As adults, when we get sick, we might drink more fluids, take medication and get extra sleep. We might even reach out to a friend, spouse, or our doctor and express our concerns.
But what about children who are too young to administer to their own needs and can’t verbalize or explain their symptoms?
Flu Season: Keeping Kids Healthy
Kalee Wysuph, an advanced practice registered nurse and certified nurse practitioner specializing in Pediatrics at Essentia Health, encourages parents to remain vigilant as the winter months continue, especially when it comes to younger kids.
Wysuph explains that while a fever itself is not a huge problem in itself, parents should consider their child’s overall symptoms.
Monitor Symptoms
“If your child has a fever, but is still eating, drinking and peeing well, it’s OK to feel concern,” says Wysuph. “However, when your child isn’t eating, drinking or peeing well – their activity is completely decreased – in addition to having a fever, then it’s time to touch base with your provider.”
A provider can recommend initial interventions such as Pedialyte or smaller, more frequent volumes when feeding, while taking into consideration the child’s history and age.
“Kids under two months of age should be evaluated for fevers at 99. For kids over two months, we are watching for temperatures to read at 100.4 and above,” explains Wysuph. “And if a child isn’t responding within 24 hours to those initial interventions, then they should be seen.”
One of five pediatricians at the Essentia Health-The Lights West Fargo Clinic, she sees children from birth through the age of 21.
Visit a Provider if Needed
“There is often same-day availability for The Lights, and if a parent is concerned, it’s always best to come in,” says Wysuph. “Oftentimes we can read on a parent’s face if they still have a question or if they’re just not quite understanding.
“For example, we can show a parent how to properly suction their child with saline. Because while it often feels like you need 10 hands to do it, it’s possible and we can help with that!”
It’s Not Just the Flu
Compared to earlier in the flu season, Wysuph and other providers have seen a decrease in numbers related to RSV and the flu. However, they are still seeing a lot of kids coming in with viral respiratory infections.
“For those young kids who cannot sit up on their own and cough, it is important that we are helping them keep their airways clear of secretions,” says Wysuph.
Home-Care Kit Supplies
As part of home-care kits, Wysuph recommends that parents have the following go-to items:
- Functioning and reliable thermometer.
- Normal saline for suctioning the nose.
- Bulb syringe.
- Aquaphor or Vaseline.
- If in the budget, a humidifier, otherwise a steamy hot shower can help!
“In addition to having the right tools, ensuring proper hygienic care is key,” says Wysuph. “Use clean water and keep your humidifier filter clean. If suctioning out your kid’s nose often, change out the bulb syringe for a new one. And while parents are usually diligent about washing their own hands, kids are putting all sorts of things in their mouths, including their own hands, so we need to wash them!”
She adds that parents shouldn’t underestimate the importance of adequate sleep, good hydration, and having a healthy diet for their kids – and themselves!
“Caring for an ill child is a full-time job and you are not alone,” says Wysuph. “As providers who are also parents, we struggle with the same things at home, so please don’t hesitate to reach out to your provider at any time.”
Parents are encouraged to contact their provider via the MyChart app or webpage, or call (844) 663-1068 to schedule an in-person or virtual appointment.
Kalee Wysuph, APRN-CNP, chose pediatrics because of the span of development from birth to older adolescents. Wysuph loves to watch each child grow into their own personalities and capabilities; along with helping parents navigate different challenges as they arise with their child. To see Kalee’s full profile, please visit EssentiaHealth.org and click on “Doctors & Providers.”
Words by Caitlin Pallai
Looking for a pediatric provider? Visit the Fargo Mom Guide to Children’s Healthcare in Fargo.
