Lexie Hill

As the temperatures drop and cold and flu season approaches, families begin preparing for runny noses, coughs and the inevitable illnesses that seem to make their way through schools, daycares and workplaces. For most healthy adults, a respiratory virus is uncomfortable but temporary. Newborns and young infants have developing immune systems and smaller airways, which means respiratory infections can affect them more quickly and seriously. The good news is that our community can do a lot to protect our youngest residents.

Perhaps the simplest way our community can protect babies is also one of the most important: Don’t visit a newborn when you are sick. That may mean postponing a visit, skipping a family gathering or asking a loved one who has a cough or fever to wait until they are feeling better. This can be difficult, particularly when a new baby has arrived and everyone is excited to meet them, but it is an important act of love.

Handwashing remains one of the easiest ways to reduce the spread of infection. Before holding or feeding a baby, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. If soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Vaccines are another mainstay action to protect babies as vaccines aren’t just about protecting the person who receives them; they also serve as a “bubble” for vulnerable people who are too young or otherwise unable to receive certain vaccines. Families should talk with their healthcare providers about recommended vaccinations for themselves and their children, including seasonal influenza vaccinations when recommended. Pregnant women should also discuss recommended maternal vaccines with their prenatal care provider as maternal vaccination can provide important protection to babies during the first months of life. Family members and caregivers should make sure they are up to date on their own recommended immunizations as well.

And please, resist the temptation to kiss a baby’s face or hands. Respiratory viruses, and some other infections that can be particularly dangerous to newborns, can spread through close contact.

Know when to seek help

Most babies with mild congestion do not need emergency care. However, parents should trust their instincts when something doesn’t seem right. Seek urgent medical attention if a baby is struggling to breathe, has pauses in breathing, is turning blue or gray, is difficult to wake, is not feeding adequately or shows signs of dehydration such as less than three wet diapers in a 24-hour period or not making tears. For infants younger than 3 months, a temperature of 100.4 degrees F (38 C) or higher requires prompt medical evaluation, even if the baby otherwise appears well. When in doubt, call your child’s healthcare provider. In an emergency, call 911.

Keeping babies healthy during cold and flu season isn’t solely the responsibility of their parents. It is something we can all contribute to. Stay home when you’re sick. Wash your hands. Keep vaccinations current. Respect parents’ boundaries around newborn visitors. And remember that a postponed visit is much better than an unexpected trip to the hospital. Our youngest community members depend on the adults around them to create a safer environment. This cold and flu season, one of the best ways we can show our babies and their families that we care is by taking a few simple steps to protect them.

(Lexie Hill, DNP, FNP-BC, is a family nurse practicioner at Powell Valley Healthcare.)