HARRISBURG, Pa. — The first day of school is right around the corner.
While parents are planning out their children’s routines, pediatricians are preparing to see a rise in visits.
Whether your child is going back to school or starting kindergarten, pediatricians recommend starting a new sleep schedule now.
“Sleep has a lot of effects on the body in terms of children’s particular growth, in terms of brain development, and in terms of your body’s ability to fight off illness,” said Dr. Glenn Klucka from UPMC Harrisburg.
Klucka has practiced pediatrics for eight years.
Doctors say other simple steps, like frequent hand washing, can also help kids stay out of the doctor’s office.
“Hand hygiene is probably the easiest way to help prevent the spread of these germs,” Klucka said.
Germs like the ones found in respiratory syncytial virus or RSV for short.
While not as treated in the summer, Doctor Christopher Russo expects to see a rise in cases in the fall.
“After about a month or so we start to see a rise in the sniffles, the colds, the germs that children are passing, particularly the younger children who are less able to control themselves with their hands and the things that they touch and where they sneeze and what they lick,” said Russo, who is the director of pediatrics with WellSpan Health.
Parents are encouraged to get small packets of tissues, hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes. Most items can fit in a child’s backpack or pencil case.
Russo says the best defense is immunizations.
“This includes the flu, for younger children RSV and COVID if a parent desires that. That’s the best way to make sure your child is protected when they encounter those illnesses that we know are going to run around schools.”
Parents should consult with their child’s healthcare provider about immunizations to be proactive in preventing potential sickness.
Parents are also encouraged to take care of themselves.
“We want to make sure we’re supporting parents and caregivers through, what is also a stressful time for them, and I think oftentimes we neglect that,” Russo said.
Pediatricians say parents should also have a plan in place in case of last-minute sick days.
Most schools don’t allow students to return until 24 hours after an illness, so it may be worth reviewing any sick day rules at your child’s school.