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Show Keeping Kids Healthy Surviving the Cold and Flu Season ji By Katherine Burgener It's the age-old question asked around this time period each year by parents "How do I keep my kids healthy during the cold and flu season?" Living in Park City also poses its own unique problems because of the high tourism during this same season. Many parents want to know, "Which symptoms should ! watch for?" and "How do I know whether it's just a cold or something worse?" Unfortunately, there are no magic answers, but following some basic guidelines will help. "Living in a tourist destination like Park City doesn't bring any worse illnesses, it just seems to bring the common illnesses to town sooner," says local pediatrician Kathy Ostler, MD. "For example, because of the influx of tourists at Christmas time and Sundance, Park City sees cases of the flu earlier than other communities. The most common illnesses we see in the Park City area are influenza, Strep and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus). We're just now heading into the RSV season." FLU According to the American Association of Pediatrics guidelines, the flu usually starts suddenly and may include these symptoms: • • • • • • • • Runny or stuffy nose Body aches High Fever Headache Tiredness (can be extreme) Cough Sore throat Diarrhea and/or vomiting throat," says Ostler. "The flu usually spreads through coughing and sneezing and then goes from child to child, but it can also be spread by a child touching something with the virus on it and then touching his or her mouth or nose." She added, 'The best way to avoid this is hand washing and cleaning surfaces. Antibacterial wipes, such as those the grocery stores offer for shopping carts, work great." In addition, The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) came out in late December to strongly encourage late-season flu shots for children in high risk groups (those with chronic medical conditions or those between six and 23 months of age) who may not have already received an immunization this year. These symptoms, however, are only considered 'flu-like symptoms,' and a lot of different illnesses, including the common cold, can be similar 'The influenza we are seeing most is STREP typically characterized by a high fever, 'The other thing we're seeing a lot of a bad cough and sometimes a sore right now in Park City is Strep," Ostler • Birthday Party Continued hom Paje IZ • • • ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ • • B /\11 For gilts that children will love and won't break the bank, stop by Dnd sec what the gals have to offer at Kids ^Collection. They have sage advice for what gifts appeal to each age and can giftwrap! 1890 Bonanza Drive, Suitel08. 649-5656 You can find everything but the cake and ice cream at the Paper Outlet Party Store at the Tangcr Outlet Center - great deals on theme supplies and wrapping paper too. 649-3 I 88. Ice cream stops in town include Cows 402 Main St. 647-771 I, Cold Stone Creamery - Red Stone Plaza at Kimball Junction or 1700 Park Avc. 655-0962. Make it easier on you - Caterers include Done To Your Taste 649-7503, Texas Reds f-135) 7837337, Park City Private Chefs 640-2433, Chesa Fma 655-8200. Park City Parent Winter/serine 2005 says, "Symptoms of Strep are usually a high fever, absence of a cough, sore throat, stomach ache and headache. Kids complaining of sore throats should be seen by a doctor who can determine whether or not it is Strep throat. If test results show Strep, the child should stay home from school or day care until 24 hours after beginning antibiotics." Strep is passed through saliva so avoid sharing drinks or food and, once again, wash those hands. RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) RSV is highly contagious and appears to have a seasonal run during winter and spring. While it can be dangerous in infants, it is more likely to take the form of the common cold in older children. Two important things you can do to avoid respiratory illnesses are keeping your child away from others who are sick and not allowing anyone to smoke around your child. YEAR-ROUND HEALTH There are also one or two things you can do pertaining to your child's particular age group that are key to keeping them healthy throughout the year. "The most important thing for babies is breast-feeding and then once they are old enough, a varied diet. For toddlers, who are still putting everything into their mouths, keeping their environment clean is key," says Ostler. "Once the kids hit school age, the most important thing they can do, and often the most difficult to enforce, is hand washing." According to Ostler, the evidence is more anecdotal than based on scientific studies but she says in her practice she finds that "kids who tend to get lots of rest, get a good diet with the right balance of carbohydrates, proteins and fats, take their vitamins and get plenty of outdoor exercise seem to fare better through the season than those who don't." Home party enhancements - Sumo Tymc (backyard slide and bouncy rentals) (801) 944-9450, Rent-A-Rock Portable Climbing Wall (801J 944-5522, Paul Brewer Magical Entertainment (801) 269-1700, AAA Event Planning Magicians and Funny Guys (801) 262-6011. Pools include Eckcr Hill Aquatic Center 645 ^<-,., silver Mountain Sports Club 649-6670, the Kamas pool, also known as the South Summit Aquatic Cenur (435) 783-2423, and all of the hotels with indoor facilities Tubing and winter fun C ., k 658-2648, and Soldier Hollow 435-654-2002 Lots of choices undci .me run* - r-nyderville Basin Special District Field House 655-0999 and the Park City Racquet Club 6\: ;-400, Black Diamond Gymnastics 615-1800, and Bobby Lawrence Karate Schools 649-fiCi""And lor something real I v different rwad to the Willow Springs Trout Faun in Kamas 1435; 783-4602 - where < i . " ' I v s something! 13 |
