Why Kids Fall Sick Every Monsoon - And It's Not Just Cough and Cold Anymore
The sound of rain may feel romantic to some, but for parents? It's a seasonal alarm bell. Not just puddles and power cuts, an annual wave of infections that hit kids the hardest.
Warm clothes? Check. Fever meds? Check. Mosquito repellents, cough syrup, a thermos full of warm water? Check. This isn't a camping checklist. This is what Megha Gopinath, mother of two school-going kids aged 13 and 8 in Bengaluru, ticks off every morning once the monsoon arrives.
'The moment one of them starts coughing, turmeric milk becomes non-negotiable. Thankfully, they aren't fussy anymore; they got used to it during COVID," she says, juggling tiffin boxes and umbrellas.
The sound of rain may feel romantic to some, but for parents? It's a seasonal alarm bell. Monsoon doesn't just bring puddles and power cuts, it brings an annual wave of infections that hit kids the hardest.
Why Monsoon = Virus Party for Kids
'This weather is perfect for viruses," warns Dr. Vishwanath Bhat B K, Pediatrician and Neonatologist at Radhakrishna Multispeciality Hospital, Bengaluru. 'High humidity triggers viruses to come out of dormancy. This muggy weather becomes a breeding ground for respiratory, skin, and digestive infections."
The most common? Respiratory infections like bronchiolitis, RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus), and influenza variants like H1N1. Particularly, infants aged between 2 months to 2 years are highly vulnerable, says Dr. Bhat.
'The good part is most viral infections in children are self-limiting. They resolve with good supportive care," he adds.
The sniffles and sore throats are just the opening act. 'Respiratory issues that escalate rapidly in kids under six are a real worry," says Dr. Mounnish Balaji, Pediatric Pulmonologist – allergy and sleep specialist at Ankura Hospital for Women and Child, Pune.
What starts as a cold can often end up as wheezing, pneumonia, or bronchiolitis. The cold virus can slip down to the lungs, shrinking the tiny airways.
'Unlike adults, 90% of wheezing in children shows up as repeated coughing and disturbed sleep, not classic breathing difficulty," Dr. Balaji explains. 'Out of every 20 patients I see, 12 are wheezers this season."
The Nebulizer Mistake Most Parents Make
Dr. Balaji highlights a major error: overuse of nebulizers. 'Parents think nebulizing is the treatment. It's not. It's an emergency relief trick."
The real fix? 'Target the airway inflammation itself using inhalers and controller medications not just open the airway temporarily." Visiting a paediatrician is definitely the key here.
New Trouble This Monsoon: HFMD and Stomach Bugs
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD)
Paediatricians across cities are reporting a sharp rise in HFMD — a contagious viral infection that causes red rashes, painful blisters on hands, feet, mouth, and sometimes the buttocks. It typically affects children below 10 years.
'HFMD spreads rapidly in schools and playgroups. Most cases resolve in 7–10 days, but it's highly uncomfortable with painful mouth sores and fever. Reddish rashes around the neck is a definite indication" warns Dr. Bhat.
HFMD spreads through saliva, nasal discharge, and surfaces, making classrooms and playgrounds high-risk spaces.
Digestive Infections on the Rise
It's not just cough and cold. Monsoon also brings a surge in stomach infections — from mild food poisoning to viral gastroenteritis.
'Cases of diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and dehydration among children are also very common this season" says Dr. Balaji. The culprits? Contaminated water, street food, and poor hygiene.
'Digestive infections weaken immunity further, making kids more susceptible to secondary infections like respiratory viruses or skin infections," he adds.
When to See the Doctor – No Delays Here
If fever persists beyond 3 days.
If cough doesn't settle after 5 days.
Rashes, mouth sores, or blisters
If there's diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or signs of dehydration (dry lips, low urine output).
If child has difficulty breathing, noisy wheezing, or poor sleep due to cough.
Do's:
Stick to home-cooked, warm meals.
Apply mosquito repellent creams. Avoid sprays indoors to reduce respiratory triggers.
Change clothes immediately after school; a hot shower is even better.
Teach and enforce handwashing and foot cleaning.
Keep sick kids at home – whether it's cough, fever, or even mild diarrhea. HFMD and viral infections spread like wildfire in classrooms.
Don'ts:
Don't rely solely on nebulizers. Use them only with pediatrician advice.
Avoid street food, raw salads, and uncovered snacks during the monsoon.
Don't ignore persistent coughs, it could signal deeper lung involvement.
Stop sending kids to crowded classes or play areas if they're unwell.
Why This Monsoon Feels Worse Than Usual
'Post-COVID, children's immunity has changed. We're seeing higher numbers of RSV, HFMD, and gastrointestinal infections than we did 5 years ago," Dr. Bhat points out.
Data backs this up. A 2023 Lancet study on post-pandemic immunity trends found that respiratory and digestive infections among children in urban India surged by nearly 28% compared to pre-2020 levels.
Prevention Beats Cure. Always.
Doctors agree on one thing prevention is your best medicine this monsoon. A disciplined routine of hygiene, hydration, and prompt care can save parents weeks of worry.
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tags :
child health monsoon care tips
Location :
New Delhi, India, India
First Published:
July 02, 2025, 15:18 IST
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