By Peter Francis, M.D., Pediatric Medicine, Beaumont Hospital, Grosse Pointe.
Q. I don't consider myself to be a "germaphobe" but I certainly would rather take a few precautions than have my children endure an ugly virus or flu. What can I do to safeguard them without causing them distress?
A. Children are taught to "share" at a young age. And, they do - drinks, video game controls, toys and the list goes on. The best practice is to teach your children to wash their hands often. They should wash before meals, after using the bathroom and after playing with other children's toys. Another trick is to teach children to cough into their elbow. This will keep germs off the hands thereby reducing the possibility of spreading germs.
Q. How can I tell if a sore throat is a virus or a more serious infection? At what point do I call my pediatrician?
A. If your child seems extremely ill, or has difficulty breathing or trouble swallowing it could indicate a more serious infection. The only way to be sure of the cause of a sore throat is to perform a throat culture. I instruct my patient's (parents) that if a sore throat persists, make an appointment to see me. Most sore throats require no specific treatment and must "run their course." Treat the symptoms by eating and drinking cool soft foods and fluids. Avoid fizzy or too tangy liquids. Treat fever if present and soreness with medications such as ibuprofen or Tylenol. Carefully observe your child's breathing and if you are worried about any distress, call your pediatrician or have your child seen in the emergency department. Some sore throats are caused by bacterial infections and the course and complications may require antibiotics.
Q. What causes a fever and what is considered to be a "high" temperature?
A. Fevers are actually a good thing. It is the body's way of fighting infection and indicates that your child's immune system is working! A resting temperature will vary between 36 and 36.8 degrees centigrade (96.8 - 98.2 degrees Fahrenheit) while a high temperature or "fever" is a temperature above 38 degrees centigrade (100 degrees Fahrenheit). Fever is common in children at various ages as they are exposed to other people, viral or other infections, or as they grow and develop, for instance when teething. You know your child best. If your child is running a temperature and is not their usually playful self, or seems lethargic (tired, slow moving) call your child's physician for instructions or an appointment.
Dr. Francis is a member of the Beaumont Hospital, Grosse Pointe medical staff, specializing in pediatric medicine. He will be presenting a free lecture for The Family Center's Partners In Parenting Series titled: "Common Childhood Illnesses & Infections - Latest Strategies and Myths" on Wednesday, April 29, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., at Beaumont Hospital, Connelly Auditorium (468 Cadieux, Grosse Pointe). Dr. Francis can be reached at 586.558.2111. To RSVP call The Family Center at 313.432.3832.
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Common Childhood Illnesses & Infections
