Reston Pediatrics

Caring for Children with Asthma During COVID-19: Parent FAQs

Many parents wonder if COVID-19, which often affects the lungs, brings extra concerns if their child has asthma. Here are some common questions and ways to help keep children with asthma healthy during the pandemic.

healthychildren.org Many parents wonder if COVID-19, which often affects the lungs, brings extra concerns if their child has asthma. Here are some common questions and ways to help keep children with asthma healthy during the pandemic.

Healthy Children

Best ways to protect your family from #COVID19? Reduce close contact with others, wear masks, stay home as much as possible and avoid crowded, public places. More info here: ow.ly/5aKM50Axujx

[07/28/20]   REMINDER:
We do not test for COVID-19 at our office. If you have symptoms or suspect you may have been exposed to someone with Coronavirus, please give our office a call and we can set you up with a telemedicine appointment. Our doctor can then write an order for you to be tested at a lab.
Thank you for your cooperation.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Considerations for Wearing Cloth Face Coverings
Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19

CDC recommends that people wear cloth face coverings in public settings and when around people who don’t live in your household, especially when other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.
Cloth face coverings may help prevent people who have COVID-19 from spreading the virus to others.
Cloth face coverings are most likely to reduce the spread of COVID-19 when they are widely used by people in public settings.
Cloth face coverings should NOT be worn by children under the age of 2 or anyone who has trouble breathing, is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover-guidance.html

cdc.gov Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a virus (more specifically, a coronavirus) identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness first detected in Wuhan, China.

Youth Sports & COVID-19: Understanding the Risks

The sudden loss of sports during COVID-19 shutdowns was hard for many young athletes and their families. Understandably families and young athletes are looking forward to returning to sports as soon as they can but are rightfully concerned about safety during this pandemic.

As sports resume in your area, it will be important for you to understand the risks and make choices that take into account what is going on in your community and what is best for your family. To help you make an informed decision about whether your child should return to playing a sport, we have broken down some key risk factors associated with sports participation.

healthychildren.org Participating in sports during COVID-19 is a decision that families need to make for themselves based on their community and their health history. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests key questions to consider.​

Antibiotic Prescriptions for Children: 10 Common Questions Answered

Using antibiotics when they are not the right medicine will not help and may even cause more harm than good. Why? Because antibiotics are medicines used to treat infections—and they target bacteria—not viruses.

Using antibiotics when they are not the right medicine will not help and may even cause more harm than good. Why? Because antibiotics are medicines used to treat infections—and they target bacteria—not viruses.

Before prescribing an antibiotic, your child's doctor will find out if it is the right medicine to treat your child's infection.

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-home/medication-safety/Pages/Antibiotic-Prescriptions-for-Children.aspx?fbclid=IwAR0nKK29CFeAP3oyd5_EvYu5uZ1xkDtV0rEsRll_1QEI-g7QV7xQJhR0SFM

healthychildren.org The AAP answers parents' common questions about the use of antibiotics here. Using antibiotics when they are not the right medicine will not help and may even cause more harm than good.

Pool Dangers and Drowning Prevention―When It’s Not Swimming Time

Swimming pools can have a powerful pull on little children―even when it's not swimming time. Those glistening turquoise-blue ripples may look especially inviting to an active toddler or an overly confident preschooler.
Kids can slip away from the watchful eyes of adults in seconds. It happens every day.

https://healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-play/Pages/Pool-Dangers-Drowning-Prevention-When-Not-Swimming-Time.aspx

healthychildren.org ​Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional injury-related death in children between ages 1 and 4. The AAP recommends several ways parents can help keep children safe around home swimming pools and hot tubs―all year long―in your own backyard, your neighbor's, or on vacation.

Pediatrics On Call

Make sure you’re subscribed to the new Pediatrics On Call podcast from American Academy of Pediatrics—launching tomorrow!
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3gDnR4t
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6alg13nFB89i6x2gQLdr8b

[07/22/20]   Please remember that we are not holding walk-in hours. Always call ahead to schedule an appointment.

Age-Based Tips to Help Juggle Parenting & Working at Home During COVID-19

Many parents are fortunate to have jobs they can do from home during the coronavirus shutdown. However, they're discovering how challenging it is to work and parent at the same time.

If you are in the middle of this this juggling act, it is important to recognize that your work productivity is probably going to take a hit during this shutdown. Adjust and set more realistic expectations for you and your family.

Here are some age-appropriate suggestions to help avoid frustration and keep your family move forward during the pandemic.

Infants
While infants require a lot of direct attention, by planning ahead you can get work done in short spurts of time.

Wear to work. If you can stand up while doing work tasks, carrying your baby in a swaddler or baby backpack can be helpful. Infants like your touch and they like to watch what is going on, so using a carrier may give you an hour or two a day of hands-free time--especially if motion helps baby fall asleep. (Put them on a safe sleep surface if they do doze off.)

Take play breaks. When your baby wants to play, take a break and provide the stimulation she needs. When she falls back asleep, use those precious minutes to get a few things done.

Toddlers & Preschoolers
Toddlers and preschoolers also need more direct care than older kids, and typically their attention span is short. Plan a variety of activities for them while you get some work done.

Station master. Think of ways you can set up “stations" that your toddler or preschooler can rotate through. A station is a zone designated for a particular kind of play, such as blocks, dolls, or artwork. The more stations you have, the easier it will be for your child to stay interested and busy.

Side-by-side. When toddlers and preschoolers play together, they play in parallel. In other words, they play similar activities next to each other. Every once in a while they'll take a peek to see what the other child is doing. You can imitate this sort of play with your toddler.

Sit next to her while she plays, but instead of playing with a toy, finish 15 minutes of your own task. Your child will appreciate your presence, and the friendly check-ins--like a smile or a compliment (“I love what you are making")--will extend play time. When you notice your child getting bored, suggest moving to the next station.

School-Age Children
Create a schedule. Family routines are important to reduce anxiety and improve behavior. Putting together a flexible master schedule for the week is helpful for all children, but especially for school-aged kids. Fill those routines with a variety of activities such as regular meal times, physical and imaginative play, artwork, building, helping with housework, thinking and learning activities, and free time. You can fit chunks of time in your family's daily schedule for you to do your work, and explain to your child that during these times they get to be a “big kid" and occupy themselves with their own activities.

Give choices. Independence gets more important as children get older, and yet kids this age still need parents to provide structure. One way to give your child more independence is to offer choices within each of their daily activity categories.

Parents can help kids to generate lists ahead of time for each type of activity, such as things that they can do outside, creative play, exercise and chores. As your child moves through the day, from one activity to the next, they can make their own plan or select one from the list of options that they helped create. Older children can help parents make these lists, giving them more control over their options while at the same time helping them learn to plan ahead.

Tweens & Teens
Keep structure. One of the tricky things about teens is that they can entertain themselves for long stretches, but often do not make good time management choices. They tend to stay up late, sleep in, and may spend the day on their phone, gaming, or watching TV. You might be tempted to leave them alone, if that affords you the opportunity to get more work done. However, tweens and teens still need structure and schedules and regular check-ins with parents on their daily work.

Set goals. In addition to the types of routines that are good for school-age children, setting goals is useful for tweens and teens. Teens are capable of forward thinking (like planning, anticipating and estimating), but don't often use those skills unless challenged. Goal setting is a great exercise for their brains. It encourages them not only to think about possibilities, but also to make plans for how to reach them.

Remember
Without a doubt, families are in the midst of an incredibly challenging time. Reassess your work-at-home goals each week and set realistic expectations, reaching out for help if you need it.

No matter the age of your child, take a moment each day to be truly present, listen to your child's thoughts and concerns, and then enjoy some playtime. Strengthening your bond will help them feel more secure, giving them the ability to be more independent, which will hopefully buy you some extra free time too!

Be creative, be safe, and be well.

healthychildren.org Working from home when you have kids can be challenging. Here is an age-by-age guide to help you stay productive, avoid frustration, and keep your family moving forward during the COVID19 pandemic.

Talking to Children about Racism: The Time is Now

Horrific events like the killing of George Floyd and the protests and civil unrest that followed graphically illustrate how racism and discrimination harms everyone in our communities.

Children are listening
As a parent, you must assume children of almost any age are hearing about what is happening in our nation today. They may overhear adult conversations, see a video on YouTube, or watch news coverage of violent protests. They may feel afraid for their own safety or their family's safety. They might have questions about what the protests mean, why people have been killed by police, and if they are safe.

How to help your children understand
Ideally you can talk with them first, in ways they can understand, before they hear about it from other sources. When talking to your children, keep the following tips in mind:

Check in with your child. Ask what they know, what they've seen, and how they are feeling. Tell them you understand their feelings and reassure them it's normal to feel these emotions. You know your child best and what information they can handle. For younger children, tell them what you are doing to keep your family safe. For pre-teens and older children, ask if they've ever experienced mistreatment or racism, or seen it happening to others.

Watch for changes in your child's behavior. Some children may become more aggressive, while others will become withdrawn or scared. If you are concerned that your child may be struggling with anxiety, fear or distress, call your pediatrician or mental health provider for additional support.

Limit what your child sees in the media. Do not leave the TV on in the background. With older children and teens, watch with them and talk together about what you're seeing. Listen to their observations and share your own. Use commercial breaks, or pause the video, to have brief discussions. With younger children, limit TV, smartphone, or tablet use, especially when the news is on. Make sure the media they do see occurs in a common area where you can check in.

Be aware of your own emotions. As an adult, tune into how you are feeling and check that you are ok. If you are not, ask for help to deal with the trauma and emotional impact of these events and images. Make a list of your own coping strategies, and when you need to use them, tap into that list.

Use this teachable moment. For all families, this is an opportunity to discuss the history of racism and discrimination in the US and help your children discover ways to make change.

Resources can help. If you struggle to find the “right" words, try using books or other resources to share with your child. The tips in this article can also help. Remind your children that no one is perfect, talk about what you are doing to be anti-racist, what you have learned, and how you as a family can step up.

Talk and act
It's ok to acknowledge that people are treated differently based on the color of their skin and where they live and share examples of this happening. But this is also an opportunity to show your children how to make a positive difference. For example, perhaps your family can call your city council person or superintendent to advocate for issues faced by communities of color. Think about how you might confront your own biases and show how you want your children to respond to others who may be different than them.

Remember
These are conversations that many Black American families have had for years. But if this is not something your family has discussed yet, what is happening right now is a teachable moment. If we are to progress in this country, it's going to be because we help our children, adolescents and young adults learn not just that racism exists, but that it is something all of us can work together to dismantle.

healthychildren.org Talking to children about racism can be complicated. The events happening in our nation right now make this an unavoidable but teachable moment.​

Return to School During COVID-19

Advice from the AAP on returning to schools...

A big question parents have right now is how students can go back to school safely during COVID-19. The latest American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advice says children learn best when they are in school. However, returning to school in person needs careful steps in place to keep students and staff safe.

Ideally, local school leaders, public health experts, educators and parents can work together to decide how and when to reopen schools. These decisions will need to take into account the spread of COVID-19 in the community, as well as whether schools are able to make in-person learning safe. Schools and families should also prepare to go back to virtual learning if COVID cases increase in the community.

Why students should go back to school–safely
The AAP guidance is based on what pediatricians and infectious disease specialists know about COVID-19 and kids. Evidence so far suggests that children and adolescents are less likely to have symptoms or severe disease from infection. They also appear less likely to become infected or spread the virus.

Schools provide more than just academics to children and adolescents. In addition to reading, writing and math, children learn social and emotional skills, get exercise and access to mental health support and other things that cannot be provided with online learning. For many families, school is where kids get healthy meals, access to the internet, and other vital services.

What schools can do
To stay safe, there are a number of steps schools should take to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. They include:

Physical distancing. The goal should be to stay at least 6 feet apart to help prevent the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19. However, spacing desks at least 3 feet apart and avoiding close contact may have similar benefits for students--especially if students wear cloth face coverings and do not have symptoms of illness.

Teachers and staff, who are likely more at risk of getting COVID-19 from other adults than from children at school, should stay the full 6 feet apart from each other and students when possible. Teachers and staff should also wear cloth face coverings and limit in-person meetings with other adults.

When possible, outdoor spaces can be used for instruction and meals. Students should also have extra space to spread out during activities like singing and exercising.

Cloth face coverings & hand hygiene. Frequent hand washing with soap and water is important for everyone. In addition, all adults should wear cloth face coverings. Preschool and elementary students can benefit from wearing masks if they do not touch their mouths or noses a lot. Secondary school students should wear cloth face masks, especially when they can't stay a safe distance apart.

Classroom changes. To help limit student interaction outside the classroom, schools can:

Have teachers move between classrooms, rather than having students fill the hallways during passing periods.

Allow students to eat lunches at their desks or in small groups outdoors instead of in crowded lunchrooms.

Leave classroom doors open to help reduce high touch surfaces such as doorknobs.

Temperature checks and testing. COVID testing of all students is not possible for most schools. Taking students' temperature at school also may not always be feasible. Schools should establish ways to identify students with fever or other symptoms of illness. They can also frequently remind students, teachers, and staff to stay home if they have a fever of 100.4 degrees or higher or have any signs of illness.

Cleaning and disinfecting. Schools should follow CDC guidelines on proper disinfecting and sanitizing classrooms and common areas.

Buses, hallways and playgrounds
Since these are often crowded spaces, schools can:

Give bus riders assigned seats and require them to wear a cloth face coverings while on the bus. Encourage students who have other ways to get to school to use those options.

At school, mark hallways and stairs with one-way arrows on the floor to cut down on crowding in the halls.

Outdoor activities are encouraged, so students should be allowed to use the playground in small groups.

Other considerations
In addition to having plans in place to keep students safe, there are other factors that school communities need to address:

Pressure to catch up. Students may not have gained as much from distance learning. Some students may not have had access to computers and internet. Schools should be prepared to adjust curricula and not expect to make up all lost progress. It is important to balance core subjects with physical education and other learning experiences.

Students with disabilities. The impact of schools being closed may have been greater for students with disabilities. They may have a difficult time transitioning back to school after missing out on instruction time as well as school-based services such as occupational, physical and speech-language therapy and mental health support counseling. School should review the needs of each child with an Individual Education Program before they return to school, and providing services even if they are done virtually.

Immunizations. It is important as students return to school that they are up to date on their immunizations. It will be critical that students and staff get their flu shot this year to reduce the spread of influenza this fall and winter. Your pediatrician is available now to make sure you child is ready for school.

Exams. If your child participates in extracurricular activities like sports or band, talk with your pediatrician to see if they need a preparticipation physical exam. Key well-child visits are also important.

Behavioral health/emotional support. Your child's school should anticipate and be prepared to address a wide range of mental health needs of students and staff. Schools should provide mental health support to any student struggling with stress from the pandemic and recognize students who show signs of anxiety or distress. Schools also can help students with suicidal thoughts or behavior get needed support.

Nutrition. Many students receive healthy meals through school meal programs More students might be eligible for free or reduced meals than before the pandemic. Schools should provide meal programs even if the school closes or the student is sick and stays home from school.

Students at higher risk. While COVID-19 school policies can reduce risk, they will not prevent it entirely. Even with safety steps in place, some students with high-risk medical conditions may need to continue distance learning or other accommodations. Talk with your pediatrician and school staff (including school nurses) to determine if your child can safely return to school.

Remember
Returning to school during the COVID-19 pandemic may not feel like normal – at least for a while. But having safety plans – and making sure schools have the resources needed to follow them – can help protect students, teachers, staff, and families.

healthychildren.org ​In order for schools to reopen, there are a number of steps they need to take to make sure students, staff and families and communities stay safe from COVID19.