Is My Child Always Sick? Allergies vs. Cold vs. Flu (5 Ways to Tell the Difference)

Описание: Is It Just a Cold? Understanding Your Child's Symptoms (Allergies vs. Flu vs. Colds)

If your kid seems "always sick," it might not just be a bad immune system—it might be a complex mix of allergies and infections. With overlapping symptoms like cough, congestion, and fatigue, how can parents tell what's really going on?

In this essential episode of Allergy Actually, your bestie allergist moms – Dr. Kara Wada, Dr. Amber Patterson, and Dr. Meagan Shepherd – break down the five crucial ways to distinguish between a cold, the flu, and allergies. They discuss why controlling underlying conditions is the key to preventing severe illness, the pattern of normal sickness for kids in daycare, and share the surprising over-the-counter hacks that may have antiviral properties. This is your guide to minimizing friction and stress this winter and heading into spring allergy season prepared.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:
The critical difference between normal childhood sickness frequency (8-12 viral infections per year) and when to worry about something more serious.
The importance of fever: the #1 sign suggesting an infection (and how it differs from allergies).
Why controlling underlying allergies and asthma is the best preventative measure against severe, lingering colds and persistent coughs.
The surprising role of Azelastine (Astepro): new evidence suggesting it may have direct antiviral properties against respiratory illnesses.
How non-medicated nasal sprays (like Profi) create a physical barrier to block viral binding in the nasal passages.
Why parents of 14-year-olds need to proactively manage their child's health history now.
When chronic, recurring illness patterns warrant seeing an allergist/immunologist for a workup for immune deficiency.

EPISODE IN A GLANCE
00:00 Intro
02:37 Why Prevention & Controlling Baseline Disease Matters
04:37 The Two-Year Period When Kids Are Sick All the Time
05:46 Building Immune Strength: A Positive Mindset
07:12 Fever: The #1 Sign of Infection vs Allergy
08:19 Azelastine's Surprising Antiviral Properties
12:18 When to Call the Doctor: Chronic Infections & Immune Concerns

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ABOUT HOSTS
KARA WADA, MD
Dr. Kara Wada is a quadruple board-certified physician in allergy, immunology, and lifestyle medicine, and founder of the Immune Confident Institute. As a Sjogren’s patient and life coach, she combines modern medicine with lifestyle and mindset practices to help patients harness their body's ability to heal.
Website → https://drkarawada.com/
LinkedIn →   / karawadamd  
Instagram →   / immuneconfidentmd  
Facebook →   / karawadamd  
Youtube →    / @drkarawada  
TikTok →   / immuneconfidentmd  

AMBER PATTERSON, MD
Dr. Amber Patterson is a world-renowned allergy and immunology expert pioneering the future of immunotherapy. As the U.S. ambassador for ILIT™ (a 3-injection allergy shot protocol), she is redefining allergy care through her practice, Auni Allergy®, and the groundbreaking Auni ILIT Learning Network.
Website → https://auniallergy.com/
Instagram →   / auniallergy  
Instagram →   / amber_patterson_md  
Facebook →   / auniallergy  
Youtube →    / @auniallergy  

MEAGAN SHEPHERD, MD
Dr. Meagan Shepherd is a board-certified allergist and immunologist with nearly 15 years of experience specializing in advanced immunotherapy. She is known for her practical, evidence-based approach and her unique focus on "allergy-conscious living"—designing homes, habits, and lifestyles that improve her patients' quality of life.
Website → https://shepherdallergy.com/
LinkedIn →   / meagan-shepherd-md-02b7776a  
Instagram →   / shepherdallergy  
Facebook →   / shepherdallergy  

DISCLAIMER
The information in this podcast/video is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.