Welcome to episode 1 of The Doc Talk Podcast! This episode is an overview of respiratory season.
Key Viruses and the Illnesses They Cause
- Influenza A (H1N1):
- Symptoms: Fever, chills, cough, muscle aches, fatigue.
- Complications: Pneumonia, exacerbation of asthma or heart conditions
- RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus):
- Symptoms: Runny nose, cough, wheezing, reduced appetite.
- Complications: Bronchiolitis, severe respiratory distress in infants, and asthma exacerbations
- COVID-19:
- Symptoms: Fever, fatigue, loss of taste/smell, cough, and shortness of breath.
- Complications: Long COVID, pneumonia, myocarditis
- Rhinovirus (Common Cold):
- Symptoms: Sneezing, congestion, mild cough.
- Complications: Can trigger asthma attacks, and post-viral coughs are common among children
Why Is My Child Always Sick?
- Children often encounter 8–12 illnesses in their first year of daycare, thanks to close contact and shared spaces. Daycares are perfect environments for virus transmission
- Early exposure to germs may build immunity. Kids in daycare tend to get sick less frequently once they reach school age.
- Common illnesses: RSV, conjunctivitis, gastroenteritis, hand, foot, and mouth disease
Pro Tip: Saline Drops Study
- A UK study found that children under six who used saline drops four times a day had symptoms resolve two days sooner. The same group’s family members also had reduced infections—a simple yet effective intervention!
Vaccination Update
- Vaccines for influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 are available and highly recommended for children, seniors, and high-risk groups to minimize severe outcomes
What About Supplements?
There is not supplements that has robust evidence on it’s effectiveness for preventing a viral infection or reducing the duration of symptoms. This includes echinacea, vitamin C, and vitamin D. Zinc and elderberry have mixed evidence and still need more data before we know for sure that they are helpful (or not).
Take-Home Prescription from the Doc Talk:
- Masks in crowded spaces.
- Hand hygiene: Wash hands often! Teach your kids how to wash their hands regularly.
- Ventilation: Use air purifiers and open windows.
- Stay home when sick to reduce spread.
- Vaccinate against flu, RSV, and COVID-19.
- Saline drops for potentially faster recovery from colds and reduced transmission.
Thanks to our sponsor, AirValent (airvalent.com), for supporting this episode. AirValent makes sleek CO2 monitors that can help you monitor how well your indoor space is being ventilated, so you can take action to improve it if the CO2 level is too high. AirValent has given us a special code for our listeners to get a discount on your device. Use code THEDOCTALK at checkout!
Disclaimer: The Doc Talk is for general information purposes only. This podcast is not intended to replace medical advice from your doctor. While we are doctors, we are not your doctor. Always speak to your own healthcare provider for questions related to your personal health needs.
