Six winter bugs parents need to look out for as temperatures plummet - Chronicle Live

Parents are being warned of six major bugs their children may catch this winter, as temperatures start to plummet with winter fast approaching. Cold weather lowers the effectiveness of a child's immune system, leaving them more prone to catching viruses that commonly frequent classrooms.

And while some bugs can leave a child with a sore tummy or a runny nose, others can be much more serious. Therefore, it's vital that parents stay vigilant of the signs and symptoms of each of these bugs.

So here's a list of six childhood winter bugs that all parents need to be aware of, as reported by The Mirror.

Norovirus -

Known as the 'winter vomiting bug', Norovirus can be an incredibly unpleasant experience for a child, as well as everyone else in the family due to its capabilities of spreading quickly. It causes bouts of severe sickness and diarrhoea, and is the most common stomach bug in the UK.

The six main symptoms of Norovirus include nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, high temperature, headache and aching arms and legs. You should maintain fluid intake should your child contract norovirus, as well as isolating them from school or a GP surgery for at least 48 hours after their last symptoms.

You can however call your GP or 111 if symptoms become apparent.

RSV -

Respiratory syncytial virus is a seasonal virus which usually infects babies by their second birthday. Many infants will see similar symptoms to that of a cold, but others could be subject to far more serious lung problems like bronchiolitis and even pneumonia.

The NHS say that parents should be aware of changed in breathing, feeding or sleepiness. A temperature of more than 37.5 may also suggest an infection, as well as dry nappies for more than 12 hours.

Colds -

The NHS say that it's normal for a child to have eight or more colds each year, typically showing in the form of a running nose, sore throat and low energy. Should your child have a particularly bad cold, you should make sure they have plenty of rest and administer paracetamol or Calpol.

Most colds go away in five to seven days, but it can take as long as two weeks for small children to recover fully.

Flu -

Flu is another incredibly common infection in schools, but it can be considerably worse than a cold for kids. The most common flu symptoms come in the form of:

• A sudden high temperature
• An aching body
• Feeling tired or exhausted
• A dry cough
• A sore throat
• A headache
• Difficulty sleeping
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhoea or tummy pain
• Feeling sick and being sick
• Pain in the ear
• Less activity

Plenty of rest and time off school will help children recover.

Scarlet fever -

Scarlet fever is highly infectious, and while it can be treated with antibiotics, it can be dangerous when not dealt with. The NHS say that the first symptoms can be flu-like and include a high temperature, sore throat, and swollen neck glands.

A rash appears 12 to 48 hours later, in the form of small, raised bumps on the chest and tummy which spread elsewhere. Caucasian children will see pink or red rashes, while those who have brown or black skin may find it more difficult to see the change in colour.

You should always see a GP as soon as possible should your child show these symptoms.

Covid -

While we aren't seeing as many cases of Covid as we did in the height of the pandemic, the virus is still around and infecting people. Look out for a continuous cough, high temperatures, a fever or chills, loss of or change to smell and taste, shortness of breath, unexplained tiredness and a lack of energy.

Your child may also suffer muscular aches and pains, as well as a loss of appetite and a runny nose. The NHS say that evidence suggests although children do catch Covid, they often display very few severe symptoms - even when they have an underlying health condition.

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