Genesis Health Group pediatricians share tips for keeping teenagers and young children safe ...

At the same time as the spread of COVID-19 among teenagers and young children is a cause for concern, another virus emerges unusually in the summer.

Respiratory syncytial virus, commonly known as RSV, is generally not serious in adults, but it can become serious and may require hospitalization in infants and young children. Symptoms of RSV can be similar to those of COVID-19, including a cough, fever, and constipation.

The Genesis Health Group's pediatricians and children's hospitals in Davenport and Silvis have seen an early start to the "RSV season," which typically occurs in late autumn and winter.

COVID-19 precautions taken by families last winter, including masks, an emphasis on hand hygiene and limited social interaction in schools and daycare centers, resulted in a very mild year for RSV last winter. . Now that the kids are out again, they are spreading the virus.

RSV is re-emerging this summer after a year of limited distribution.

Cindy Skipton, RN, MSN, Senior Nurse in Pediatrics and Neonatal Critical Care (NICU) at Genesis Medical Center, Davenport , reports one to two hospital stays per day for young children with RSV.

"It's unusual to see this type of RSV activity in the summer," said Gautam Kukreja, MD, pediatrician with the Genesis Health Group. "We saw virtually no RSV or seasonal flu in children last winter.

"Given the months that RSV and the flu in general appear, we hope that the public will continue to use good preventive measures. "

Vaccines for RSV are in clinical trials, but until they become available, here are tips from Genesis Health Group's pediatricians for general family and child health:

Ask a pediatrician or family carer who knows your child (ren) and monitors their development and special care needs.

• Follow a vaccination schedule discussed with your child's doctor, including prevention against COVID-19 and RSV, if vaccines are available and recommended for your child's age.
• Genesis Flu-Free QC offers elementary school students free protection against seasonal flu. Consider this option for your children.
• Make hand washing a game by adding a playlist. The ABC song or the happy birthday job. Or compose your own song.
• Genesis pediatricians continue to recommend masks for children in schools and other public places.
• If children have symptoms of respiratory disease, keep them away from school and activities until the symptoms have subsided.

General health tips for teenagers and toddlers:

• Move more, sit less. Parents and siblings can set an example by participating in the activity. Walking, cycling, dancing, playing ball.
• Replace screen time with outdoor activities, reading, games, and puzzles.
• Do not use illegal substances or tobacco products around children. In recent years "vaping" has spread to universities.
• Create a sleep routine with a regular bedtime. End the day with a book in bed or soft music.
• Children who eat breakfast are more willing to learn, studies show. Many schools offer free or discounted breakfast.
• Children benefit from social interaction with their peers. Encourage them to safely try new activities with new groups of people. Masks are recommended.
• Children can learn skills to help with household chores and gain independence, including cleaning their rooms and preparing basic meals. Grilled cheese sandwiches and soups are best made by someone else.

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Sean Leary

Sean Leary is a writer, director, artist, musician, producer, and entrepreneur who has written professionally on the Comics Buyers Guide pages since his debut at the age of 11. A graduate of the University of Southern California Masters program, he has written more than 50 books, including bestsellers The Arimathean, Every Number is Lucky to Someone, and We Are All Characters.

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