5 Common Spring Illnesses In Children

March 31, 2023

It’s that time of year again when the weather warms up, and children are out of their winter coats. Unfortunately, this also means a rise in the number of spring illnesses that parents will see. From allergies to the common cold, it’s important to know what spring illnesses are the most prevalent and how you can treat them.

Common Spring Illnesses In Children

Spring illnesses in children can be hard to deal with. Most of the time, the colder weather is to blame for increased sickness in children, yet some spring illnesses creep up just as the weather starts to get nicer. Knowing how to make your child feel better when they’re showing symptoms of illness is the key to a speedy recovery. Holly Spring Pediatrics has put together a list of some of the most common spring illnesses in children. 

1. Seasonal Allergies

Did you know roughly 50 million Americans suffer from seasonal allergies? The biggest trigger of seasonal allergies is due to tree, grass, and weed pollens. Common symptoms of allergies in children include a runny nose, sneezing, postnasal drip, nasal congestion, and itchy eyes. Luckily, there are many over-the-counter remedies to keep children outdoors and enjoying the warming weather. Some common allergy treatments include antihistamines and decongestants. Always consult your child’s pediatrician before administering any drugs without a prescription. 

2. Respiratory Virus

Respiratory virus, or RSV, is a very contagious virus that is most common from late fall into early spring. RSV is known to infect the respiratory system, which can cause breathing problems in young children. Generally speaking, RSV will go away within one to two weeks. However, should your child experience a high fever, wheezing, or labored breathing, it is important to contact their doctor immediately.

3. Sinus Infection

Similarly to allergies, sinus problems can occur due to increased amounts of pollen being released into the air. According to the CDC, a sinus infection occurs when fluid builds up in the sinuses, which allows germs to grow leading to bacteria that can cause infection. In younger children, sinus infections can cause symptoms similar to a cold. In older kids, symptoms may include dental or ear pain, tenderness in the face, or a cough that doesn’t improve. It is important to keep an eye on your child’s symptoms to ensure nothing more serious such as bronchitis, pneumonia, or an ear infection. 

4. Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is one of the spring illnesses you, as a parent, want to be on the lookout for. Tick season spans from April through October, which means checking your kids for ticks during these months is crucial. Boston Children’s Hospital states that if this disease is caught and treated early, most children will make a full recovery. Lyme disease in children can cause fatigue, joint pain, general aches and pains, insomnia, and difficulty concentrating.   

5. Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)

The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) states pink eye occurs when the conjunctiva is irritated by an infection or other contagion. Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis is highly contagious, while allergic conjunctivitis comes from an allergic reaction and cannot be transmitted to others. Pink eye symptoms can include a feeling of something being in your eye, red eyes, burning eyes, itchy eyes, painful eyes, or puffy eyelids. 

Sick children are no fun, no matter what season it is. Knowing what’s going around can help keep symptoms at bay. Holly Springs Pediatrics offers same-day appointments for sick visits when your child is in need of immediate medical attention from an illness. If spring illnesses make their way into your home this season, contact our office at (919) 249-4700.