Space Coast Parent - January 2018

Staying Healthy During Flu Season
DR. JAN BOROWSKI
We may not get the
frigid cold weather our
friends and family up
north get, but our winter
season can still bring lots
of icky germs. This is
prime time flu and cold
season.
Dr. Jan Borowski, with
Pediatrics of Brevard, gave some tips
on staying healthy this winter.
Why Is my preschool child often
sick? What can I do about seasonal
illnesses caused by the spreading of
germs and viruses?
Children attending daycare and
school are often sick more, during
certain times of the year. Most prone to
fingers in their mouths, coughing in
their hands, wiping/blowing their nose,
touching surfaces such as door handles,
books, desks and toys which lead to
spreading germs everywhere.
Most viruses and bacteria live on
these types of surfaces for prolonged
periods of time - other children touch
those infected surfaces and infect
themselves. Though important to note,
it’s normal for children to have at least
8-11 upper respiratory infections and/or
colds per year.
Typical symptoms of a cold and
upper respiratory infection:
· Sore throat
· Runny nose, post-nasal drip
· Nasal congestion
· Cough
· Headache
· Sneezing
· Low grade fever
My pediatrician will not
normally give my child
antibiotics, why?
Super bugs occur when antibiotics
kill not only the targeted bacteria
(causing the illness), but also the ‘good
bacteria’ (normal flora). When normal
flora is compromised, bacteria which
may have been in the body in small
quantity, and balanced by normal flora
are given the opportunity to grow.
Often, this bacteria becomes resistant
to commonly used antibiotics, hence
the name super bugs. It’s important to
understand the majority of respiratory
illnesses are viral. Viruses such as
bronchitis, bronchiolitis, and croup do
not respond to antibiotics. Also, the side
effects associated with antibiotics can
cause diarrhea, rash, allergic reactions
and the development of resistance to
antibiotics.
What can I do for coughing and
runny nose?
Over the counter (OTC) cough and
cold syrups are not recommended
because they are not found to be
clinically effective. There is also an
increased risk of toxicity with (OTC)
cough products. Remember to always
push fluids to maintain hydration of
your child. For congestion, use saline
spray and nasal suctioning. For sinus
pressure, use warm compresses over
their forehead. Acetaminophen and/or
ibuprofen as needed for fever, pain,
discomfort (at least 6 months of age).
What about my child’s vomiting
& diarrhea (acute
gastroenteritis)?
The vast majority of stomach “bugs”
are viral so antibiotics are rarely
indicated. Always maintain hydration
in your child. Give them pedialyte or an
oral rehydration solution, clear liquids,
(slow slips) but not water alone.
Probiotics may reduce diarrhea
symptoms; anti-nausea medication may
help reduce symptoms of vomiting.
Ondansetron may be prescribed by
your provider, but do not use
anti-diarrheal medication.
When would antibiotics be
prescribed for my child?
Normally with ear infections; though
kids can often ‘clear’ ear infections on
their own. Studies suggest if children
are greater than 6 months old, with no
fever or ear pain, to presume the illness
is viral with no antibiotics to be
prescribed.
A strep throat diagnosis would
warrant antibiotics; however, that
specific diagnosis cannot be confirmed
without a positive rapid strep or
positive culture test. Most sore throats
are not strep. Additional diagnosis
requiring antibiotics would be bacterial
pneumonia, urinary tract infections,
and certain bacterial diarrheas. Though
certain bacterial diarrheas can be
caused by antibiotic use; symptoms
would normally include fever, and
blood in stool.
When to seek care for my child?
Always seek care for your child if
they are having difficulty breathing;
altered mental status or lethargic. Be
cognitive of their risk for dehydration
caused by profuse diarrhea, decreased
urine output, cannot keep liquids down,
and/or vomiting for several days. Seek
care when there is fever in your young
infant of less than two months old.
Fever of more than 100.4 for five days,
or when fever goes away for a few days
then reoccurs. Also, coughing and a
runny nose for more than ten days,
seek clinical care.
How to boost your child’s
immune system
Breastfeed your infant, antibodies
spread from your milk to your baby. It’s
important to fully vaccinate your child
on time, including annual flu shots.
Pregnant women should also receive
recommended vaccines; family
Specializing in
Engagement,
Maternity, Newborn,
&Family Photography
members who are around young babies
should also attain their annual flu shot
and TdAP. Teach children to cough and
sneeze into their elbow instead of hand.
Also, it’s important to make sure
children finish any prescribed
antibiotic courses.
Solutions to decrease the
spread of germs and viruses
Teaching children good hand
hygiene is one of the most important
solutions to decrease the spread of
germs and viruses. Also, ensure your
daycare center is using that same good
hand hygiene teaching and technique.
Have open dialogue with the child’s
school to learn sick policies for
students/teachers and staff. Find out if
children are required to leave school
when ill, to prevent their classmates
from becoming ill as well. Keep sick
friends/family away from young
infants.
407-575-7118
599 Sherwood Ave Ste 210 •Satellite Beach, FL 32937
WWW.JENNYPURANENPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
Serving all of
Brevard County!
JANUARY 2018 Space Coast Parent | 11