November 15th is Shichi-Go-San. This tradition is rooted in the hope for the healthy growth of children up to the age of seven, a vulnerable age in times when access to modern medicine was limited. 

Winter Infectious Diseases

Winter’s cold and dry conditions create an ideal environment for viruses. Respiratory infections are particularly common during this season. Additionally, gastroenteritis caused by rotavirus and norovirus tends to spike from winter to early spring. It’s important to stay vigilant and keep healthy throughout these colder months.  

RS Virus Infection
Cause:
It is caused by the respiratory syncytial virus and is likely to spread in groups. Infants less than one year old are especially likely to be infected. It may cause bronchitis and pneumonia. 
Symptoms:
Initial symptoms like a runny nose and cough can progress to severe wheezing. If the condition worsens, it can be dangerous. 
Prevention and treatment: 
Early medical consultation is the key to preventing complications.

Croup
Cause: 
This condition is triggered by viruses like the parainfluenza virus, causing inflammation of the respiratory tract.
Symptoms: 
It will begin with a fever and sore throat, followed by a distinctive, high-pitched cough that resembles a dog’s bark. Unlike asthma, it is characterized by a hissing sound when inhaling.
Prevention and treatment:
Use an inhaler with an anti-inflammatory agent to treat it. If it worsens, hospitalization may be required. At home, drink plenty of fluids and use a humidifier to prevent indoor dryness.

Bronchitis
Cause:
Develops from cold and flu symptoms spreading from the throat to the bronchi.
Symptoms: 
Symptoms include high fever and a phlegmy cough. If the illness is prolonged, symptoms may worsen and lead to difficulty breathing. 
Prevention and treatment
Stay hydrated and keep the air moist. Avoid using cough suppressants, as coughing is the body's way of clearing mucus from the airways.

Strep Throat
Cause: 
It is caused by the A group hemolytic streptococcus bacteria and is spread through airborne droplets. 
Symptoms:
Symptoms include high fever, swollen throat, vomiting, and headaches. Some may experience swollen neck lymph nodes, muscle pain, or ear infections. Later, small rashes may appear over the body, and the tongue may develop a white coating which will turn red and bumpy (strawberry tongue) after about three days. Sometimes, the only symptom is a sore throat. 
Treatment:
It can be treated with antibiotics. Don’t stop medication without consulting a doctor, even if symptoms improve. 

Infectious Gastroenteritis
Cause:
Typically caused by viral infections like norovirus and rotavirus, common in winter. These viruses spread through contaminated food or droplets, mostly affecting children aged six months to two years. 
Symptoms:
Symptoms often start with sudden, intense vomiting, followed by diarrhea and possibly fever. With rotavirus, stool color may lighten.
Prevention and treatment:
Severe diarrhea will last longer so make sure to stay hydrated by drinking ionized beverages. Symptoms usually subside in a couple of days to a week.