As classes commence, the occurrence of illnesses during back-to-school season inevitably rises. However, experts assert that there are strategies to safeguard students.
According to Dr. Evelyn Chan, a pediatrician and CEO of Smileyscope, “When kids are in close proximity to each other, there tends to be an increase in infections, often leading to clusters of infections.” Currently, pharmacies in the U.S. are grappling with a widespread shortage of amoxicillin, an antibiotic commonly prescribed for various childhood infections like ear infections, strep throat, and pneumonia.
Dr. Chan goes on to highlight some contagious conditions that are of concern at the moment, including COVID, RSV, influenza, as well as common ailments like vomiting, diarrhea, and chickenpox. To prevent these illnesses, Dr. Chan recommends three fundamental principles:
1. Stay healthy: Maintain a strong immune system by consuming nutritious food, engaging in regular physical activity, and ensuring adequate sleep.
2. Get vaccinated: It is crucial for all children and their families to stay up to date with immunizations. Regular visits to the pediatrician for wellness checks can help determine which vaccinations are appropriate and address any questions or concerns. For instance, there are new options available to protect against RSV and an updated COVID vaccine formula will be introduced this fall to provide enhanced protection against recent variants.
In terms of the flu, Dr. Céline Gounder, a medical contributor for CBS News, recommends getting the flu shot in September or October.
3. Practice prevention: Teach children ways to reduce the spread of infections, such as frequent handwashing, sneezing into their elbows, wearing masks when feasible, and staying home if they are unwell to prevent transmission. Additionally, advising children not to share items like eating utensils and combs can further prevent the spread of illnesses.
Preparing children for vaccinations can be challenging as they often experience anxiety. However, Dr. Chan provides three tips to ensure a smoother vaccination process:
1. Inform: Let the child know in advance that they will be receiving a vaccination. However, it is important not to inform them too early to avoid unnecessary apprehension.
2. Coping skills: Help children develop coping mechanisms to manage their anxiety. Distractions such as their favorite toy or movie can be useful. Medical teams are also utilizing technology, like virtual reality, as a distraction tool during vaccinations. Smileyscope, for example, creates virtual reality experiences that reimagine the vaccination process, making it less fearful for patients.
3. Keep things positive: Emphasize the positive aspect of vaccines, highlighting that they will contribute to their overall health and strength. Maintaining a positive perspective is crucial.
In conclusion, by following these preventative measures and employing effective strategies for vaccinations, students can be better protected and experience a healthier school year.
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