22 Emily McCarty, M.D. Pediatric hospitalist Q I’ve been an at-home mom for six years, and I am going back to work in the new year. My 6-year-old is in kindergarten, and my infant will start day care. Any tips on how to keep them from getting sick this winter? Most day cares and schools are well-versed on keeping their spaces and classrooms clean, but teaching your kids healthy habits and good hand hygiene at a young age is always the best defense. Prevention is key to reducing the risk of common winter illnesses. When you’re on the go, sanitizing gels, tissues and wipes are great to keep in your car or diaper bag. Also, teach children to cough and sneeze into a tissue or in their elbow or arm instead of their hands. Doing these things establishes healthy habits early on and can help prevent your family from getting sick! Ask the Expert Watch a video Q&A about RSV, one of the most common respiratory viruses in children, at KH.org/pediatrics. If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s health, reach out to their health care provider. Tips for dealingwith winter illnesses If you think your child may be ill, be mindful of their activity levels and appetite. If your child is lethargic, has a high fever, is barely eating or drinking or not making wet diapers or going to the bathroom as often as they normally do, then it’s time to see your pediatrician. Your pediatrician can advise how best to care for your child, which may include some of the following treatment paths: Fever and pain. Administer acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin) based on the dosage your pediatrician provides. Remember, do not give ibuprofen to any child younger than 6 months old. Nausea and vomiting. Try small doses of electrolyte supplements like Pedialyte to keep your child hydrated. Pay attention to how many times your child urinates to help determine if they are dehydrated. Stuffy nose and cough. Humidifiers can help your child sleep better at night by loosening the mucus in their lungs and nose. Vapor rubs and saline drops can also alleviate symptoms, but talk to your pediatrician first because vapor rubs are not appropriate for all ages. We recommend against giving children cough suppressant or decongestant medications. Sore throat. A teaspoon of honey can help children over 12 months of age. For older children, gargling warm, salty water is a quick and easy remedy. It is helpful to keep nasal suctions, saline drops, humidifiers and pain reliever medications in the house but out of reach of children. Sanitize doorknobs, toys and commonly used surface areas to help prevent germs from spreading.
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