My office is bulging at the seams with kids affected by the typical maladies we see this time of year – stomach viruses, fevers out of nowhere, RSV (a wheezing respiratory virus) and some early cases of influenza. The list of illnesses grows as children do, but the principles of managing the care of our ill children stay the same.
What parents can do at home to help their kiddos stay comfortable and safe when ill:
• Fever/pain relief – Fever is defined as a core (oral or rectal) temperature of 100.4 or above. Fevers are the body’s way of communicating that illness has occurred, and the response of each child to fever is different. For the very young (babies under 4 months) fever without an obvious explanation (runny nose, cold, diarrhea) should warrant a visit to your health care provider. For older infants, tots, and children, the number on the thermometer becomes LESS significant and your child’s BEHAVIOR will help dictate if fever relief is warranted. If a child is achey, listless, in pain, limp as a noodle and has a fever, then acetaminophen or ibuprofen is helpful to pull down temperatures to a level where your child is more comfortable and active, more prone to drink and eat. Until the illness is gone, up and down temperatures may linger for several days if the underlying illness is viral. If pain persists or worsens, again a trip to your child’s health care provider is a must.
• Fluids – Essential with any illness. Frequent nursing or bottles with infants, and electrolyte rich oral fluids for older children (along with water) help offset the body’s extra fluid losses caused by fever, vomiting and/or diarrhea.
• Rest – I’m sounding like your grandma now, but if a child is inactive, it is because innately their body is stopping them to combat illness. Children sleep more when ill, so respect that fact, and use waking hours to push fluids and assess how your child is doing. Once a child starts playing more and causing a little high jinx, we know that the end of the illness is around the corner.
• Humidity – In the form of oral fluids and foods with high water content are essential to prevent dehydration and loosen nasal and chest secretions for an easier exit. Ambient humidity in the air helps loosen stubborn mucous, and liberal bathing helps wick away heat from the body and provides a big boost of inhaled moisture.
• Social distancing – A big lesson learned last year during H1N1 season, the value of staying home until fever free (without medication falsely lowering temperature) for at least 24 hours AND feeling better is a key factor in preventing the spread of illness to others. After all, that’s how your child got ill – right? If there are lots of nasal secretions, or cough that is frequent enough to be disruptive to others, best to wait until those symptoms calm before return to daycare or school.
• In house cleanup – Mini epidemics within the household are typical, as we share more than just love with our kids (kisses and saliva exchange lead frequently to passage of illness). Bag up soiled tissues so clean or healthy hands don’t touch them. Wipe surfaces that are soiled with sneezes or poop with bleach containing surface wipes. WASH HANDS frequently especially after assisting your young patient.
• Immunize – Keep your child’s and YOUR immunizations current so that your chances of being affected by flu, whooping cough, or rotavirus are minimize.
1 Comment
what a great article! thanks 🙂 So far my kids haven’t gotten anything this winter. Fingers crossed 🙂