(Caring for your Sick Child by Dr. Carolyn Kent, pediatrician at Keystone Pediatrics, first appeared in the March 2014 edition of the Public Opinion Newspaper. To read it online at www.publicopiniononline.com, click here.)
Dr. Carolyn Kent, pediatrician at Keystone Pediatrics in Chambersburg, says viruses and kids go hand in hand. Learn about what to do to help sick kids and when it’s important to call a doctor.
What’s a virus?
The most common cause of cold or infection is a virus. Often called germs or bugs, viruses are too small to be seen by the naked eye. We usually catch them from someone else, but we can get them from commonly touched surfaces such as door knobs. A virus enters the body through our nose, eyes or mouth and can multiply quickly to make us sick.
Why are kids susceptible?
Children are very susceptible to viruses. Since they are young, they haven’t lived long enough to develop immunity to many common viruses. They also tend to get physically close to each other and often have their hands in the mouth or around their eyes and noses making them likely to spread viruses to others.
Recovery Plan
Most of the time, children can recover from viral infection with time and rest. Most treatment options aim to keep them comfortable until they get better. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) help to bring fever down and relive the discomfort of feeling ill which may encourage a child to drink fluids.
More options
A vaporizer or humidifier can keep your child comfortable. For children older than one year, try a teaspoon of honey to help with cough. Ice pops or lollipops will also soothe a sore throat and Vicks VapoRub can help with nasal congestion. Antibiotics are not effective for a virus and can cause unpleasant side effects and resistance if used inappropriately.
Get Well Soon
It’s important to call the doctor if your child is getting worse and not better, seems very sick, can’t drink anything for more than a few hours, is having trouble breathing, or any other alarming symptom. Kids can return to activity as they feel better but children with a fever should stay home.
