UPDATED: 01/15/2024
We are continuing to see high rates of COVID, Influenza, and Respiratory Syncitial Virus (RSV) in our office. We are also seeing plenty of cases of Strep throat and common cold viruses as well. Even though there are plenty of germs around, there are simple things to remember which can help decrease you and your child's risk of getting sick.
Use of masks and appropriate distancing, just like with COVID, is very helpful in preventing these other infections from taking hold. Frequent hand washing, decreased contact with the face, minimizing kissing and hugging, not shaking hands are actions which will reduce you exposure risk.
Cleaning your mobile device and wiping down keyboards and phones in your home and work place is helpful. Don't forget your doorknobs and light switches; especially after hosting other people.
Eating well, getting plenty of rest, consuming enough water, and regular physical activity also go a long way in improving immunity. You still may get sick, but your illness duration and intensity of symptoms should be improved if you maintain healthy and consistent lifestyle habits.
Please remember there are no safe and effective over the counter medications for viral symptoms for kids under 6 years of age, and they can actually be very dangerous for infants and children under 2 years. Fever reducers and pain relievers are safe to use, but products that contain aspirin should be avoided in all children with sick symptoms due to the risk of
Reye Syndrome. Antibiotics are not helpful against viruses, so they should not be used unless a bacterial infection is diagnosed.
There are safe things you can do to help relieve your child's symptoms. You can find this information, medication doses, and other helpful tips using our
"Is Your Child Sick" tool.
Below are some additional helpful links.
County Specific Info on Flu/COVID/RSV
RSV Info from Healthychildren.org
CDC: About COVID-19
CDC: RSV Main Page
CDC: About Flu
Mayo Clinic: Cold Medicines for Kids
Caring for Your Child's Cold or Flu: HealthyChildren.org
Don't forget about the flu vaccine!
Even if the flu vaccine doesn't prevent everyone from getting the flu, it can help reduce the severity of symptoms, the risk of complications, and the risk of spread to other individuals.