Ask a Choptank Health Provider: Avoiding Winter Illnesses for Children
In this edition of Ask a Provider, we talk with Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Lauren L. Walker, DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC, CNE, and discuss what parents can do to avoid illness for their child and children, especially over the winter months. Winter months mean more time inside and the potential for more sickness with our children. What can parents do to avoid illness for their child and children?
We expect babies and young children to be sick with minor colds and respiratory illnesses quite frequently – on average, between 8-12 times per year! To help lower that risk, parents should be sure to model and teach their children about good hand hygiene. Also, I’d recommend that every child get plenty of restful sleep, eat a variety of nutritious foods, and even consider starting a daily kids multivitamin – specifically vitamins D + C, zinc, and Elderberry. And of course, keep your children up to date on all of their immunizations!
What over-the-counter (OTC) remedies are most effective for children who are ill?
It’s tough when our kids are sick, and naturally, parents want to help their children feel better as quickly as possible. However, most over-the-counter cough & cold medications are NOT safe for babies or young children; even for older kids and teens, they are unlikely to provide much relief and can still result in dangerous side effects, such as slowed breathing. The following suggestions can safely offer symptom relief and help keep kids comfortable: fever and pain reducers such as Tylenol (age 2+ months) or Motrin (age 6+ months); a cool-mist humidifier for congestion; honey for cough (age 12+ months); nasal saline drops/spray (plus a bulb to suction nasal secretions for babies under age 1); and PLENTY of fluids!
What's new on the immunization front for children, including for COVID, the flu and RSV?
For the first time ever, vaccines are available to help protect against severe illness caused by all three of the major fall/winter respiratory viruses – flu, COVID-19, and RSV! While the flu and COVID-19 vaccines can be given starting at 6 months, the RSV vaccine is recommended for all infants younger than 8 months born during or entering their first RSV season (and can be given up to 18 months for select high-risk children).
It’s safe to receive flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines at the same visit, but if given separately, there is no minimum waiting period between vaccines.
Does health insurance usually cover immunizations and vaccines for children? What should parents do if they don't have insurance?
Every child can get access to all recommended vaccines, including flu, COVID-19, and RSV, for free through their family’s insurance or the federally funded Vaccines for Children (VFC) program. All CCHS offices participate in the VFC program!
When is a good time to schedule my child's vaccines and where can they get them?
The best time is now! Your child’s nurse and medical provider are happy to discuss vaccines further and answer questions that you may have. Additionally, the CDC website is a great resource for parents to access the recommended vaccination schedules. Families can go to any CCHS office for vaccines; alternatively, local health departments and oftentimes nearby pharmacies offer vaccines as well.
Choptank Health also hosts an Ask A Provider video series in partnership with the Avalon Foundation. See more here.