Ask The Pediatrician
November, 2009
28 comments
Dr. Clancy McNally
Mom to Mom Contributor

With the cold and flu season here, parents want to do everything they can to protect their children. Getting the seasonal and H1N1 flu vaccines are a great start but our Channel 6 pediatrician has some more things we can do in our own homes.

Cold and flu season has already hit two-year-old tanner, despite all the germ fighting steps his mom is taking.

She says, "I know it's hard with little ones. You just saw him, he puts his hands in his mouth all the time. We try and wash toys quite a bit."

It can seem like a never-ending battle but Dr. Clancy McNally says we can all take steps to beat the bugs going around.

First, understand germs can live for hours on surfaces. Wiping down counter with disinfectant wipes helps. The same goes for phones, door handles, any frequently used item. Washing hands remains the best bet - 15 to 20 seconds with soap and warm water. Have kids sing through the ABCs so they scrub long enough. Hand sanitizer is a great alternative, as long as hands aren't visibly soiled. Choose an alcohol based one.

Toys can be a breeding ground for germs, especially if children are sharing items.

Washing all the kids' toys on a regular basis can seem daunting. Dr. McNally recommends using a dishwasher for what will work so we don't have to wash everything by hand. For items that won't fit, use a bleach solution but make sure to rinse well.

A lot of stuffed animals can go into the washing machine.

When deciding whether to venture out, use your best judgment.

Dr. McNally says, "If kids have fevers they need to stay home, not head to the children's museum or the library for story time or day care. That said, you can't control what other people are doing so you need to look at risk factors. If your child has a weakened immune system or asthma or any other risk factor that puts them at higher risk I'd try to limit your exposure."

It's a fine line but Tanner's mom has the right attitude.

"It is a little scary because of all the stories but there are germs everywhere," she said. "You can only do what you can do."

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.
Posted by: Julie Sheppeard on Jun 4, 2009 at 07:18 AM
My 3 yr old son is all of sudden afraid to go to sleep by himself in his bed. a couple of night ago we had a bad thunderstorm and it scared him so bad he was awake for 3 hours i have never seen him so scared before, and he tells me every night he is scared of the thunder and lighting. I have taken him to the window and showed him it was not raining or thundering and he knows that but still freaks out when you put him in his bed and leave the room. It is taking up to 1.5 hours a night to get him calmed down and to sleep. what can I do to make it easier for him to go to sleep? I talked to his Dr. Office (Macklem) and the nurse was sure it was night terrors but he is not even going to sleep and waking up screaming he is doing it right away. I need help I am just not sure how to get him over this.
Posted by: MH on Apr 16, 2009 at 02:06 PM
What do you suggest for a kindergarten student who repeatedly wets their pants at the school day care? The parents do not seem to alarmed about it but it becomes a nuisance in the class when they do not have replacement clothes because they have been used earlier in the day from an accident, besides having to sterilize everywhere this student has been. Any suggestions??? I'm baffled at what to do...
Posted by: Tiffany on Feb 17, 2009 at 06:41 PM
I have a 2 1/2 year old and i think she has exzema but her ped thinks its not a big deal and I am completely lost on what i should do..I have called some dermos and they tell me that I need a referral...Like i said before her ped doesnt think anything is wrong! My daughter just sits there and scratches and scratches what should I do?
Posted by: Rebecca on Dec 10, 2008 at 10:13 AM
Should I get my kids and myself a flu shot if we just got over strep throat and my youngest just got over strep and had a fever for a few days,if so when is the best time? Thanks!
Posted by: Julianne on Nov 17, 2008 at 02:24 PM
Help! My 4 1/2 year old daughter holds in her potty & BMs. She gets very nasty. She will hold it for hours. During this time, she becomes irrational, naughty, she will think of every naughty thing to say to me. She will hit and spit, as well. For hours at a time, each day, she will do this. It can sometimes be unbearable. Is this a control issue? It can't be good for her body. After she goes to the bathroom, she is an angel again, but this could be after 4 or 5 hours of nastiness, while I wait for her to go. If I encourage her, she gets even more nasty. Do you think she will grow out of this? Last weekend, she had her first sleep over at Grandmas house. Grandma had a horrible time, because my daughter spit at her and was incredibly rude, because she had to go to the bathroom. Finally, hours later, she went. But during those 5 hours, she was out of control, talking back, spitting, and doing everything naughty she could think of. Help!
Posted by: NEETU on Jul 14, 2008 at 07:15 AM
HOW CAN I STOP MY ONE AND A HALF YEAR OLD SON FROM HITTING & BITTING OTHERS I AM A WORKING MOTHER & THE SON IS LEFT WITH A MAID TO TAKE CARE OF HIM.
Posted by: Lisa on May 29, 2008 at 10:10 AM
My 14 month daughter loved bathing until a few weeks ago. Now bathing is a real chore and is accompanied with lots of crying and unhappiness. Is this a phase and what should I do?
Posted by: Kristi on Apr 23, 2008 at 09:40 PM
My daughter got three slivers in her hand and she refuses to let us get them out. What is the best treatment option?
Posted by: Rebecca on Apr 17, 2008 at 01:41 PM
Is it save to give my 14 month old daughter organic soy milk? I have been reading a lot of mixed feelings about soy.
Posted by: Emily on Jan 9, 2008 at 11:44 AM
My son is 7 and since last year almost every two weeks it seems as if he has green mucas blowing from his nose. I have taken him several times to the Dr. and he has had many different antibiotics. Is there some kind of vitaman I could give him or something I could do to curtail this from happening so much? And also how do I know if it is sinus infection or just a cold? Thank you
Posted by: Jeanie on Jan 9, 2008 at 09:03 AM
I listened to the report on fevers last night and was concerned that, although the report mentioned that Tylenol or Motrin were safe to use for fevers, it did NOT go on to state that children's aspirin is NOT a safe choice. Children's or baby aspirin, has been linked to Reye's Syndrome and even is required to have a statement to that affect on the label. Unfortunately, too many parents, especially younger ones that have never heard of Reye's Syndrome, are not aware they should not use children's aspirin for any child under age 20. And, it would be nice if more parents understood that the fever, although making a child somewhat uncomfortable, unless it is dangerously high, doesn't need to be treated. That is the body's way of fighting whatever may be ailing them. Because of the change in labeling several years ago, the number of Reye's Syndrome cases has been reduced dramatically, but as mentioned above, with new young parents, they don't remember the problems from the past.
Posted by: Wendi on Jan 4, 2008 at 09:35 PM
My daughter is 15 months old and has climbed out of her crib. We got her a toddler bed and am starting her in it tomorrow night. Any suggestions on how to keep her in it and get her used to it?
Posted by: Teri on Jan 4, 2008 at 07:07 PM
My 4 almost five yr old will not help clean anything i cant get her to pick up her toys?? I have tryed diff. things to make it fun and she still wont?? NOT only that when she gets MAD she hurts her self (like pulling her hair out,bitting herself,hitting and kicking walls doors)and my 3 yr old is picking up on it... HOW DO I PUT A STOP TO THIS????
Posted by: Shannon on Dec 30, 2007 at 10:35 PM
My 10 month old son has been using me (his mom) as a teething toy..he bites me all the time and it really hurts..I dont know what to do about it. He bites my husband every once in a while but its mainly me. When he is excited, happy or sad. It really does not matter what his emotion is, he bites..what can I do about this..thanks for your help
Posted by: Tessa on Dec 27, 2007 at 12:42 AM
I am having trouble with my daughters potty training. she tells me that she has to go. then she never does. then gets up and goes in her pants. what should i do to help her to learn to go in the potty and not in her pants.
Posted by: Tracy on Dec 20, 2007 at 08:25 PM
An update ... Kellie, Bobbie, Theresa, and Becky's questions will be answered by Dr. Mikuls in our January report. Tracy
Posted by: Becky on Dec 20, 2007 at 01:19 PM
I have a three year old thumb sucker. Are there any suggestions to start the process of breaking this habit? She generally does it when she is tired, or apprehensive at first (ie, a Christmas party with lots of kids,etc). I have not attempted anything other than pointing it out to her when I see it and asking her to stop. I dont really discourage it at nap or bedtime. Any suggestions?
Posted by: Theresa on Dec 5, 2007 at 08:28 AM
we have two georgous kids a boy 10 and a girl 8 im conserned about what to do when they have a stomach ache in the middle of the night when the doctor is not in they woke up throwing up and dizzy i worry because i dont know what to do for t hem
Posted by: Bobbie on Nov 26, 2007 at 02:16 PM
How can you tell the difference between and cold and allergies? My daughter is 5 months old and we have been battling a cold on and off for a couple of months now. When I take her to the dr I am told to just suction out of nose and watch her.
Posted by: Kellie on Nov 19, 2007 at 06:39 AM
My son has really bad allergies that cause him to have congestion and we are currently getting him treated with allergy shots. He gets night terrors really bad but not every night. He hates to go to bed at night and we have a good routine. Any suggestions?
Posted by: Tracy on Nov 8, 2007 at 03:11 PM
Two updates ... Ron, I'll email you directly, but I know Dr. Mikuls would suggest getting a hold of your pediatrician right away. Tessa, I'll add your question to the list Dr. Mikuls tackles in her December report. Her November topic will be online, Monday, November 12.
Posted by: Ron on Nov 7, 2007 at 10:39 PM
my 3 yrs. old is complaining of a stomach pain off and on for about 3 days she also have lose stool what should I do what meds OTC to should I just take her to the Dr.
Posted by: Tessa on Nov 7, 2007 at 09:06 AM
My 17 month old daughter is a very picky eater. Unless it's pasta, green beans, oatmeal or tortillas with cheese in them, she won't eat anything. I know children are picky eaters but she is in the 35th percentile for her weight and 95th percentile for her height. I guess I am just concerned because I feel that she is already so small. I would just like her to gain weight and grow. Any suggestions on how to help turn her into a better eater?
Posted by: Kara on Nov 5, 2007 at 01:04 PM
How do you get a 3yr old to stay in her own bed at night? The "Sleep Fairy" worked great for awhile, but now is seems that we're back to square one.
Posted by: unknown on Nov 4, 2007 at 11:05 AM
Hi Stacy, this seemed to work for me. Try not to make it see like its a task or chore. Make it fun. I made up a silly song (we go pee pee in the potty pee pee in the potty) & I would sing this song along with a silly dance anytime I thought my son had to go to the bathroom and next thing I knew he was smiling and we would sing & dancing all the way to the potty & he really didn't realize that I had I guess you can say tricked him into going to the bathroom then eventually he started singing & dancing to the bathroom on his own. I also purchased his favorite character for underwear and told him that Barney doesn't like to be wet on because it makes him sad & of course he did not want to upset Barney so that also encourage him to go to the potty on his own. I hope these tips helped. Good luck
Posted by: Karen on Nov 3, 2007 at 04:08 PM
How long should you let your child go with a cold before seeing the doctor?
Posted by: Tracy on Nov 1, 2007 at 09:16 PM
I wrote Stacy back and told her Dr. Mikuls will answer her question in December's report. Any mom knows that's an awfully long time to wait if you're pulling your hair out. Any suggestions from parents? I already shared my potty training method with Stacy. Tracy
Posted by: Stacy on Nov 1, 2007 at 02:06 PM
What is the best way to potty-train a 3 year old. He is very stubborn and does not want to make any effort to go on his own. He knows when he needs to have a bowel movement because he goes and hides when he does it. So I am pretty sure he knows when he needs to go. He just does not so much interest in potty-training. We have tried reward systems and nothing works. Everybody says just be patient and give it time, but it is just so frustrating. What do you recommend?
Q&A
The Questions:
1) What are some natural alternatives to help children who are constipated?

2) My child still freaks out when I cut his nails. Any suggestions?

3) With the cold and flu season here, can a child use probiotics all fall and winter?
Click the pictures in the video player for the answers.
What's New
Parents everywhere have seen their child wipe a runny nose on her shirt. The inventors of "Sniffle Buddies" think they may have found a solution. The organic bamboo and cotton wristbands are washable and reusable. We asked Dr. McNally if they make sense.