Preparing for RSV, Flu, COVID, and Strep Throat
Precautionary Measures for Immunocompromised Children
As flu and RSV season approaches, families with immunocompromised members face an increased risk of exposure to illnesses like COVID-19 and strep throat. Preparing for this season requires careful planning and taking proactive measures to reduce the risk of illness.
Let’s start with a brief overview of these illnesses, as described by the Mayo Clinic and Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
Common Illnesses
Influenza (Flu)
Influenza is a respiratory illness caused by a virus spread through airborne droplets and direct contact. Symptoms often include cough, fever, body aches, and fatigue. Children are more likely than adults to experience ear pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea with the flu. Symptoms typically appear 2–3 days after exposure.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
RSV is another respiratory illness caused by a virus, spread via droplets in the air and direct contact. Symptoms may include a congested or runny nose, dry cough, low-grade fever, sore throat, sneezing, and headache. Severe cases can cause wheezing, rapid or difficult breathing, or bluish skin. Symptoms usually appear 4–6 days after exposure and pose a greater risk to children with weakened immune systems due to cancer or chemotherapy.
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
COVID-19, also caused by a virus, spreads through tiny droplets in the air and direct contact. Symptoms range from shortness of breath and extreme fatigue to a loss of taste or smell, body aches, congestion, fever, chills, and nausea. Symptoms can appear 2–14 days after exposure and may result in serious illness for immunocompromised children.
Streptococcus (Strep Throat)
Strep throat is a bacterial infection spread through airborne droplets and direct contact. Symptoms include throat pain, difficulty swallowing, fever, swollen tonsils, and, in some cases, a rash or nausea. Symptoms generally appear 2–5 days after exposure and are most common in children aged 5–15.
How These Illnesses Spread
Flu, RSV, COVID-19, and strep throat all spread through droplets released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, sings, or laughs. Direct contact, such as touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your face, also spreads these germs. Sharing food, drinks, or utensils further increases the risk of transmission.
Precautions to Protect Immunocompromised Children
As colder weather and holiday gatherings bring people closer together, it’s important to take precautions to protect children with weakened immune systems due to cancer, chemotherapy, or other conditions. These steps, recommended by the Mayo Clinic and CDC, can significantly reduce exposure risks:
- Practice Good Hand Hygiene
Wash hands frequently for at least 20 seconds using soap and water. When soap isn’t available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. - Cover Your Mouth and Nose
Use a tissue when coughing or sneezing, then dispose of it immediately. If tissues aren’t available, cough or sneeze into your elbow. Always wash or sanitize your hands afterward. - Clean Surfaces Regularly
Disinfect high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, countertops, faucets, and children’s toys. In public spaces, sanitize grocery cart handles, door handles, and restaurant menus. Carry hand sanitizer and wipes for on-the-go cleaning. - Improve Air Quality
Increase airflow by opening windows, using air purifiers, or running fans. When possible, hold gatherings outdoors to reduce exposure risks. - Wear Masks
Masks, especially N-95s, provide effective protection by filtering airborne particles. Encourage mask-wearing in public spaces or during interactions with others. - Maintain Physical Distance
Avoid crowded places and maintain space from individuals showing respiratory symptoms. Staying mindful of personal space can reduce exposure risks. - Stay Home When Sick
If you or someone in your household feels unwell, stay home to prevent spreading illness. If caring for an immunocompromised family member, maintain distance within the home to minimize their risk of infection.
By staying vigilant and following these precautionary measures, you can help protect immunocompromised children from illnesses during this challenging season. Always consult with your healthcare provider for specific advice tailored to your family’s needs.
WHEN TO CALL THE DOCTOR
If your child is exposed to or showing symptoms of the illnesses above (or any other illness) please contact their provider to determine what treatment and monitoring is recommended. If your child is experiencing the following symptoms, as described by the Mayo Clinic, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911.
- Difficulty breathing; rapid or shallow breathing; making a grunting noise or high-pitched noise; lips and/or nail beds blue in color; chest muscles pull inward with each breath
- Signs of dehydration such as, dry mouth, decrease in urination, not drinking fluids
- Extreme weakness, tiredness, drowsiness, difficult to wake up.
- High fever
- Seizures
Please know this is not an all-inclusive list, always contact your doctor if/when your child’s symptoms arise, worsen or if they come back after getting better.
In conclusion, as we are all aware, it is not always possible to eliminate the risk of getting sick or exposing others while we are sick. But if you can take the precautionary measures as listed above, then you have done the best that you can. Children with weakened immune systems due to cancer or chemotherapy treatment most definitely require extra precautions since these illnesses can potentially affect them more seriously.
For additional information, explore The Sassy Carmen Foundation https://www.sassycarmen.org. Their mission is to support and guide families dealing with pediatric cancer. They have many resources on a variety of topics available to you.
References
https://www.mayoclinic.org
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/flu/symptoms-causes/syc-2035171
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/strep-throat/symptoms-causes/syc-20350338
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/symptoms-causes/syc-20479963
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/respiratory-syncytial-virus/symptoms-causes/syc-20353098#symptoms
https://www.cdc.gov
https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/air-quality.html
https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/guidance/index.html
https://www.mdanderson.org
https://www.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/vaccinations-for-cancer-patients–what-to-know.h00-159149190.html
