From Remedios Caseros to Checkups: Caring for Latino Children Year-Round

When it comes to your child’s health, every season brings its own challenges. Winter often means more flu, RSV, and sore throats. Spring can trigger allergy flare-ups, summer may bring scrapes, insect bites, or dehydration, and fall can lead to respiratory viruses and school-related stress.

While many Latino families turn to remedios caseros like teas, soups, or vapor rub to ease symptoms, it’s important to combine these traditions with preventive care. That’s where Legacy comes in—our pediatric teams are available year-round to address everything from seasonal illnesses and stomach bugs to school stress and developmental concerns.

No matter the time of year, children are regularly exposed to illness—especially in schools, daycares and playgrounds. That’s why Legacy Community Health is here to help families stay ahead of common health issues with pediatric care that’s convenient, compassionate, and focused on your child’s well-being.

In many Latino households, mamás, abuelitas and tías are the first to notice when something’s off—keeping a close eye on little ones and working together to care for the entire family. Legacy understands this shared approach and partners with families to provide trusted, culturally respectful care rooted in tradition and community values.

Here’s a closer look at some common illnesses by season:

• Winter:
  • RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) – Typically mild in older children but can be more serious for infants under six months, sometimes leading to breathing issues and hospitalization.
  • Flu – Fever, chills, fatigue, and cough are common symptoms. The flu shot provides strong protection and helps prevent serious complications like pneumonia.
• Spring:
  • Allergies – Sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes are common as pollen levels rise.
  • Strep Throat – Watch for sore throat, fever, and swollen glands—especially in school-aged kids.
• Summer:
  • Skin infections and insect bites – Scrapes, rashes, and bug bites increase with outdoor play.
  • Dehydration and stomach bugs – Often caused by heat exposure or contaminated water and food.
• Fall:
  • Pertussis (Whooping Cough) – Highly contagious and especially dangerous for infants who haven’t completed their vaccine series. The DTaP vaccine is key for prevention.
  • Respiratory viruses – As children return to school, illnesses like colds and viral bronchitis become more common.

In many Latino households, trusted advice from family, neighbors or comadres often influences medical decisions. There may also be hesitation around vaccines or confusion about symptoms and treatments. Legacy’s providers are trained to meet families where they are—taking time to explain, listen and provide answers in Spanish or English.

Just as we create space for open vaccine conversations, Legacy fosters trust across all aspects of care—especially when language, immigration status, or financial barriers make families hesitant to seek help.

Tips to Help Prevent the Spread

“As part of protecting their good health, it’s important not to skip preventive care appointments for children,” said Dr. Iliana Solano, Clinical Medical Director of Pediatrics at Legacy Community Health. “During these visits, we give vaccines, do blood tests, and check for any conditions we might be able to treat early—before they develop into something more serious.”

While it’s impossible to eliminate every germ, families can take simple, year-round steps to reduce the spread of illness and keep kids healthy.

Stay on Top of Preventive Care:

• Schedule regular checkups—even when kids aren’t sick.
• Stay current with flu shots, DTaP, and RSV vaccines, especially for high-risk infants.

Practice Healthy Everyday Habits:

• Teach proper handwashing and how to cover coughs and sneezes.
• Keep sick children home to avoid spreading illness to others.
• Make sure kids get enough sleep, stay hydrated, and eat nutrient-rich meals.

Adjust for the Season:

• Limit sugary snacks and include more fruits and vegetables, especially during holidays or family gatherings.
• During warmer months, apply sunscreen and insect repellent when kids are playing outdoors.

Vaccine Questions? Let’s Clear Up the Confusion

Having questions about vaccines is completely normal—and at Legacy Community Health, those questions are always welcome. Our providers take the time to talk through concerns, explain the science, and help families make informed decisions.

Here are a few important facts for parents to know:

• Vaccines don’t cause autism. This myth has been widely disproven by decades of medical research.
• Too many vaccines won’t weaken your child’s immune system. In fact, vaccines help it work smarter by teaching the body to fight off serious diseases.
• Most vaccine side effects are mild. A sore arm or low-grade fever is common and temporary.
• Natural infection isn’t safer. Getting the disease can lead to dangerous complications—vaccines offer protection without those risks.

In Latino communities, where comadres, neighbors and relatives often influence health decisions, word-of-mouth and online misinformation can spread quickly. That’s why Legacy builds trust through honest, respectful conversations—often in Spanish—so parents feel supported, empowered and confident.

To schedule an appointment or learn more about our pediatric services, visit or call (832) 548-5000.