The holiday season is a great time to get together with family and friends. Unfortunately, along with the festivities, it’s also the time of year for illnesses to make an appearance, especially in children.
“There’s the RSV virus, which in the tiny ones can be dangerous because they can have trouble breathing,” says pediatrician Dr. Jill Kelly of Brentwood Pediatric Care. “Luckily, there’s a new vaccine that I highly recommend for kids under one.” She’s also treating the usual illnesses like colds, ear infections, strep throat, gastrointestinal infections, and COVID-19, but she has seen some influenza start early this fall and more cases of pneumonia than in recent years.
While treating the symptoms of these illnesses is critical, Dr. Kelly likes to focus first on prevention. During well visits, she discusses the importance of eating a well-rounded diet with limited highly processed foods, living an active lifestyle, and staying mentally fit.
Most caregivers teach children to wash their hands well with soap and water, use hand sanitizer, and cover their mouths with their arms when coughing or sneezing, but there’s a lot more to staying healthy.
“Being well rested is also a good way to stay healthy because being overtired can make you more susceptible to infection,” she says. “Another way is to eat a lot of fruits and vegetables, which increases the amount of antioxidants that prevent and fight infections.” For kids who are nutritionally deficient, a children’s vitamin is recommended.
Wiping down all surfaces in the home, especially those that are frequently touched, such as door knobs, faucets, and refrigerator handles, can decrease the spread of many germs as well.
Dr. Kelly encourages parents and caregivers to make sure children are up to date with all their vaccinations, too. “The flu shot is great, especially for kids who have asthma.” Flu medicines can be effective at reducing the length and severity of symptoms if the illness is diagnosed within 48 hours.
However, despite doing everything right, a virus or bacteria can still take hold. Fortunately, she says, there are treatments that can ease children’s symptoms and discomfort.
Have children rest as much as possible, provide plenty of fluids, and for children over six years old, give cough and cold medicines. For kids over the age of one, honey can soothe throats and calm coughs. For the real little ones, parents can give Zarbee’s®, a sugary herbal concoction that can ease coughs. Using a humidifier in the bedroom moistens airways, and while it may not take a cough away, it can ease the severity. If they have a fever or are achy, children's Tylenol or Motrin can help.
When a child gets sick, it often spreads to the whole family. Wiping down all surfaces with antibacterial wipes is even more important to keep germs at bay. “Everybody in the house should be washing hands well, and unless the child is young and needs to be with a parent, it’s a good idea to have them isolate themselves as much as possible,” she says.
While many illnesses can be treated at home, there are times when children should definitely see a doctor. “If they have a fever over 24-48 hours and bothersome symptoms like a severe cough, increased work of breathing, rash, frequent vomiting, persistent pain, or other more concerning symptoms, they should probably be seen to evaluate if more treatment is needed.”
Sometimes, an emergency room visit may be warranted. If an infant under two months old has a fever, she says they should probably go to the emergency room. And, of course, any issues with breathing also need emergency care.
Dr. Kelly is thankful to be able to help children in their healthcare journeys and has been doing so for over 20 years. “I like being able to see my patients being born and then follow them as they grow. I also enjoy getting to know the families and building relationships with them.”
Having her own practice, Brentwood Pediatric Care, which she opened in 2022, has allowed her to be more in control of the quality of care she wants to provide. She created an environment and team in which children and their parents feel comfortable. “I have picked some really sweet people who are hardworking and have a good heart.”
They often brainstorm ways to make the office welcoming, so when little patients walk in the door, they’ll find chalkboards and lollipops, and sometimes, a small bottle of bubbles to bring smiles to their faces.
When the really young ones need a shot, they’ll be given a little stuffed animal to help ease the pain. As a mother of two boys, 20-year-old Jack and 17-year-old Josh, Dr. Kelly can empathize with the kids and their parents and understands the importance of family.
She and her sons, along with her husband, John, and 3-year-old Maltipoo, Doug, live in Brentwood, where they enjoy dining at local restaurants and just walking around their neighborhood.
The family also loves traveling together and stays very active boating, wakeboarding, snowboarding, and skiing. “We like to take care of our bodies and be healthy, and I feel that there’s a strong mind-body connection,” says Dr. Kelly. “For me, my faith helps keep me grounded spiritually and mentally, and I think that helps me physically. I think it's important for everyone to have a sense of belonging, whether it's with your friends, your church, or your family.”
Tips for keeping kids healthy this holiday season:
Make sure they get plenty of rest
Provide a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables
Wipe down all surfaces in the home
Keep up to date with vaccinations, including those for flu and COVID
Visit a doctor regularly for well visits