Birmingham, Ala. (Nov. 21, 2023) —The holiday season begins in just a few days. Children’s of Alabama doctors want parents to remember simple steps to keep everyone healthy.
“Respiratory season coincides with a lot of holidays this year,” said Dr. Alicia Webb, a pediatric emergency physician at Children’s of Alabama. “It is important to know these different respiratory viruses are contagious.”
Webb says respiratory viruses are spread through contact with people, droplets in the air, sneezing and coughing. She also says infants are often at a higher risk for many of the respiratory illnesses. There are some things parents should remember to keep their children healthy, including if a parent or child has a runny nose, congestion, cough or fever, it is essential to try to isolate. Webb also reminds parents that it is not too late to get the flu shot.
“The flu shot is designed to mimic what we think will happen during the flu season,” said Webb. “Often, when people get the flu shot and then get the flu later, it’s because they have waited too long and been exposed to it. Any protection is better than no protection.”
The flu vaccine is recommended each year for anyone six months and older. The COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for anyone six months and older who has not received a vaccine in the past two months. An RSV vaccine is now recommended for all pregnant women at 32-36 weeks of their pregnancy if the baby will be born during RSV season (usually fall to spring in the U.S.). Doctors can also give babies a new type of shot that contains antibodies against RSV.
Webb says another way parents can ensure their children stay healthy is by encouraging them to wash their hands often.
“It is important to remember that washing hands wasn’t just for 2020,” said Webb. “We really need to make sure that we are washing our hands frequently, particularly during the respiratory season. Also, we need to make sure that if we are sneezing or coughing, we cover our mouth.”
Link: Hand Washing: Why it is so important
Some other ways to keep your children healthy are to try to distance anyone who is sick and avoid close contact with others when you or your child is sick, eat foods high in nutrients like fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals, and make sure children are getting plenty of rest and exercise.
Click here to learn five ways to fight the flu.
