Tuhina Sahoo

Bhubaneswar, Aug 17: As weather conditions change, many parents are once again dealing with children suffering from cough, cold, fever and other respiratory symptoms. But a common question is worrying families: Is it COVID-19, seasonal flu or just a normal viral infection?

According to Dr Himanshu Sekhar Sahoo, Associate Consultant, Department of Paediatrics, SUM Ultimate Medicare, Bhubaneswar, COVID-19 is still present, but many cases of childhood cough and cold are caused by the common respiratory viruses that circulate seasonally.

Is Every Cough and Cold COVID-19?

Dr Sahoo explained that children can develop respiratory infections due to a range of viruses, and these viruses may appear in different strains from year to year.

“COVID-19 is still present, but it is not necessary that every cough and cold is COVID. Common respiratory viruses are also responsible for many such infections,” he said.

He added that as children grow, their immune systems gradually become better equipped to respond to viruses they encounter repeatedly. However, parents should continue to observe symptoms and seek medical advice whenever a child appears significantly unwell.

What Precautions Should Parents Take?

Dr Sahoo stressed the importance of respiratory hygiene and preventing the spread of infection, particularly when someone in the family is suffering from cough or cold.

Parents should encourage children to:

Wear a mask when appropriate, especially in crowded or high-risk settings.

Wash or sanitise their hands regularly.

Cover their mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Stay home and limit contact with others when they are unwell.

He acknowledged that getting young children to consistently follow hygiene measures can be challenging, but said parents should continue encouraging these habits through gentle supervision and by setting an example themselves.

For Babies, Breast Milk Is a Powerful First Defence

For infants, Dr Sahoo highlighted the importance of exclusive breastfeeding.

Breast milk provides important immune protection, including maternal antibodies and other bioactive components that help babies respond to infections. He described breast milk as an important natural defence for newborns.

He emphasised that babies should be exclusively breastfed for the first six months, with no complementary foods or other drinks introduced unless medically advised.

Breast milk also contains human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) that support beneficial gut bacteria, help prevent harmful microbes from attaching to the gut and contribute to the development of a healthy immune system.

Why Are Children Eating While Watching Phones?

Another growing concern among parents is children becoming dependent on mobile phones or videos during mealtimes.

Asked how parents can make children more interested in eating without using screens, Dr Sahoo suggested making meals a more engaging family activity.

He advised parents to:

Keep mealtimes relaxed and enjoyable.

Allow children to participate in simple meal-related activities.

Avoid forcing or scolding children when they refuse food.

Offer meals patiently and maintain a consistent routine.

Most importantly, parents should also avoid using their own phones in front of children during meals, as children often copy adult behaviour.

The Biggest Mistake: Giving Antibiotics Without Medical Advice

Dr Sahoo also warned against a common mistake made by parents when children develop a cold or cough: self-medication with antibiotics.

Many respiratory infections in children are viral and antibiotics do not work against viruses. Giving antibiotics without a doctor's advice can be inappropriate and may contribute to antibiotic resistance and other problems.

He urged parents not to start antibiotics simply because symptoms have continued for a day or two.

“Parents should seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional rather than giving antibiotics on their own,” he emphasised.

A child's cough or cold during changing weather does not automatically mean COVID-19. Seasonal viruses remain an important cause of respiratory infections, while COVID-19 continues to circulate.

The best approach is to observe symptoms, maintain respiratory hygiene, avoid unnecessary exposure and consult a paediatrician when needed.

And for babies, exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months remains one of the most important foundations for early nutrition and immune protection.

For parents, the key message is simple: do not panic over every cough, but do not ignore warning signs either-and never start antibiotics without professional medical advice.