Children’s Health Top of Mind During Cold and Flu Season

What: As the cold and flu season approaches, more germs mean more opportunities for children to get sick. Young children can catch as many as 10 infectious diseases every year including colds and flu, bacterial strep throat and ear infections. Keeping children healthy throughout the cold, winter months is a priority for moms across the country.

Why: According to a Harris Interactive survey of 1,100 U.S. moms:"¢ Sixty-nine percent say that a cold is the most common illness their child suffers from during the year "¢ Sixty-two percent are most worried about their child getting the flu while they are in school or daycare

Other major health concerns for the season include:"¢ Stomach virus (48 percent)"¢ Cold (37 percent)"¢ Ear infection (24 percent) "¢ Sore throat and pink eye (15 percent each)

Some of these common illnesses are caused by bacteria and may require antibiotic treatment to get better. For moms, one of the hardest things about their children being sick is getting them to take medication prescribed by their doctor. While there are many reasons a child might resist medication, the taste of the medicine is a common complaint. In the survey:"¢ Sixty-one percent of moms reported that their child has refused to take a liquid antibiotic because of the taste"¢ Almost half (49%) have offered a bribe or other reward to encourage their child to take a liquid antibiotic

To help eliminate the bacteria and prevent antibiotic resistance, moms should have their child take the full course of treatment even if they are feeling better. To make treatment easier, moms should ask their doctor for an antibiotic that tastes good, has convenient dosing options and does not require refrigeration. Some antibiotics also offer a higher dosage level (250mg/5mL), which allows for less medication for parents to administer.

Who: Dr. Mark Weis, a primary care physician in Arizona, is available to:"¢ Discuss the survey findings"¢ Provide tips for keeping children healthy during the cold and flu season"¢ Offer ways to get young children to take their medicine when they're sick