How Parents Can Help Kids Safely Resume Normal Activities as COVID-19 Cases Fall
Written by Dr. Pia Boben Fenimore
After a devastating surge in December and January, COVID cases are decreasing. So, what does that mean for our children and teens?
A recent Institute for Health Metrics model estimates that around 73% of Americans have some immunity to the Omicron variant. This is good news; however, there is still much to worry about with COVID as this country mourns around 2,000 deaths per day from this virus. Over 135 children have been hospitalized here in Lancaster, and we continue to see Multi System Inflammatory Syndrome and Long Haul COVID in kids and teens.
The positive news is that we have learned a great deal about this virus in the last two years and have made huge progress in vaccination, treatment modalities, and risk mitigation.
Beyond the pandemic, our biggest concern is the mental health crisis we are seeing in the pediatric population. It was brewing before the pandemic and has gotten worse, aggravated by the uncertainty of the times.
What does it mean that we are transitioning from pandemic to endemic? This means that COVID 19 will become regional and seasonal, hopefully in predictable cycles. Endemic does not mean that we do not need protections such as masking or vaccination, but it does mean that during low prevalence times we can relieve ourselves of some of the restrictions and worry.
What should we as a community and as parents do next? The pediatricians of Lancaster Pediatrics recommend the following as we move into spring:
Mask wearing should continue when there is the possibility that a person could be around anyone who is immunocompromised or people who are unable to get vaccinated. For that reason, we will continue to require masks in our office as a large portion of our patients are not vaccine eligible.
Gathering in groups, especially if fully vaccinated, is considered worth the risk for the mental health benefits it provides. In other words, we want our patients to participate in concerts, dances, sporting events, and graduations.
Parents should continue to seek as much outdoor time as possible for their children as it has been shown to decrease viral transmission, boost immunity, and improve mental health.
If your child is sick with any symptoms, stay home and observe. If symptoms do not resolve in 24 hours or if there is a fever, then seek out COVID testing whether it be an at home test or through our office. Schools should be accommodating to parents who are doing the right thing by keeping their child home to ensure they are not developing serious illness.
If your child has COVID or has had COVID, be alert for any return of symptoms, especially fever, chest pain, or shortness of breath. If this occurs, please seek medical attention immediately.
Plans for summer camps, vacations, etc., can and should move forward with certain precautions in place, including vaccination and pre-arrival testing when indicated.
Parents of newborn babies should continue to be very careful about avoiding exposure to anyone who may be sick. Visitors should wash their hands prior to holding the baby and wear a mask while they are in close contact.
If your child is eligible for vaccination and has not received it yet, we encourage you to do so. The vaccines are safe, and moving forward as we go from pandemic to endemic, the vaccines will provide protection from severe illness and hospitalization.
If your child is showing signs of anxiety or depression, please seek out care. These problems are very treatable with therapy, lifestyle changes, and sometimes medication. Please stay tuned to our website (www.lancped.com) for changes and updates. We have a new mental health area going live in upcoming weeks with more information on the next steps when you are facing these problems.
We are hopeful that COVID vaccine for ages 6 months - 4 years will soon be available. Please stay tuned to our social media/web site for further communication about its approval, use, side effects, and availability.
Above all else, we need to remain flexible and up to date. No one knows entirely what the future holds. New variants, improved vaccines, and increased vaccination rates are just a few things that have the ability to drastically change circumstances.
Lancaster Pediatrics remains committed to guiding our patients and their parents through these difficult times. We want to express our gratitude to everyone for your patience during times of high call volume, short staffing, and cumbersome restrictions. Our eternal optimism is hopeful that the upcoming months will feel slightly normal again and that we all will be able to enjoy our families without the burden of COVID. We are so impressed with the way our patients and their families have shown resilience, repeatedly making lemonade out of lemons and extending kindness to all.
A few other reminders:
Many children are behind on their regular vaccines due to limitations created by COVID or to efforts to get COVID vaccinated. Please check the mylghealth account to see if they are due for anything, and catch your child up soon.
PIAA physicals for fall sports will soon be upon us! Make your teen’s appointment now! Sports physicals can be done anytime after June 1. PIAA forms can be found at https://www.piaa.org/resources/forms/default.aspx
