Winter is here, and with it comes a higher risk of respiratory illnesses. As the temperatures drop and we spend more time indoors, it’s important to make sure your family is prepared—not just with warm clothes and comfort food, but with a plan to stay healthy through cold and flu season.

This time of year often brings a surge in respiratory infections, especially among young children. With a little preparation, you can reduce the risk of illness and know what to do if someone in your household does get sick.

Why Do Respiratory Illnesses Spread More in Winter?

The cooler weather pushes us indoors, where ventilation is often limited and close contact is common. This creates the perfect environment for viruses to spread. As a result, winter sees a spike in respiratory infections, especially in children under five.

What Are ARIs?

Acute Respiratory Infections (ARIs) are illnesses that affect the nose, throat, ears, airways, or lungs. Children can experience several ARIs each year—especially in their first year at daycare.

Common viral causes include:

• Rhinovirus

• RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)

• Influenza

• Parainfluenza

• Adenovirus

• Coronavirus

Symptoms of ARIs

• Runny or blocked nose

• Cough and sneezing

• Sore throat

• Fever

• Headache and fatigue

• Muscle aches

• Vomiting, diarrhoea

• Breathing difficulties or wheezing

Managing Mild Illness at Home

The majority of ARIs are mild and resolve within 1–2 weeks. In most cases, you can manage symptoms at home by:

• Encouraging plenty of fluids

• Ensuring adequate rest

• Using paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain or fever

• Conducting a COVID-19 test (RAT or PCR) if symptoms are present. Some RAT tests also include Influenza and RSV testing

Most respiratory infections are viral and do not require antibiotics. Antibiotics are only useful in treating bacterial infections.

When to See a Doctor

While most children recover well at home, there are times when it’s important to seek medical advice.

Contact your GP if:

• Symptoms aren’t improving after a few days

• Fever continues beyond 48–72 hours

• Your child has ear pain, is very tired, or is refusing food or fluids

• You’re worried about their breathing or overall condition

Your GP can assess your child in person or via telehealth. Many practices prefer you complete a COVID-19 test before coming in.

Need help after hours?

If your GP is unavailable:

• Call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222 for 24/7 nurse advice

• Visit your local Emergency Department if your child:

  • Has difficulty breathing

  • Is drowsy or unresponsive

  • Is passing little urine

  • Can’t keep fluids down

Please note that EDs are currently seeing high volumes of patients, and wait times may be longer than usual.

Preventing Respiratory Infections This Winter

Taking simple preventive steps can go a long way in protecting your family’s health.

Key prevention strategies:

• Flu vaccinations: Available for everyone over 6 months of age

• COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters as per age and risk

• RSV vaccines: Available for pregnant women, certain infants and adults over 60 (private fee)

• Keep up with regular childhood immunisations

• Practice good hygiene:

  • Frequent handwashing

  • Avoid touching shared surfaces

  • Clean toys and household items regularly

  • Cough/sneeze into a tissue or elbow

• Encourage healthy habits: Nutritious diet, active play, and adequate sleep

• Limit exposure to people who are sick

If Someone in Your Household Is Sick

To help prevent spreading infection:

• Stay home until symptoms improve and there has been no fever for at least 24 hours

• If positive for COVID-19, isolate until symptoms fully resolve

• Minimise contact with others, especially vulnerable individuals

• Use masks, clean surfaces, and wash hands frequently

We understand this can be especially challenging with young children—but every bit helps!

We’re here to help! 

We hope your family stays healthy this winter. By being prepared, following simple prevention strategies, and knowing when to seek help, you can reduce the impact of winter illnesses.

At Your Family Doctors at Erina, we’re here to support you every step of the way. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to our friendly team.