Health Anxiety this Sick Season

Feb 2

When illness strikes your family, it’s natural to feel worry. You’re not alone in feeling this way. Many parents experience heightened anxiety about keeping everyone healthy or avoiding illness during sick season. The last few years have also created a very heightened tone of worry for illness - we’re all hyperaware that there are a lot of illnesses going around, that flu season has been particularly hard this year, and that life can be very draining when you have a sick family. And it’s even harder because we all see so much on social media - scary stories of illness, constant discussion about all of the sickness out there, and it’s a lot of information overload. And as parents, not only are you facing illness but also the practicalities of managing day to day life - household responsibilities, work or time off, feeling sick yourself. It’s a lot!

One of the best things I’ve learned about anxiety is that the opposite of anxiety isn’t calm, it’s trust. Trust that things will be okay, and trust in yourself to handle challenging situations. You can do it. There are some things that we can control - tips like those below - and some things that we can’t - the outside world, our kids’ exposure in childcare settings, etc. Knowing that you’ve done all you can, that you’re trying your best, and that you know what to look for and when to seek help, allows you to care for your kids and know that you’re the best one to help guide them through this.

It’s hard to remember during this time, but it is also so important to know that our children’s immunity builds over time. It’s dynamic and depends on a lot of factors (there isn’t a magic boost or answer) like nutrition, rest, genetics, and exposure. And your kids may be in a place of exposure this season. It’s like building blocks for their immune system. As hard as it is to be in it, they will develop stronger immunity because of it.

Part of this requires an ability to be able to slow down, which is really hard in life today. Stepping back isn’t easy if you have a job where you can’t call out, if you don’t have backup childcare, if you are doing it all at home and just need some rest. It’s a lot. And I recognize that. I’ve felt that way a lot in my own life, when my husband travels and I’m with the boys. For us, simplifying the day to day has helped a lot. I’ve been following @hilaryandes on IG, and she’s helped me to become more minimal and thoughtful about my home. I’ve gotten rid of a lot of things that were causing clutter and extra work - extra dishes, clothes, toys. It’s already helping a lot to make daily tasks like laundry and dishes and cooking more manageable.

Part of it requires an ability to also recognize when our anxiety is overwhelming us and isn’t helping anymore. I love @kateborsato for this — she has a ton of information on intrusive thoughts, health anxiety, and helps with practical tips. She is amazing, and I’ve learned a lot from her.

In the meantime, here are some small changes that can make a big difference in your family’s health. Small things, step-by-step. You’re doing great, and this season will pass.

Simple Steps to Better Health

1. Prioritize Handwashing:
Teach older children to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water as soon as they come home from school, daycare, or playdates. Make it a fun routine—sing a favorite song while scrubbing to ensure they wash for at least 20 seconds.

2. Change Clothes After School:
Have your older child change into clean clothes when they get home. This helps remove any germs they may have picked up during the day. Consider making this part of their after-school routine, just like unpacking their backpack.

3. Rethink Bath Time:
Consider shifting bath time to right after your older child returns home. A quick bath or shower can help wash away any lingering germs, reducing the risk of spreading them to your newborn.

4. Try an air filter:

Air filters can help to reduce the spread of bigger particles (not all viruses) of illness and allergies. We love this one - it’s helped so much in our family.

5. Simplify cleaning.

I’m all about simplifying cleaning - one product that can be used almost anywhere has reduced the work I have to do and makes life a lot easier when cleaning up after illness. I like Force of Nature, because it’s a non-bleach option (my mom has asthma, and bleach product smells really trigger her symptoms) and is also EPA-registered to help with all viruses, including norovirus (which we’re seeing a lot of this year). I use it on all high contact surfaces, bathrooms, and on toys - it’s safe and works so well.

Practical Tips for Keeping Your Newborn Healthy When You Have Older Children

Balancing the needs of a newborn with the realities of having toddlers or school-aged kids can be tricky, especially when illness enters the picture. Here are some simple, intentional strategies to help reduce the risk of spreading germs in your home:

4. Create a "Kiss Zone" for Baby:
Older siblings often love showering the new baby with affection. To keep your newborn safer, establish a special “kiss zone”—like their tiny feet or toes—instead of their face or hands, which babies frequently put in their mouths.

5. Change Clothes Between Care:
If you're caring for an older child who is sick, consider changing your clothes and washing your hands thoroughly before handling your newborn. This small step can significantly reduce the chance of transferring germs.

6. Keep High-Touch Surfaces Clean:
Regularly disinfect doorknobs, light switches, remote controls, and other frequently touched surfaces, especially when someone in the house is ill.

7. Healthy Boundaries with Visitors:
If friends or extended family want to visit while someone in the household is sick, it’s okay to politely postpone. Protecting your baby’s health comes first.

When to Seek Medical Help for Your Newborn

Knowing when to seek help can help you to feel more in control and also comfortable knowing what to look for. Contact your pediatrician or seek emergency care right away if your newborn shows any of the following symptoms:

Fever: A rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher in a baby under 3 months old is considered an emergency.
Breathing Difficulties: Rapid breathing, grunting, flaring nostrils, or retractions (sinking in of the skin around the ribs or neck while breathing).
Poor Feeding: Refusing to eat, eating significantly less than usual, or showing signs of dehydration (fewer wet diapers, dry mouth, no tears when crying).
Lethargy: Unusual sleepiness, difficulty waking, or a marked decrease in activity.
Color Changes: Bluish lips, face, or fingernails.
Persistent Vomiting or Diarrhea: Especially if accompanied by signs of dehydration.

Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, it’s always better to reach out for medical advice.

Finding Peace Amid the Germs

While these steps can help reduce the risk of illness, remember that you can’t eliminate every germ. And that’s okay. Babies are resilient, and your attentive care goes a long way in keeping them safe. If anxiety feels overwhelming, take a moment to breathe, reach out to your pediatrician with any concerns, and lean on your support system. You are doing an incredible job navigating the messy, beautiful world of parenthood—even when the sniffles strike.

Sending you a big hug,

Anjuli

Disclaimer: For educational purposes only and should not be regarded as medical advice or replace the advice of your physician and medical care team.

health

ANJULI GANS