IS YOUR KID SICK? WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR ACCORDING TO AN ER DOCTOR
There’s a bug on the loose, and chances are it’s either caught you or someone you know. More formally known as the flu or a cold, this year’s viruses are no joke – especially for kids. Not only are the symptoms worse this year, but the duration of sickness is also longer, resulting in many people being in emergency rooms.
As a parent myself, I can relate – no matter how many times my daughter has been sick, each time feels like the first and is just as worrisome. To help relieve some of that worry, I connected with an ER doctor, Dr. Shazma Mithani , to learn what is within the normal range, when to worry, and tips, advice and products that can help during the season of sickness.
Q&A with ER doctor, Dr. Shazma Mithani
Q: What are some common symptoms parents can expect to see among kids with the flu and or a cold?
A: The most common symptoms include fever, cough, runny or stuffy nose, body aches and low energy. There can also be gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. We have been seeing that with influenza, symptoms are lasting longer than other cold viruses (sometimes up to seven days).
Q: What are some worrisome symptoms parents should keep an eye out for?
A: Fever lasting more than five days (or any fever in a child under three months or is immunocompromised), shortness of breath or chest pain, lethargy (they’re so sleepy you can’t wake them up), irritability (they’re crying/screaming and you can’t soothe them at all), ongoing vomiting with the inability to keep fluids down, refusal to drink, something doesn’t feel right and you’re worried.
Q: Do you have any tips or advice for parents to help prevent kids from getting the flu/cold?
A: Make sure the entire family has their flu shots as early in the season as possible. Anyone over six months old is eligible for and should get their flu shot. Handwashing is paramount in preventing the spread of infection, as is staying home when sick, covering your cough/sneeze, and masking.
Q: Do you have any tips or advice to help combat flu and cold symptoms, particularly in kids?
A: It’s important to remember that fevers in and of themselves aren’t dangerous and are the body’s way of fighting infection. Keep fever medication like ibuprofen and acetaminophen on hand. Keep nasal saline on hand – this can help reduce the symptoms of congestion and cough. Honey can be used for cough in kids over the age of one year old. Humidifiers at night can help with cough and congestion as well.
Q: Are there any products you would recommend for parents to have at home that can help when kids are down with the flu or a cold?
There is no evidence for cough syrup in kids. Honey (over the age of one year old) has been shown to be effective for cough. Nasal saline with a nasal aspirator can be helpful for infants and toddlers who can’t blow their nose yet. A humidifier is also helpful to have on hand.
Products to keep on hand
hydraSense Baby Nasal Care Nasal Aspirator Starter Kit
Price: $14.99
Where to buy: Amazon | Walmart
LEVOIT 2.5L Top Fill Cool Mist Air Humidifier
Price: $49.98
Where to buy: Amazon
Billy Bee Pure Natural Honey
Price: $11.50
Where to buy: Amazon
Tylenol Children’s Medicine for Fever & Pain
Price: $9.28
Where to buy: Walmart
Children’s Advil Dye Free
Price: $16.87
Where to buy: Walmart