Cold and Flu Medicine Shortages for Children: What Parents Can Do

according to U.S. Centers for Disease Control, Influenza and RSV may be responsible for this recent increase in illness.

“There have been record numbers of RSV and influenza hospitalizations nationwide this fall,” he said. Dr. James AnthonyAssistant Professor of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt Monroe-Carrell Jr. Children’s Hospital Children’s Hospital School of Medicine.

Antoon attributes this to the dramatic decline in RSV, influenza, and other respiratory viruses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As a result, there are a large number of children under the age of three who have never been infected with RSV or influenza, and the pool of susceptible children who lack basic natural immunity to these viruses will be larger than ever before this year. It’s been a lot more than it’s been a year.”

The CDC estimates that 8.7 million illnesses are responsible for this season. influenzaThe CDC is also reporting increased RSV detections and emergency department visits in multiple US regions. According to historical data, approximately 2.1 million outpatients RSV For children under 5 years old.

“Locally and nationally, pediatricians are experiencing a surge in upper respiratory tract infections, from a slew of respiratory viruses, including one of the worst flu seasons in nearly a decade, to the worst RSV surge in years. Until then,” he said. Dr. Alok Patela pediatrician at Stanford Children’s Health.

Patel said: , there has been a rapid increase in RSV-related hospitalizations in young infants. ”

according to prescription dataTamiflu, a prescription drug for influenza, is on the rise compared to previous years.

Current prescription rates for the drug through early December are already on par with rates typically seen during peak flu season in late December and January.

This increase in Tamiflu use shortage With this drug, experts say.

This is a serious problem for young children, as Tamiflu is currently the only drug approved by the FDA for the treatment of influenza in children under the age of five.

Antibiotics cannot cure viruses, but they can help with secondary bacterial infections that can occur after the initial illness.

Demand for common antibiotics like amoxicillin has increased this winter, and there are reports of shortages of these critical medicines. FDA.

“Bacterial infections such as ear infections and pneumonia can occur during or after viral infections, and given the high number of RSV and influenza infections this season, these two There could also be an increase in subsequent infections,” Antoon told Healthline.

Experts stress that antibiotics should not be used to treat viruses.

“Parents and parents need to remember that the majority of upper respiratory tract infections are caused by viruses and resolve without the need for antibiotics,” Patel said.

Likewise, over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol and Motrin for Children are in short supply.

In a statement by Tylenola company executive said they understand that consumer demand is high, but they are doing everything they can to make sure people have access to the products they need.

Naturally, parents are worried about not being able to provide their children with medicine, especially when they are sick. However, health experts say parents needn’t worry and may be able to take advantage of medication with the help of a health care provider.

One of the first things parents can do to help their children is to test them for cold, flu, or COVID-19 symptoms.

By understanding if your child has the flu, RSV, COVID-19, or other viruses, you won’t have to prescribe antibiotics to treat the illness.

Unnecessary use of antibiotics not only leads to additional infections, but can also lead to antibiotic resistance.

Antoon encourages prevention as a way to avoid the need for medication in the first place.

“The best way to protect your child from illness this winter season is prevention. Vaccination is the best way to prevent flu and severe illness from COVID. If you haven’t been vaccinated and boosted for COVID, now is the time.

There is no vaccine available for RSV.

“If your local pharmacy doesn’t have the medicine, talk to your doctor about whether alternative formulations such as chewable or crushable tablets or drugs such as second-line antibiotics can be used,” says Antoon. said.

There are also non-medicated treatments that parents can try that may help relieve symptoms in sick children.

Fever should be controlled with antipyretics such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, but other symptoms can be treated with more natural remedies.

Using a humidifier or taking a steamy shower can help relieve nasal congestion. Some advocates recommend using heat therapy, such as bathing, to relieve body pain, and using foods with thick substances, such as honey, to soothe a sore throat. .

Do not give honey to children under 12 months of age.

Patel strongly advises against using small doses of adult medicines in children.

“Parents should not try to reduce adult doses or treat infections with another antibiotic, leftovers, or antibiotics from relatives and friends. It’s a problem and should be avoided,” he told Healthline.

Dr. Rajiv Bahl is an emergency medicine physician, director of the Florida College of Emergency Physicians, and health writer.you can find him Rajiv BahlMD.com.