directed.
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
My mom always gave me Dimetapp when I was a kid and it’s what I use with my own now that I am the mom.
Janine says
Same here, Robin and definitely love that it is still available to give to our kids.
Meredith says
I need these smart tips. So sick of being sick! Thanks, Janine!
Janine says
So happy to share and seriously hope this will help us all with those nasty spring germs!! π
Kathy Radigan says
Great tips!!! And as much as I love this time of year I do hate the sickness and allergies it brings. Thanks for some great ideas! xo
Janine says
Happy I could share and just hope now we can keep the illnesses at bay for all of us! xoxo
Kathy Radigan says
Great tips!!!
Confessions of A Mommyaholic says
Thanks Kathy!!! <3
Seana Turner says
Ugh, this one resonates with me. My children, especially my oldest, were often sick. Just last weekend my youngest off at school was sick. It is so hard to stay healthy, especially when you are in classrooms and dorms and subways full of people. I love summer because that is always our healthiest season. Definitely stay hydrated… and we should just invest in Advil!
Janine says
Sean, I am so with you on all of this, especially summer being my favorite time for so many reasons, especially the lack of sickness for all!
Diane Roark says
Janine,
You are right on girl! I preach these five things all the time to my family but could not have said it better. My kids are teenagers and young adults and even this past weekend I ask to smell my oldest sons hands after washing them. I have always smelled the front and BACK of their hands to make sure they are washing enough.
I cannot tell you how much I preach, as my kids say, about staying hydrated. Staying hydrated helps everything.
Thank you again for the tips!
Diane
Janine says
Thanks Diane and I know washing hands is so very important. Got to say you made me smile about smelling their hands and definitely a great way to keep them accountable for that in the very least π
Erin Dwyer Dymowski says
This is awesome!
Confessions of A Mommyaholic says
Thanks Erin π
Bill says
You are correct, of course. Childhood illness never seems to end. I know I was a sickly kid, no matter the season, I’d catch some bug and be laid up for a week……so, I hope everyone is healthy in your house this week. Happy Monday, Janine!
Janine says
Aw, thanks Bill and I got my fingers crossed for this week and for weeks to come, too as we have had so much illness in our home even in the last few weeks. Hope all is well in your neck of the woods and Happy Monday once again!! π
Kristen Miller Hewitt says
oh we need this! Allergies have been awful!!
Confessions of A Mommyaholic says
I know they are just starting up here, too. Glad to share! π
Dara says
We have strep going around here still and Gabbie just had it for the 2nd time last week. We also keep switching between warm and cold weather which is so frustrating!
Janine says
Dara, same here with back and forth with the weather. And strep always seems to be going around. Hoping Gabbie is feeling better now.
Tamara says
It’s so true. It’s like we calm down and stop worrying, but spring illnesses can be rampant! I find they do settle down around May, but that is way into Spring! The hydration is key. I totally dress for the weather outside, by the way. And I’m rarely sick!
Janine says
Tamara, so do I as far as dressing for the weather and got my fingers crossed for staying healthy for the time being, too!!
Kristen says
We love Dimetapp too! Awesome post, allergies have killed us this year!
Janine says
Thanks Kristen and the allergies are just beginning for us, too.
Jack says
We have had some crazy swings here from 96 one day to 63 the next so I hear you about dressing for the weather. I remind my kids to take a moment confirm they are dressed appropriately before they head off for school.
Janine says
Jack, I am with you and thankfully my kids are still young enough that they listen for the most part, but still I do my best on this as much as possible.
Meredith Hale says
This is great! Springtime sickness is awful! Good tips!
Confessions of A Mommyaholic says
Thanks Meredith and I know springtime sickness is truly the pits!!
Amanda || Growing Up Madison says
I for one know how scary that is. Madison was diagnosed with pneumonia in her right lung just 2 weeks ago and it started out the same way. A terrible cough followed by a temp that refused to go away. I follow all the tips above but that weather is a killer. We go out dressed for the weather and the temp drops drastically in a few hours, so now I ALWAYS keep a jacket near by at all times no matter what.
Janine says
I have totally been there with Emma. The cough and high fever has always scared me. Seems with pneumonia this is something that happens, but no matter how many times we have gone through it now with her, still scares us so. Hope Madison is feeling better now.
Tessa Lynn Shull says
Good tips! We’ve been lucky so far!
Confessions of A Mommyaholic says
Thanks Tessa and hope your lucky streak continues π
Jen says
Oh the toothbrushes! Blech, blech, blech!! I just threw out my children’s this weekend and they were gross and they weren’t all that old!
Great tips my friend and yes may spring bring less illness at least until the summer comes and burns all the germs away π For now we have great products to help out! Yay!
Janine says
Thanks Jen and I know those toothbrushes can get so gross!!
April G says
All of these are staples in my cabinet. I try to wipe down everything at least quarterly, especially when there are illnesses going around, doorknobs, coffee maker, fridge, kids table, etc. Great tips.
Janine says
Thanks April and I agree about wiping everything down, too!
Nellie says
I am so incredibly familiar with all of these products and ESPECIALLY that deep barking cough. I can’t wait for light jackets, this winter has gone on way too long!
Janine says
I agree and I am truly over the winter weather more words can even begin!!
Lisa @ The Golden Spoons says
Great tips!!
Janine says
Thanks so much, Lisa!!
Mary Widdicks says
My kids are sick right now. This is great advice.
Confessions of A Mommyaholic says
Thanks and so sorry your kids are sick right now. Hope they are feeling better soon!
Lana says
Great tips. I swear, my kids always got sicker in the spring than any other time of the year. Allergies always turned into sinus infections!
Janine says
Lana, I know and completely agree with you on this!!
Allie says
Janine, Barrett has had a cough for ten days. It’s driving us all crazy. I took him to the doctors and they insist it’s seasonal allergies, but I don’t know. School started back yesterday and his teacher said four (out of 7) of the kids were coughing. I think I need to go back, before it turns into pneumonia. Hope you daughter’s feeling better. And thanks for the helpful tips!
Janine says
No problem, Allie and I have definitely been there with Emma here with the cough. We finally caved last fall and took her to an allergist to see what more we could do. She has an inhaler now, as well just in case. So, believe me I get it and hoping Barrett is OK. But I will admit now more than ever that I have learned better safe than sorry from all we have gone through in the past, as well. Hugs and keep me posted how Barrett is doing.
Whitney Lang Fleming says
Our house has the plague. I think the only way to get us healthy is to burn it down and start over!
Confessions of A Mommyaholic says
Sounds about right!!! π
Katy @ Experienced Bad Mom says
I think what’s most impressive here is that you got into your pediatrician’s office in an hour! Sign me up for that doctor’s office. π
Janine says
I love our pediatrician and even the longest wait is usually no more than 20 minutes – ever! Seriously, we had some crazy issues with our previous one and even waited almost 2 hours for a well check, which was schedule 2 months in advance. So feel your pain on this Katy!
lisacng @ expandng.com says
Good idea to change those toothbrushes! I also change the sheets regularly. Makes me believe that skin (dander?) and pollen on it can be washed off.
Janine says
Clean sheets is a must, too and couldn’t agree more with you, Lisa!
Jennifer | The Deliberate Mom says
Great tips Janine! I’ve been doing some spring cleaning but haven’t been bitten by the cleaning bug yet… hopefully I get inspired soon!
I know it seems like cold and flu season should be over and done with… but unfortunately it’s not. Glad you got her to the doctor quickly. Pneumonia is not to be messed with.
Thanks for sharing!
xoxo
Janine says
Thanks Jennifer and I agree totally about pneumonia as sadly learned our lesson the hard way sometime ago! xoxo
Kim Bongiorno says
Pinning like crazy.
Confessions of A Mommyaholic says
Thank you so much Kim!!!! <3
catherine gacad says
good reminders, janine, since we continue to get sick over here! big fan of baby tylenol if franco is sick and needs rest. i need to do spring cleaning!
Janine says
I used Baby Tylenol when my girls were babies, too. And you are right, keep getting sick here often enough, as well Catherine.
Debbie says
Hi Janine, I hope your daughter is on the road to recovery now. Springtime illnesses are often nastier than winter bugs, don’t you think? We’ve had a really mild winter, which isn’t good as far as germs and bacteria are concerned.
Hand washing, drinking plenty of water and airing the house daily are things that I encourage to help reduce the chances of getting ill.
#happynowlinkup
Janine says
Thanks Debbie and yes my girl is doing better now. Got my fingers crossed it will stay that way, too. And thanks for your comment and input, too π
Kenya G. Johnson says
It’s that time of year for us when you don’t know whether you’ve got something viral or if you have allergies. Either way some of those nights call for Dimetapp so that’s the one I keep on hand. Washing hands is probably one of the best good habits we can teach our kids.
Janine says
So true and just couldn’t agree more about it being that time of the year, Kenya!!
Candace says
My son has coughed for 6 months straight and I’m sadly not exaggerating. It’s been a crazy winter. These are great tips. I’m trying to open our windows more. This is something I’ve not done a lot in years past due to my city girl, untrusting nature ;), but it really is a necessity to get rid of those nasty, stale germs.
I need to work on hydration more and I’m betting my son’s toothbrush needs to be replaced as well. I hope your daughter is feeling better soon!
Janine says
Your poor son and I know Candace seems like that cough lingers and is the last to go. Hope he feels better soon, too now!!
eli@coachdaddy says
We aim to battle sickness with orange juice, staying hydrated, washing hands and getting rest. So far so good! The rest part is by far the most challenging.
Janine says
I agree and so much of it is still so very challenging by far!!
Jenny @ Unremarkable Files says
It’s so cruel when kids get sick in the spring. Just when you thought you were done!!
#happynowlinkup
Janine says
Jenny, so true and just couldn’t agree more!!
Morgan @ Morgan Manages Mommyhood says
This is great! I got a cold this spring, though I think it’s more due to a run down immune system with being up all night with a newborn than anything lse. But I’ve been doing all of these diligently to make sure my 2 boys don’t get sick!
Janine says
Aw, I remember those newborn days and yes I definitely got run down very easily no matter what I did back then, too sadly.
Dr. Aletha Oglesby says
Janine, I found this post on the link up, health related posts always catch my eye. I’m so glad you suggested medically sound ideas that are appropriate for almost anyone. The only one I would perhaps suggest with caution is opening windows. I agree outside air can be refreshing but for people with allergies and asthma it can also trigger flare up of symptoms, so unfortunately for them open windows may not be an option.
Sometimes no matter how careful we are, illness happens, it’s just part of being human. So we shouldn’t feel guilty or blame ourselves if we do all the right things and still get sick. That’s when our immune system does it’s best work- getting us over these miserable illnesses. Thanks for writing.
Janine says
Thank you so much Dr. Aletha and I will say with my older daughter, who is prone to pneumonia, I have to be careful with making sure that the window is closed and the room is reheated before she enters again as you are right that this can definitely upset her previous issues with her own lungs. So thank you for adding this here and appreciate your comment so very much.
Bev says
This weather has been so tricky to dress for! Last night when I was walking to my haircut I was freezing because my light spring jacket — which had been perfect that afternoon — was not cutting it. And for the last few days I’ve felt a tickle in my throat like I’ve got a cold coming on, so I clearly need these tips now!
Janine says
Bev, I know this weather is truly so tricky and what is right for daytime, might not necessarily cut it for the evening and night time hours. Got my fingers crossed that you stay well now though.
Leslie says
Oh no! Pneumonia is no joke. We love to get fresh air around here, but it’s a double-edged sword because opening up the windows also exacerbates allergies. I hope your daughter feels better soon!
Janine says
I hear you on those allergies and I have to be careful again when I do this to make sure that I close the windows a little time before my older daughter (especially re-enters the room).
Rabia @TheLiebers says
I hate to even comment because we’ve been so healthy lately! I tell myself it’s because I started putting garlic in all our food! LOL
Janine says
I love using garlic in our food and nice to think it might actually have a good effect on us still though, too π