Genesis Health Group Pediatricians Offer Tips To Keep Teens And Younger Children Safe And Healthy
At the same time there is concern about the spread of COVID-19 to teens and younger children, another virus is making an unusual summer appearance.
Respiratory syncytial virus, commonly referred to as RSV, is usually not serious in adults but can become serious and require hospitalization in babies and young children. The symptoms of RSV can resemble those of COVID-19, including cough, fever and congestion.
Genesis Health Group pediatricians and pediatrics hospital units in Davenport and Silvis have experienced an early start to “RSV season,’’ which is usually in late fall and winter.
COVID-19 precautions taken by families last winter, including masks, emphasis on hand hygiene and limited social interaction in schools and child care resulted in a very mild year for RSV last winter. Now that children are out and about more again, they are passing around the virus.
RSV is reemerging this summer from a year of limited spread.
Cindy Skipton, RN, MSN, nurse manager of pediatrics and neonatal intensive care (NICU) at Genesis Medical Center, Davenport, reports one or two hospital admissions per day of young children with RSV.
“It is unusual to see this kind of RSV activity during the summer,’’ said Genesis Health Group pediatrician Gautam Kukreja, M.D. “We saw virtually no RSV or seasonal flu in children last winter.
“As we approach the months when we usually begin seeing RSV and flu, we hope the public continues to practice good prevention measures.’’
Vaccines for RSV are in clinical trials, but until they are available, here are tips from Genesis Health Group pediatricians for general health for families and children:
Have a pediatrician or family provider who knows your child/children and will track their development and any special care needs.
- Follow a vaccine schedule discussed with your child’s doctor, including prevention against COVID-19 and RSV when vaccines are available and recommended for the ages of your child.
- Genesis Flu-Free QC offers free seasonal influenza protection for elementary school students. Please consider this option for your child/children.
- Turn hand washing into a game by adding a play list. The ABCs song or Happy Birthday work. Or, make up your own song.
- Genesis pediatricians continue to recommend masks for children in schools and other public settings.
- If children have respiratory illness symptoms, keep them home from school and activities until the symptoms subside.
General Health Tips for Teens and Younger Children:
- Move more, sit less. Parents and siblings can lead by example by joining the activity. Walk, bike, dance, play ball games.
- Replace screen time with outdoor activities, reading, games and puzzles.
- Don’t use illegal substances or tobacco products around children. In recent years “vaping’’ as spread to middle schools.
- Create a sleep routine of regular bedtime hours. End the day with a book in bed or mellow music.
- Children who eat breakfast are more ready to learn, according to studies. Many schools offer free or reduced costs breakfasts.
- Children benefit from social interaction with peers. Encourage them to safely try new activities with new groups of people. Masks are suggested.
- Children can learn skills to help out around the home and gain independence, including cleaning their room and preparing basic meals. Grilled cheese sandwiches and soups are better when someone else prepares them.
