Summer Colds in Child Care
Summer colds occur frequently in preschoolers because of exposure to air conditioning, airplane travel and summer camp playmates. In fact the viruses that can cause a summer cold are estimated to cause millions of summer colds each year. Colleen Shamberger, RN, is a school nurse in Saratoga Springs, New York, and the mother of three children. As a school nurse, Shamberger advises and counsels parents and school staff on childhood illnesses and the management and control of infections and communicable diseases. In this interview, Shamberger discusses how to prevent and treat summer colds in daycare centers.
OwnADaycare: In young children, how do we recognize and treat a summer cold versus allergies?
Colleen Shamberger, RN: Children can get up to 12 colds a year and while they are more common in fall and winter, summer colds occur more frequently than you think. Some of the typical signs and symptoms of a cold are runny nose, stuffy nose, sore throat, fever and body aches. Like a cold, allergy symptoms can also include a runny nose and stuffy nose; however the main difference with allergies is the itching of the eyes.
Children’s Advil has made it easy to learn more about summer colds and how to treat them at www.ChildrensAdvilSolutions.com.
OwnADaycare: What are the most effective ways to treat a child’s fever?
Colleen Shamberger, RN: First, you want to make sure you don’t over dress your child or cover him or her with heavy blankets. Overheating can actually increase fever. You should also encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids as well to avoid dehydration.
If your child is extremely miserable with a fever and you want to provide some relief you have a couple of choices. One is children’s acetaminophen and one is children’s ibuprofen. I personally think Children’s Advil, which contains the active ingredient ibuprofen, is often a more effective way to reduce a child’s fever. It lasts 6 to 8 hours and has a faster time to relief.
OwnADaycare: What are the best ways child care providers can prevent summer colds and to reduce the spread of illness in daycare?
Colleen Shamberger, RN: There are a number of preventative measures child care providers can take to reduce the risk of summer colds and reduce the spread of illness in daycare. Most importantly, make sure you and the children under your care wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available. You also want children to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. I also recommend you spend time outside as much as possible because an air conditioned environment can pose virus sharing risks and increase the likelihood of a child catching a cold.
OwnADaycare: What can you do for a child with a summer cold who can’t sleep at night?
Colleen Shamberger, RN: First, I recommend providing supportive care. Look to elevate the child’s head with an extra pillow and consider putting a humidifier in the child’s room.
For children between the ages of two and 11 who have a fever or aches and pains associated with a summer a cold, I would recommend Children’s Advil. Children’s Advil helps reduce fever and relieve the minor aches and pains associated with common cold and because it also lasts up to 8 hours it’s a great option at night for children. As always, if you have questions contact your doctor.
OwnADaycare: What are the different types of pediatric pain medications currently available?
Colleen Shamberger, RN: This year in particular it’s confusing for parents to know what pediatric medications to use because of the recent recalls of many of the over-the-counter products for children. Children’s Advil is not part of the recall and is currently available nationwide.
OwnADaycare: What is difference between pediatric acetaminophen and pediatric ibuprofen?
Colleen Shamberger, RN: Pediatric ibuprofen, the active ingredient in Children’s Advil, reduces fever faster than pediatric acetaminophen, the active in Children’s Tylenol. Children’s Advil also lasts up to 8 hours.
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