Pediatricians Offer Key Health Tips as Kids Return to School

As children across the Lehigh Valley returned to school this week, healthcare professionals are warning parents about the rise in common communicable diseases. Pediatricians emphasize the importance of preventive measures to keep children healthy during the school year, as the close contact among students increases the likelihood of illness transmission.

Dr. Jennifer Janco, chair of pediatrics at St. Luke’s University Health Network, notes that illnesses such as COVID-19, pertussis (whooping cough), influenza, strep throat, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are expected to become more prevalent. “Anytime you put kids together, whatever they have, they’re going to share,” Janco stated.

While many healthy children can handle these illnesses, Janco warns that complications can arise. Influenza, for instance, can lead to severe neurological or respiratory issues, particularly in unvaccinated children. “Every year we see children hospitalized with the flu, and every year we see children die from influenza, and the large majority are children without underlying health conditions,” she explained.

Dr. Daniel Ly, a pediatrician at Lehigh Valley Health Network, added that respiratory infections prevalent in school settings could progress into various types of pneumonia. Some children, particularly those with existing health issues, face a higher risk of severe outcomes. “You have to look at the individual child,” Janco advised. “There are kids with underlying chronic conditions that put them at higher risk for complications from routine illnesses.”

Vaccination plays a crucial role in safeguarding children’s health as they head back to school. Janco encourages parents to ensure that their children receive vaccinations for COVID-19 and influenza, especially since flu shots are becoming available around this time of year. RSV vaccines are primarily aimed at infants, while vaccines for pertussis and measles are also available, as these diseases have seen a resurgence in recent years.

Preventive Measures for a Healthy School Year

Promoting good hygiene practices is essential to prevent illness spread. Dr. Ly highlights the importance of teaching children proper hand hygiene, especially before meals and after using the restroom. “Hand sanitizer is fine unless hands are visibly dirty,” he said. “If so, soap and water are recommended. Encourage children to wash their hands for at least 20 seconds, which is roughly the time it takes to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ twice.”

Additionally, parents should instruct children to cover their mouths when coughing or sneezing, preferably using their elbow or a tissue to avoid contaminating their hands. Maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and getting sufficient sleep also contribute to a robust immune system.

Parents should monitor their children closely for symptoms of illness. If a child develops a high fever, especially one reaching 105 degrees Fahrenheit, or if the fever persists for more than three to four days, a visit to the emergency department may be necessary. Janco advises contacting a child’s primary care doctor first to assess the situation effectively.

Ly warns that signs of respiratory distress, such as rapid breathing or wheezing, require immediate attention. “If your child looks like they’re breathing faster than normal, or if you can see the outline of their ribs when they breathe, it’s time to seek help,” he said.

Janco also noted that unimmunized or underimmunized children exhibiting fever may indicate a more serious and contagious illness, warranting additional caution. “Instead of going to the ER where they may spread that, it is better for them to call their primary care doctor who can assess what their symptoms are and possibly develop a plan,” she advised.

As the school year progresses, understanding and implementing these health measures will be vital for parents and children alike to minimize the impact of seasonal illnesses on their education and well-being.