Sick Season Questions with Dr. Mona

As a parent, what should we be doing to strengthen our kids' immune systems during the winter months?

“Building a strong immune system is all about consistency and balance. Try to focus on making sure your child is getting enough sleep, eating a variety of nutrient-dense foods, and staying active. Fruits, veggies, whole grains, and proteins provide the vitamins and minerals their bodies need to fight off illness. If you’re worried about picky eating, try offering colorful options and involve your child in meal prep to make the food more enticing. Hydration is also key– children need plenty of fluids, even during the colder months.

Don’t underestimate the basics! Frequent handwashing is one of the easiest ways to keep germs at bay. And while it’s tempting to stay indoors if it’s cold outside, getting outside for fresh air and sunlight (vitamin D!) is great for both physical and mental health

Supplements like vitamin C, elderberry, and others are often mentioned, but the evidence for their effectiveness in preventing illness is mixed. Instead of relying on supplements, prioritize a balanced diet, plenty of fluids, and consistent healthy habits.

Above all, remember that colds and mild viruses are a normal part of childhood and help the immune system learn and grow.” - Dr. Mona

Do you have any advice if your family keeps getting hit with sicknesses back to back and you can't catch a break?

“It’s tough when it feels like sickness is cycling through your family nonstop. First, remember you’re not alone– this happens to so many families, especially during the winter months or viral season. It’s exhausting, but focusing on a few key steps can help get your family back on track to feeling healthy.

Start by thinking about how illnesses are spread, often through respiratory droplets or shared surfaces. Hygiene is key. Frequent handwashing, cleaning high-touch surfaces, and washing bedding or stuffed animals can help stop germs from spreading. If one child is sick, try to minimize shared cups, utensils, and towels to minimize exposure.

Support everyone’s overall health by sticking to consistent routines of sleep, hydration, and nutrient-dense meals. Prioritize rest for the whole family– rest and sleep are so beneficial for giving your body the energy to recover. Even if it feels like your family can’t catch a break right now, these small habits will make a difference.”

Is it beneficial for our kids to get sick every winter?

“It’s true that getting sick can help a child’s immune system learn and grow, but it’s a bit of a misconception to think that frequent illness will make them “immune” to future sicknesses. While their immune system does build memory for specific viruses, there are countless viruses and variations out there– it’s impossible to develop immunity to all of them.

Mild sicknesses, like colds or other viruses, are a normal part of childhood, especially during the viral season. These exposures help their immune system develop, but it’s not about “getting it over with” or deliberately exposing children to germs.

While getting sick is part of life, it’s not necessarily “beneficial” to catch every illness going around. Instead, it’s about understanding that these experiences are part of how the immune system grows over time, one step at a time.”

Anything we would be surprised to know about "sick season" that you've seen working as a Pediatrician?

“One thing that surprises many parents is how predictable “sick season” can be. The start of the school year, holiday gatherings, colder weather all bring children into closer contact– leading to more viral spread. But what still amazes me is how quickly children can bounce back. Even when they seem completely worn out from illness, their resilience is incredible– they often recover faster than we expect.
Another thing I’ve noticed is how much variation there is in how different children handle illnesses. As a mother of two, I’ve seen this firsthand in my own home. One child might seem barely affected by a cold, while another is completely knocked out by (likely) the same virus. Or, my children will breeze through a bug that leaves me feeling miserable. This doesn’t mean one child has a “weaker” immune system– it’s just how individual immune responses work.

Lastly, many families are really, really surprised by how common it is for children to get sick repeatedly during “sick season.” It’s not unusual for young children, especially those in daycare or school, to get 8-12 colds per year. While it can feel overwhelming in the moment, it’s common and an expected part of childhood as their immune system develops.”