Stacy Grohill is an acute care PNP at St. Joseph Hospital and Medical Center in the pediatric cardiac ICU. She presented the best ways to keep our children healthy during this cold and flu season.
The predictions are for this year to be a "flu" year, where the flu is seen more than R.S.V. Of course please take all precautions to safeguard your children for both.
Her reccomendations are as follows:
- teach children to cough/sneeze into their sleeve
- wash hands or use hand sanitizer
- keep well hydrated at all times (even if not sick)
- avoid hugely populated places
R.S.V.
- Children up to the age of 2 may be eligible for Synagis Injections. This is a monthly shot taken every 30 days and is given based upon the child's weight
Flu
- There is the option of a flu shot. Please note that it takes 15-20 days to become effective. If your child is showing any cold symptoms wait to get the shot. And DO NOT get the flu shot if there is a history of past adverse reactions or allergies to eggs, latex or dairy.
**And be sure to wait at least 6 weeks post-op before having your child get any immunizations**
If you have any further questions about cold and flu season feel free to contact Stacy Grohill at Stacey.Grohall@chw.edu
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