Dr. Katie K. Tran
Winter is a peak time for children to get sick. As they spend more time indoors with other people, they are more likely to catch and spread contagious diseases. The common cold, croup, flu, RSV, and strep throat are just a few of these offenders.
Fortunately, Dr. Katie K. TranUT Physicians pediatrician and assistant professor of pediatrics at UTHealth Houston McGovern School of Medicine, offers six key tips should your little one start to feel under the weather.
Know when it’s a fever
An official fever is a temperature of 38 C or 100.4 F or higher. If your child with a fever isn’t feeling too bad, it’s okay to wait and see if the high temperature goes down or goes away on its own before giving any medicine.
“Fever is the body’s natural response to fight infection. But if your child is feeling ill or irritable, or doesn’t feel well enough to drink fluids, treat them with a fever-reducing medicine,” Tran said. “If your child has a fever while he’s sleeping, it’s usually best to let him rest and give him medicine only after he wakes up on his own.”
Be careful with fever-reducing medicines
The most common medicines to reduce fever are paracetamol or ibuprofen. Paracetamol is generally safe for most children, but ibuprofen is only recommended for those older than 6 months. Aspirin is generally not recommended to reduce fever in children.
“If you think your child needs a fever or pain medicine, be sure to read the label first. Know the active ingredient and which one is safe to give them,” Tran said. “If you’re not sure which one to give, contact your pediatrician or family doctor.”
give lots of fluids
Fluids are needed to replace water lost from fever, vomiting, and/or diarrhea. Make sure your sick child takes frequent sips of water or pediatric electrolyte drinks throughout the day.
“It’s okay if your child’s appetite decreases. It’s more necessary to keep them hydrated,” Tran said. “When the body has the fluids it needs, it helps fight viruses and infections. It’s important to help your child stay hydrated.”
Be proactive with babies and toddlers
Young children and babies are at higher risk of respiratory infections because their immune systems are not fully developed. Wash your baby’s hands often, as well as their bottles/cups and toys.
“Pediatricians are more concerned about children under the age of 2 because they are more likely to be hospitalized for influenza, RSV, and other respiratory viruses than older children. If you already know of a daycare exposure or a social event, and notice the onset of symptoms, contact your doctor.”
Act when alarming
Signs that your child may need medical attention include: fever that does not go away in three days, dehydration with decreased urine output, irritability that cannot be calmed down, and breathing problems.
“Each situation is unique. One child may have problems right away, while another may get progressively worse,” Tran said. “The important thing is that you immediately contact your pediatrician if he sees anything alarming. Take them to a pediatric emergency department or pediatric emergency department if necessary.”
Familiarize yourself with the symptoms.
Learn about the symptoms and treatments for some common ailments.
Common cold
medical name: viral rhinitis, Cause: Virus
possible symptoms: cough, headache, nasal congestion, runny nose, watery eyes
Common treatment: Liquids and rest; possible over-the-counter fever/pain reducers suggested by the pediatrician
Croup
Medical name: laryngotracheobronchitis, Cause: Virus
possible symptoms: Barking cough, severe cough worse at night
Common treatment: Liquids and rest; steam; possible prescription corticosteroid to reduce the severity of cough
Flu
Medical name: Influenza, Cause: Virus
Possible symptoms: Cough, fatigue, fever, headache and/or body aches, nasal congestion, runny nose, watery eyes
Common treatment: Liquids and rest; possible over-the-counter fever/pain reducers suggested by the pediatrician; possible prescription antiviral drug
RSV
Medical name: Respiratory syncytial virus, Cause: Virus
possible symptoms: Fever, significant nasal congestion, runny nose, severe cough, wheezing, shortness of breath
common treatment: Fluids and rest; possible over-the-counter fever/pain reducers suggested by the pediatrician
strep throat
Medical name: strep Pharyngitis, Cause: Bacterial infection
possible symptoms: Fever, headache, sore throat, stomach ache
common treatment: Fluids and rest; prescription antibiotic medication
Source: news.google.com