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Posts Tagged "Symptoms"

24Jan2022

Keeping Your Newborn Healthy During Cold and Flu Season

Cold weather season is also the peak of cold and flu season, and if you have a new little one, it’s even more important to keep them healthy during this time of the year. Many loved ones will be eager to meet your new little bundle of joy, so make sure you take every precaution to keep them protected from illnesses. Below are a few important steps you can take to try to keep them as healthy as possible!

Protect Against Illnesses During Flu Season

  • First, try to limit visitors during your baby’s first six to eight weeks of life. Anyone who visits should be free from any sick symptoms and should wash their hands with soap and water and use hand sanitizer before holding your baby. Adults and children alike should also avoid kissing babies on their faces or hands. There are many respiratory illnesses that are transmitted by close contact, and as much as we want to shower them with kisses, it’s best to keep them safe by kissing toes instead!
  • If you need to get out and about, visit stores or shops during times of day when they are less likely to be busy, and avoid peak shopping times to limit exposure to larger crowds. Avoid places with large gatherings of people – a quick trip to the grocery store is a necessity. Still, you may want to forego events like concerts, festivals, and larger indoor gatherings until your baby’s immune system has become more developed.
  • Finally, trust your instincts and watch for any early signs and symptoms of illness. If your baby is unusually fussy or irritable, not feeding as well as they normally do, has any respiratory symptoms, or you have any concerns, contact your baby’s pediatrician. Minor illnesses sometimes require nothing more than just symptomatic care and support, but it is always best to have your baby examined for further concerns.

Cold and flu season can be daunting and overwhelming, but by taking precautions and practicing good health and hand hygiene, we can all do our part to keep our youngest and most vulnerable safe and healthy!

Kids Staff
Pediatrics
15Oct2021

Dealing with a Cold in the Age of COVID-19

As the seasons change from summer to autumn, many children begin to get the first sniffles of the year. While you might have easily been able to write this off in the past, the continued prevalence of COVID-19 has made even what might have once been an inconsequential cough seem overly threatening. As such, it’s incredibly important to know how to deal with something like the common cold in times of more heightened scrutiny.

Understanding the Symptoms

The first and perhaps most important thing you’ll need to know how to do is to separate out symptoms of the common cold from COVID symptoms. While some of the symptoms, like a cough or even a mild fever, might be present in both, there are other symptoms that are relatively unique to COVID. For example, any loss of a child’s sense of smell or taste is usually a good sign that a test is needed, as are stomach problems like diarrhea. Respiratory issues are also an issue, as you’ll want to seek care if your child is having trouble breathing even if they aren’t positive for COVID-19.

It’s also generally a better idea to be safe than to be sorry. If you think that your child’s cold is more than just a cold, keep them home even if they don’t seem to have serious symptoms. If the symptoms persist or get worse, call your pediatrician to get guidance. In many cases, your pediatrician will suggest that you get your child tested.

One of the toughest things to deal with is the fact that the common cold is just as likely to occur as it ever was. Unfortunately, this means that you’re going to have to deal with many false alarms during this cold and flu season, but that’s just the nature of the world today. As long as you’re careful and consult with your doctor as necessary, you can help to safeguard your child’s health.

Kids Staff
Pediatrics
21Dec2020

Is It Influenza, a Cold, or COVID?

This time of the year has always been known for bringing its own share of fevers, sniffles, and sore throats into your home. However, what may have been no cause for alarm in years past may now strike fear into your heart. Living through the COVID-19 pandemic is no easy matter, and it is even more stressful for parents who are worried not only about their own health but also about the health of the youngest members of their family. Instead of spending several sleepless nights worrying about whether your child has a common cold, influenza or COVID-19, read our helpful guide to get some of your questions answered.

The Symptoms of Influenza, Cold, and COVID-19

  • The symptoms of a common cold are usually far milder than those of either influenza or COVID-19. Your child may have a runny nose, sore throat, coughing, sneezing, or even headaches for approximately a week. Some children may continue on with their typical daily plans without any changes, while others may slow down for a few days and prefer to get some extra rest.
  • Compared to the common cold, influenza is usually much more uncomfortable. Not only may your child feel very tired and have a sore throat, but also he may have a mild to high fever, chills, and muscle aches. Some children even have digestive complaints, such as diarrhea or vomiting. Symptoms usually come on quickly but may not last as long as those of a cold. However, influenza is at least partly preventable with a readily available vaccine.
  • COVID-19, which is caused by the novel coronavirus, has many of the same symptoms as influenza. However, it can often be differentiated by additional symptoms, such as changes in taste and smell and shortness of breath. Symptoms may also last much longer. While a vaccination has been approved for adults, there is not yet a COVID-19 vaccination approved for children.

Although we hope that this guide has pointed you in the right direction when it comes to taking the best care of your child this winter, we know that you may still have several questions. Let us do the worrying for you. We invite you to contact our office or to make an appointment to bring your child into Kids 1st Pediatrics in Apple Valley at your earliest convenience. We offer a variety of appointment times designed to fit into your busy schedule.

Kids Staff
Pediatrics
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