Pediatricians Urge Health Measures as Children Return to School
As children across the Lehigh Valley returned to school this week, pediatricians are emphasizing the importance of health measures to mitigate the spread of common illnesses. With students coming into close contact with one another, certain communicable diseases are likely to rise in prevalence.
Jennifer Janco, chair of pediatrics at St. Luke’s University Health Network, noted that illnesses such as COVID-19, pertussis (whooping cough), influenza, strep throat, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) often emerge shortly after school resumes. “Anytime you put kids together, whatever they have, they’re going to share,” Janco explained.
While most healthy children will manage these illnesses, Janco cautioned that severe outcomes are possible. Influenza, for instance, can lead to complications, including neurological or respiratory issues, even in children without prior health conditions. “Every year we see children hospitalized with the flu, and every year we see children die from influenza,” she stated, highlighting the risk for unvaccinated individuals.
Dr. Daniel Ly, a pediatrician at Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health, echoed these concerns, pointing out that respiratory infections can progress to pneumonia. Children with underlying health conditions, such as asthma or seizure disorders, are particularly vulnerable. Janco emphasized the need to assess each child’s individual health status and ensure their medications are up to date as the school year begins.
Preventative measures are key to minimizing school absences due to illness. Vaccination options are available for various diseases, including COVID-19 and influenza. Janco encouraged parents to vaccinate their young children, who may lack natural immunity. The flu vaccine is becoming available now, making this an ideal time for parents to immunize their children. Additionally, there are vaccines for pertussis and measles, both of which have seen increased cases in recent years.
Janco and Ly highlighted the significance of hand hygiene in preventing illness. “Especially before kids eat lunch at school, before and after they use the restrooms, and when they return home,” Ly stressed. He recommended that children use hand sanitizer unless their hands are visibly dirty, in which case soap and water should be prioritized. Teaching children to wash their hands for at least 20 seconds—about the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice—is crucial.
Parents should also encourage children to cough or sneeze into their elbows or tissues, rather than their hands. Maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and ensuring adequate sleep are essential for a child’s immune system, Ly added.
In cases of fever, parents should monitor their child’s symptoms closely. A fever of 105 degrees Fahrenheit (40.5 degrees Celsius) or higher warrants immediate medical attention. Janco recommended contacting a child’s primary care doctor for prolonged fever rather than heading directly to the emergency department. Signs that a child may be struggling with a fever include altered mental status or dehydration, which can manifest as excessive sleepiness, lack of saliva, decreased urination, or a pale appearance.
Ly emphasized that a fever lasting more than three to four days is concerning. For respiratory infections that may spread to the lungs, parents should be vigilant for rapid breathing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing.
Janco cautioned that for unimmunized or underimmunized children, a fever could indicate a more severe and contagious illness. In such cases, she recommended contacting a primary care doctor to assess symptoms and establish a treatment plan before visiting the emergency department.
As the school year progresses, both Janco and Ly are advocating for proactive health measures to protect children and ensure they can attend school without unnecessary interruptions.
