County pediatrician offers advice for flu season
While it may be the most wonderful time of the year, the “hap-happiest season of all” just so happens to coincide with cold and flu season.
And according to a recent report by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cases of influenza, respiratory syncytial virus — or RSV — and COVID-19 have increased both in Pennsylvania and nationally.
Dr. Brian Donnelly, with Allegheny Health Network Pediatrics in Seven Fields and Cranberry Township, said the increase likely comes from “more people mixing with each other and mixing germs.”
“It’s seasonal,” he said. “I think with the shutdown from COVID the past couple of years, there’s just been less than normal happening.”
A news release from the Allegheny Health Network on Dec. 6 stated RSV cases “have nearly tripled” in Pennsylvania since November, and Allegheny County is reporting the state’s highest flu totals.
And while RSV may cause only mild, cold-like symptoms in the larger population, it — much like COVID and influenza — “can be dangerous for infants and older people,” according to the release.
But Donnelly reminded the public that many COVID-era practices are just as effective for staying healthy through cold and flu season.
“Hand-washing is still one of the best ways to prevent the spread of illness,” Donnelly said. “If you touch your nose or your mouth and then touch something or somebody else, it can spread germs efficiently that way.”
He also reminded children — and adults — to cover their sneezes and coughs around others.
“For most kids, when they get influenza, it might be inconvenient and they feel bad for about a week,” he said, “but for somebody who’s immunocompromised, that could be a bigger deal.”
According to Donnelly, the early symptoms of respiratory illnesses often begin with “achiness,” as well as fever, lack of appetite, a cough and nausea.
“And then vomiting and diarrhea would be more obvious symptoms,” he said.
The early onset of any respiratory illness, Donnelly said, is also “when you’re most contagious.”
“Rest,” he said. “And — this fits in with ‘not spreading it’ — if you do feel sick, don’t go to work or school.”
Ahead of any preventive measure though, he recommended all households stay up to date on vaccinations.
“And if they start seeing signs of illness, to do the things we’ve talked about,” he said.
In the wake of the all-too-recent pandemic, Donnelly said he hopes the public will remain mindful of prevention this holiday season.
“I guess it goes back to the things we talked about at the beginning,” he said. “The fundamental things: the hand-washing and anti-infectious disease common sense.”
But Dr. Joseph Aracri, chairman of Allegheny Health Network’s Pediatric Institute, in the organization’s release also reminded families to enjoy the holiday.
“While it’s important to follow preventive measures and practice good health hygiene, it’s just as important to maintain normal routines and encourage socialization around the holidays,” he stated. “This season is an opportunity for children to enjoy spending time with family, friends and loved ones, while also participating in festive activities at school or day care.”
