Keeping Up Kids' Health in the Pandemic While Social Distancing

The pandemic is having several forms of impact on kids’ health and not all of them have anything to do with the COVID-19 infection.  There are some growing concerns about additional risks to children who have had the virus (regardless of whether or not they showed any symptoms when they were infected) as a small percentage are experiencing a new phenomenon with symptoms comparable to Kawasaki disease.  This impacts young children the most but has affected teens up to the age of 16 years.

Kids’ Health in the Pandemic Beyond Infection

Still, with everything in lockdown in many areas, many parents don’t realize that it is still possible to make doctors’ appointments – in person or over telehealth channels – and that routine or well-child appointments and vaccines should not be skipped.

Much of the country has been put on hold due to the stay at home orders.  This has made it a frightening time to worry about falling ill from the coronavirus, but also other types of illness. For that reason, it’s very important to keep up kids’ health strategies despite the pandemic.  It’s easy to forget these steps when we’re trying to keep up social and physical distancing practices.

If you’re unsure as to what appointments should and should not be kept, don’t hesitate to contact your family doctor or specialist, as appropriate.  These medical professionals will be able to advise you as to how you should move forward with kids’ health throughout the pandemic as the situation evolves.

Don’t Forget Mental Wellness

Even children who aren’t old enough to fully understand what the pandemic entails can be affected by stress and other kids’ mental health symptoms. Remember that stress, anxiety and depression in children doesn’t always present the same way as it does in adults.  It can look more like anger, frustration, fussiness, tearfulness and in other ways.

Keeping a special eye on your kids’ health throughout the pandemic should include a focus on physical wellness, of course. That said, don’t forget to watch for signs of mental wellness struggles.  Be especially watchful for signs of harmful or dangerous behaviors.  If you’re uncertain as to how to proceed, there are many help lines as well as your own doctor’s office to help you to support your little ones through the difficult and evolving situation.

Medical professionals are still there for you and your kids’ health during the pandemic.  As much as you can, continue to use these services as needed to ensure your family has the wellness support it needs.