Have you noticed that your child seems to get sick when the seasons change? When outdoor temperatures and pollen levels go up and down and your daily routine changes, you may notice more allergy flare-ups, asthma triggers or seasonal illnesses.
That’s because children’s immune systems are still developing, so they may be more sensitive to these seasonal changes. But with a little planning, you can help your child stay healthy year-round.
How seasonal changes impact children’s health
Weather changes, air quality issues and more exposure to germs may all play a role in your child’s health.
Common challenges include:
- Respiratory issues like coughing, sneezing or wheezing
- Allergic reactions triggered by pollen, dust or mold
- Weakened immunity during transitions between warm and cold weather
It’s important to take steps to keep your child healthy. Heather Cassell, MD, an allergy and immunology specialist with Banner - University Medicine, said, “You want to stay on top of symptoms because they can impair sleep as well as school performance. We want our kids feeling their best!”
Here’s what to expect at different times of year, and what you can do to lower your child’s risk of health issues.
Spring: Allergies and asthma flare-ups
Spring brings blooming plants and the pollen they send into the air. For many kids, this means sneezing, itchy eyes and runny noses. “Seasonal allergies can trigger major issues in the spring,” Dr. Cassell said.
“I see allergies affecting the nose and eyes so significantly that some children miss days at school. In turn, parents miss days at work caring for them. Spring is a beautiful time of year, but not for those who struggle with allergies,” she said.
If your child has asthma, pollen and outdoor exercise can make wheezing and shortness of breath more likely. “Allergic asthma can make it impossible for children to enjoy outdoor sports,” Dr. Cassell said.
Tips to reduce symptoms:
- Track daily pollen counts and limit outdoor play on high-pollen days.
- Keep your windows closed and use air conditioning to filter the air in your home.
- Have your child shower or change clothes after being outside. “Showering when children get home in the evening will greatly improve their sleep,” Dr. Cassell said.
- Talk to your child’s provider about using medications before symptoms start.
- Review or update your child’s asthma action plan with their provider.
Summer: Heat, air quality and outdoor activity
Summer is full of outdoor fun but heat and air quality can affect kids’ health. “The weather can make it difficult for children to enjoy outdoor activities,” Dr. Cassell said.
- Hot days increase the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion and sunburn.
- Poor air quality, including high ozone, can trigger asthma symptoms.
- Swimming in pools or lakes may also lead to ear infections or skin irritation.
- Wildfires can impact children with asthma.
Tips to reduce symptoms:
- Make sure children take plenty of water breaks, especially when they are playing outside or competing in sports.
- Apply sunscreen regularly and reapply after your child has been swimming or sweating.
- Limit outdoor activity during peak heat or sun or poor air quality alerts.
- Dry your child’s ears thoroughly after swimming to help prevent infections.
Fall: Viral illnesses and germs at school
With back-to-school season comes a rise in viral illnesses like colds, flu and RSV. Shifting weather can also trigger allergies and asthma.
“The fall is grass, weed and outdoor mold season. It is often difficult for parents to know if their child is struggling with an upper respiratory infection due to school exposure or nasal allergies. This can make it difficult for them to know how to treat their symptoms and may also spread viral illnesses if the parents do not recognize that their child might be contagious,” Dr. Cassell said.
Tips to reduce symptoms:
- Teach kids to wash their hands often and cover coughs and sneezes.
- Schedule annual flu vaccines.
- Make sure your child has a healthy diet and gets plenty of sleep.
- Watch for asthma or allergy flare-ups as temperatures get cooler.
Winter: Cold weather and indoor triggers
Cold, dry air in the winter can make asthma and eczema worse. Because kids spend more time indoors, they’re exposed to dust mites, mold and pet dander. Winter is also peak season for colds, flu and other respiratory viruses.
“In colder climates, pet allergens and dust mites can make allergy and asthma symptoms worse. Cold weather can also trigger asthma due to cooling of the airways when children are spending time outdoors,” Dr. Cassell said.
Tips to reduce symptoms:
- Use a humidifier to add moisture to dry indoor air. Remember to clean it regularly.
- Keep indoor spaces clean and vacuum them often to help reduce allergens.
- Stay up to date on recommended vaccines, including flu and COVID.
- Make sure your children wash their hands frequently.
- Try to keep your child away from people who are sick.
Supporting your child through the seasons
No matter what time of year it is, there are steps you can take to help keep your child healthy:
- Preventive care: Regular check-ups and vaccinations
- Healthy habits: Consistent sleep, a healthy diet, handwashing, good hydration and outdoor activity
- When to call the doctor: Your child has wheezing, a long-lasting cough, a high fever or allergy symptoms that don’t get better with home care
The bottom line
Changing seasons can impact your child’s health but knowing what to expect can make a big difference. With preventive care and everyday healthy habits, you can manage most allergy flare-ups, asthma symptoms and seasonal illnesses.
If your child struggles with seasonal allergies, asthma or frequent colds, talk with a Banner Health pediatrician for advice.
