Flu season is here, and if your family hasn’t been hit yet, chances are you know someone who has! This year’s flu strain is causing the usual fever, cough, sore throat, and body aches—but for young kids, especially those under five, the flu can sometimes take a more serious turn. So, what can you do? Here’s a breakdown of how to care for your child at home, what treatments are available, and when to call your pediatrician. Flu Symptoms to Watch For Flu symptoms often come on quickly and may include: ✔️ Fever (often high) ✔️ Chills and body aches ✔️ Sore throat and cough ✔️ Runny or stuffy nose ✔️ Fatigue ✔️ Headache ✔️ Vomiting or diarrhea (more common in kids than adults) Home Care: Helping Your Child Feel Better Most kids with the flu can recover at home with these simple steps: 🛏 Rest – Encourage plenty of sleep to help their immune system fight the virus. 💧 Hydration – Offer small, frequent sips of water, electrolyte drinks, or warm broths to prevent dehydration. 🌡 Fever & Pain Relief – Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin) can help with fever and body aches (ask us if you're unsure about dosing). Never give aspirin to children—it’s linked to Reye’s syndrome. 🍲 Gentle Nutrition – Offer easy-to-digest foods like toast, applesauce, or soup if they’re up for it. Treatment Options: Do You Need Tamiflu? For certain kids—especially those under 2, with asthma, or other high-risk conditions—antiviral medications like Tamiflu (oseltamivir) may be recommended. These work best when started within 48 hours of symptoms and can help shorten the illness. However, most healthy kids recover with home care alone. When to Call the Doctor 🚨 Seek medical attention if your child: Is under 3 months old and has a fever Has difficulty breathing (fast breathing, ribs pulling in, or wheezing) Shows signs of dehydration (dry lips, no tears, fewer wet diapers) Has a persistent fever (lasting more than 3-4 days) Is extremely irritable or hard to wake up Symptoms seem to improve, then suddenly worsen For high-risk kids—like infants, those with asthma, heart disease, or weakened immune systems—call us at the first sign of flu symptoms. Flu Prevention: It’s Not Too Late for a Flu Shot! The best way to protect your family is with the annual flu vaccine. If your child hasn’t had theirs yet, it’s not too late! The flu shot helps prevent severe illness and hospitalizations, especially in young kids. If you have any concerns or your child is struggling with flu symptoms, give our office a call. We’re here to help!

Winter can be a tough season for your child’s skin. The combination of cold, dry air outdoors and heated, low-humidity air indoors often leads to dryness, itching, and irritation. But don’t worry! With a few simple strategies, you can help protect and soothe your child’s skin this winter. Why Does Winter Cause Skin Problems? According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), winter air has lower humidity, which dries out the skin. Add in wind exposure, indoor heating, and long, hot baths, and it’s a recipe for discomfort. Children, with their delicate and sensitive skin, are particularly vulnerable to these changes. Top Tips for Winter Skin Care 1. Moisturize Frequently • Apply a fragrance-free, thick moisturizer or ointment like petroleum jelly immediately after bathing. • Look for products labeled “hypoallergenic” or “for sensitive skin” to avoid irritation. • Keep a small tube of moisturizer handy for reapplication throughout the day, especially after handwashing. 2. Shorten Bath Time • Stick to 5-10 minute baths using lukewarm (not hot) water. • Use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser only when needed. • Pat skin dry gently and apply moisturizer while the skin is still damp to lock in hydration. 3. Use a Humidifier • Running a humidifier in your child’s bedroom at night can add moisture to the air and prevent their skin from drying out. • Be sure to clean the humidifier regularly to avoid mold and bacteria buildup. 4. Dress Smartly for Cold Weather • Choose soft, breathable fabrics like cotton for base layers. • Avoid wool or rough fabrics that can irritate the skin. • Cover exposed areas with gloves and hats, but avoid scarves for younger children due to potential safety risks. 5. Prevent Chapped Lips • Apply a fragrance-free lip balm or petroleum jelly regularly, especially before heading outside. • Encourage your child not to lick their lips, as this can worsen dryness. 6. Protect Against Sunburn • The AAP reminds us that even in winter, sun protection is essential. Snow reflects UV rays, increasing the risk of sunburn. • Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher on exposed skin, and don’t forget about lips and ears. When to Call Your Pediatrician Sometimes, winter skin issues go beyond simple dryness. If your child has: • Persistent redness, cracking, or itching • Patches of thickened, rough skin • Any signs of infection like swelling, warmth, or oozing … it’s time to schedule a visit. Conditions like eczema or skin infections may require additional care. Final Thoughts A little extra care can go a long way in keeping your child’s skin soft, smooth, and healthy this winter. If you have questions or concerns about your child’s skin, we’re always here to help. Stay warm, stay hydrated, and enjoy the season with peace of mind knowing your little one’s skin is protected! Sources: American Academy of Dermatology, American Academy of Pediatrics

As temperatures drop and winter weather sets in here in Northern, VA., it’s essential to revisit an often-overlooked aspect of child safety: car seats. While bulky coats and snowsuits keep little ones warm, they can also compromise car seat safety. Here’s what every parent needs to know to keep their children safe and snug in the car this winter. The Dangers of Puffy Coats in Car Seats Winter coats and snowsuits create a gap between your child and the car seat harness. In a crash, the fluffy padding compresses, leaving the harness too loose to properly protect your child. This can lead to increased risk of injury, as the child may shift significantly or even be ejected from the seat. How to Keep Kids Safe and Warm Follow these tips, backed by pediatric safety experts and organizations like the CDC, AAP, and JAMA: Dress in Layers Start with snug, thin layers like a onesie or thermal shirt. Add fleece or a light sweater for extra warmth. Avoid bulky outerwear while your child is strapped in the car seat. Use a Blanket or Car Seat Cover. After securing your child in the car seat, drape a blanket or use a car seat cover (that doesn’t interfere with the harness) over them for warmth. The "Harness Test" Buckle your child into their car seat without a coat and tighten the harness. Remove your child without loosening the straps and put them back in wearing their coat. If you can't buckle the harness at the same tightness, the coat is too bulky to wear in the car seat. Consider a Winter Car Seat-Compatible Coat Some brands make thin, warm coats designed for car seat use. Look for products tested and approved for this purpose. Additional Winter Safety Tips Pre-Warm the Car (totally optional): Start your car a few minutes early to warm it up before buckling in your child. Plan for Emergencies: Keep extra blankets, hats, gloves, and a first-aid kit in the car. Why It Matters Car accidents are a leading cause of injury for children, and properly using car seats can reduce the risk of fatal injury by up to 71% (CDC). Ensuring your child is safely secured, even in winter conditions, is one of the simplest ways to protect them. Stay safe and warm this winter! If you have any questions about car seat safety, feel free to reach out to us at Einstein Pediatrics. We’re here to help keep your family safe.

Welcome back to our monthly health roundup!

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