Per the CDC this guidance provides practical recommendations and information to help people lower risk from a range of common respiratory viral illnesses, including COVID-19, flu, and RSV. For additional resources, please visit the CDC website.
Core Prevention Strategies
- Keeping up with immunizations
- Good hand hygiene
- Treatment
- Stay home and prevent spread
Additional prevention strategies
Stay home and away from others until:
- Your symptoms are getting better and you are fever free for 24 hours (without medications)
- Then take added precaution for the next 5 days
Cold and flu season
We see lots of children with coughs, runny noses/congestion, sore throats, and fevers which are common symptoms for colds/viruses. Fevers are actually a good sign that the body is fighting an infection but we know that high numbers on the thermometer can be scary to see as the parent! We are reassured if your child is alert/interactive with you, staying hydrated, urinating regularly, making tears when they cry, and has moist/pink lips and gums. If your child is under 3 months, does not have these reassuring signs, or if your child appears to be in pain, or if the fever lasts for more than 48-72 hours then please call our office to schedule an appointment.
- For most children, coughs, sore throats, and congestion/runny noses can be managed at home with lots of fluids/electrolytes, nasal saline spray in their nostrils(have your child blow their nose or use a bulb syringe to suction it out), and steamy showers/baths. If your child is older than 12 months they can have warm liquids with honey! If a sore throat is present for more than 24 hours we should see your child in the office to make sure they do not need any antibiotics.
- Some children show signs of difficulty breathing, such as flaring of the nostrils, a grunting sound with each breath, wheezing (high pitched whistling sound), or the skin around their ribs being pulled inwards. If this is the case, please call to speak with a nurse. Any child with severe difficulty breathing should be evaluated immediately in the Emergency Department. As always we are here to help, answer your questions, and see your child in the office for any concerns!
- Here are some additional helpful resources to read through