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Health Matters: Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center | 9 H ow can I keep my child healthy this winter? When should I call the doctor? What happens if my child needs to stay in the hospital? At Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center, we know how heart- wrenching it can be when your child is sick. To help parents navigate their children's health issues, here is expert advice from pediatricians Daniel Bruckner, MD, and Ira Wardono, MD, chairman of our pediatrics department. How can I protect my child from getting sick at school this winter? IW: It is common for children to experience six to eight illnesses a year, especially in their first few years of school. Exposure to new environments means exposure to new friends and, likely, germs. But these exposures help build up children's immunity to illnesses such as colds, the flu and respiratory syncytial virus, a respiratory tract infection better known as RSV. Teach your child standard hygiene practices, such as frequently washing their hands and covering their mouth and nose when they sneeze or cough. Having them do this and keeping them home when they are feeling sick are the best ways of preventing the spread of illness. Make sure your child is fully vaccinated as well. Vaccines also help build children's immunity and prevent them from developing serious disease when exposed to certain bacteria and viruses. When should I call my child's pediatrician? DB: Call the pediatrician if your child has a fever over 100.4 degrees for more than five days (but call immediately if a baby is under 28 days old). Also call if they have shallow, rapid breathing, are crying inconsolably (this can be a sign of pain) or aren't keeping down fluids. Not wanting to eat is common, but it's essential they stay hydrated. When should I bring my child to the emergency department? DB: Call your pediatrician first if your child is vomiting continuously, not keeping down any liquids or experiencing a severe headache or abdominal pain, or has other concerning symptoms. The doctor can decide if it's something they can quickly help with over the phone or in their office or if they want you to go to the urgent care or emergency department. But do call 911 or go straight to the ER if your child is having difficulty breathing, if their face or lips are turning blue or in the case of any other life-threatening emergency, such as severe bleeding. How will my child be cared for if they need to stay in the hospital? IW: We have a dedicated pediatric unit staffed 24/7 with pediatric hospitalists; these are pediatricians who specialize in caring for children admitted to the hospital. If a child becomes critically ill, a pediatric intensivist will take over their care in the pediatric ICU. Several subspecialists, such as pediatric surgeons, orthopedists, neurologists and infectious disease specialists, also provide care, either in person or via telehealth. We also are staffed with pediatric critical care nurses, nutritionists and respiratory, physical and occupational therapists. The pediatric unit also has child life specialists, who help children and families cope with medical experiences, including painful procedures and being in the hospital. Will Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana doctors work with my child's pediatrician after their hospital stay? IW: Our pediatric inpatient physicians will communicate with your child's pediatrician during their hospital stay and when they are discharged in order to ensure a smooth transition from hospital to home. Your pediatrician will receive summaries of the care your child received, along with any suggestions for follow-up outpatient care. And your doctor can always call the hospitalist whenever they feel the need. Healthy Kids, Happy Parents Fall and winter bring more colds and maladies. Our experts offer tips on how to care for precious little ones.

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