Parents usually love when their kids are good at sharing with others. A notable exception: Sharing germs.
Children are being affected by the “tripledemic” of influenza, RSV and COVID-19. There has been a rise in visitation to doctor offices and hospitals both locally and around the country.
So, what should parents know to keep their child safe this winter? Guide is here to inform parents on symptoms to look for, how to provide treatment at home, how to know when it is time to seek medical attention and how local health care centers are rising to the need for attentive care.
What are these Illnesses?
RSV, which stands for Respiratory Syncytial Virus, is a common, cold-like illness which typically resolves in about a week or two for healthy individuals. It has potential to more seriously affect infants and the elderly. According to the CDC, it is the most common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in babies 1 year and younger.
Except for bacterial pneumonia, only the symptoms of RSV, flu and Covid are treatable, not the virus itself. While flu and COVID do have some treatments, many are not age appropriate for children.
Vaccination can reduce risk of flu and COVID. Simple precautions such as washing hands, disinfecting surfaces, staying away from sick friends and relatives and not exposing young children to tobacco smoke are all important.
Why is this Happening?
According to Dr. Sharon Collins, Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Florida Department of Pediatrics in the College of Medicine, pediatricians are seeing children who are sicker than usual for this time of year. A prevailing theory for this is because children have not been as exposed to germs due to the pandemic.
“Children need episodic exposure,” Dr. Collins said. “Children are naturally exposed to germs in the environment, as well as exposures from the mother. Due to the masking and social distancing, which we needed to do, it means children have not been exposed as usual.”
Respiratory illnesses generally have a season, but Dr. Collins said the season has not ended. Hospitals have not been seeing as much COVID and flu, which Dr. Collins said is a good thing, but RSV has been especially prevalent.
What Symptoms Indicate These Illnesses?
RSV, flu and COVID share many similar symptoms. Here are the signs to look out for, according to the CDC:
- Runny nose
- Decrease in appetite
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Fever
- Wheezing
- Fever or feeling feverish/chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Deciding to Treat at Home or Go to the Hospital
If a child does get sick, and the illness is mild, Dr. Collins recommends parents use a Nose Frida to remove excess drainage from the nose, as many coughs originate as nasal drainage. Humidifiers are helpful, as long as parents use the proper water and keep it clean.
Vicks Vapo Rub is not recommended for babies, as they could potentially put it in their mouth. While processed honey, not raw, can be helpful for older children, babies younger than 1 should never use honey. Cough syrups are also never recommended for children, according to the FDA.
Some children, despite home remedies, will need additional care from their pediatrician. Dr. Collins recommends children be seen by a doctor if:
- Small babies are breathing so fast they cannot eat
- Children are breathing so fast they cannot talk;
- Children are has a fever of 102F or higher;
- Babies two months or younger have a fever of 100.4F
- Children or babies have a fever that lasts more than a week
Dr. Collins also highly recommends all parents should feel comfortable calling their doctor and making an appointment if they are worried.
“Pediatricians are here to help and support parents and children,” she said. “That’s what we are here for. We want to see your child; see them safe and well taken care of, just like parents do. Always err on the side of caution and call us.”
Despite the illnesses circulating, Dr. Collins is hopeful the trend will be on the way down within six weeks. She expects a bump around the winter holidays, but by mid to late January, she is hoping things will have slowed down.
By Michelle Stephens.