You may have heard about it from your pediatrician or pharmacist.\u00a0 And it\u2019s true.\u00a0 There is a shortage of Infant\u2019s and Children\u2019s Tylenol and Motrin and children\u2019s antibiotics to treat common sicknesses like ear infections and strep throats.\u00a0 Medications\u00a0 for ADD\/ADHD are in short supply.<\/p>\n
What\u2019s happening?<\/strong><\/p>\n Presently, we are in one of the most virulent sick seasons ever for children. \u00a0We are experiencing a \u201ctripledemic\u201d of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), flu, and Covid.\u00a0 Additionally, there is invasive strep throat.\u00a0 There are so many more viruses than I can enumerate here that must be monitored in our precious children that are beyond antibiotics.\u00a0 And, unfortunately, with the shortages of Motrin and Tylenol (CVS and Walgreens have placed nationwide limits on pain-reducing medication), it is all but impossible to find fever-reducing medications to make our children comfortable as these viruses gallop through their bodies making them beyond miserable (but pathetically endearing).\u00a0 It\u2019s challenging for physicians and parents alike.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s first discuss these viruses.<\/strong><\/p>\n RSV is not a new virus but we are hearing more about it this season for several reasons.\u00a0 Thankfully, we have resumed many typical pre-Covid activities without masks and social distancing practices.\u00a0 Masking and social distancing were (almost) perfect methods for reducing incidences of RSV and other seasonal respiratory viruses.\u00a0 Some have theorized that community immunity has waned since RSV hasn\u2019t been predictable regarding seasonality or severity since March 2020, the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.<\/p>\n Atypically, we experienced RSV spikes the last two summers.\u00a0 But this fall and now the winter \u2013 Well, it\u2019s pushed pediatric offices and hospitals to the edge.\u00a0 All ages are susceptible to RSV (think of the \u201ccommon cold\u201d in older children and adults) but RSV must be closely monitored in infants and young children as it can become severe on the turn of a dime, leading to respiratory distress, hospitalizations, and G-d forbid, even death.\u00a0\u00a0 RSV produces copious amounts of mucus in the respiratory tract which makes it harder to breathe.\u00a0 It\u2019s no wonder how an infant less than 6 months of age and\/or with co-occurring respiratory or cardiac conditions may have difficulties with this virus.\u00a0 It can lead to ear infections or pneumonia which could mean hospital or intensive care admission.\u00a0 It is common that infants who weather the virus (or any combination thereof) may fare well but still experience a lingering cough which causes concern.\u00a0 Consistent, professional care that has been trained in diagnosing ears and breathing issues, combined with parental love and support, is key.<\/p>\n The flu is our next focus.\u00a0 It is a worthy contender to RSV.<\/strong><\/p>\n Every year, the flu puts thousands of children into the hospital.\u00a0 Already this season, it has been reported that this flu season is the worst since the 2009 H1N1 swine flu pandemic.\u00a0 This is not a surprise.\u00a0 Most experts predicted a nasty flu season because of the low immunity throughout the population due to the masking and social distancing of the previous two years.\u00a0 Many of the population in the Southern hemisphere were decimated in their winter months.<\/p>\n The flu can cause cough, fever, fatigue, muscle aches, headaches, congestion and more in children, including severe illness and even, G-d forbid, death.\u00a0 In fact, the first infant death due to the flu in the United States for this season occurred by mid-November.\u00a0 It\u2019s real.\u00a0 And that\u2019s why I\u2019m an unabashed proponent of the flu vaccine.\u00a0 While the vaccine may not prevent <\/em>the flu from happening, it will help to mitigate its \u201cbite\u201d and harm.\u00a0 No child should die from a preventable death and the flu vaccine will help to reduce flu illness and hospitalizations and to thwart deaths.<\/p>\n And it\u2019s not too late to make sure that your children have their flu shots done.<\/p>\n Then there\u2019s Covid.<\/strong><\/p>\n So much has been written about this the last nearly three years and so much remains unknown.\u00a0 Epidemiologists will be researching for years to come whether the Covid-19 lockdowns increased the likelihood of surges of other diseases or that catching Covid-19 has made children more susceptible to other illnesses.\u00a0 Who knows?\u00a0 What we do know is Covid is here to stay.\u00a0 Period.\u00a0 In all its variants.\u00a0 When Covid combines with other viruses, our children are simply miserable.<\/p>\n Beyond the \u201ctripledemic,\u201d we are seeing an increase in illnesses caused by\u00a0Group A streptococcus, a bacteria also known as strep A.\u00a0 Strep A is not usually life-threatening:<\/p>\n it might simply cause a sore throat or tonsillitis.\u00a0 In rare cases, it can cause invasive, potentially deadly infections including meningitis.\u00a0 These are highly unusual but knowing when to look for strep throat and diagnosing strep throat accurately is important.<\/p>\n I\u2019ll go a step further.<\/p>\n Making sure that your children are fully vaccinated with the typical childhood vaccines may help to prevent your baby from getting sicker.\u00a0 How?\u00a0 We want healthy children.\u00a0 We want to keep preventable illnesses from entering and affecting them.\u00a0 If we can make sure they have the necessary \u201ctools\u201d to fight RSV, flu and Covid, then we can prevent the secondary illnesses like strep and ear infections from resulting.<\/p>\n And this is when we come to a problem, one that my readers no doubt believe is limited to Third World countries only.<\/p>\n The shortage of antibiotics.\u00a0 Especially for children.\u00a0 And the shortage of acetaminophen and ibuprofen which help to reduce fevers, headaches and body aches.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s start with the latter.<\/p>\n A fever is a good thing.\u00a0 It is actually a friend to your child\u2019s body.\u00a0 Why?\u00a0 The fever itself is a sign your child’s immune system is working as it should. In fact, fevers help kill the bacteria and viruses that are making your child sick.\u00a0 For this reason, a reading above 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit doesn’t necessarily always warrant medication. Your pediatrician may tell you that there’s no need to treat your little one’s fever unless your child is uncomfortable (i.e., not eating, drinking, playing or sleeping normally).<\/p>\n If your child has a 103 fever and is running around, do not panic.\u00a0 They don\u2019t need medication.\u00a0 Only give the medication if the child is feeling poorly.\u00a0 Keep them hydrated and try to feed them good, old-fashioned chicken soup.\u00a0 Make sure they urinate at least one every 5-6 hours.\u00a0 If they have a history of a febrile seizure, then be vigilant in keeping the fever low.<\/p>\n However, reach out to your pediatrician immediately if your baby is under 8 weeks of age and is running a fever of 100.4 Fahrenheit or higher on a rectal thermometer; is under 2 years and has a fever lasting more than 24 hours; is older than 2 years and has a fever lasting more than 72 hours; or if his\/her fever goes higher than 104 degrees repeatedly or is accompanied by other symptoms, no matter his\/her age).<\/p>\n When it comes to the Tylenol and Motrin shortages, there are options available.<\/p>\n There are lukewarm baths, lightweight clothes, keeping the child hydrated and running a fan nearby.\u00a0 Generic versions of medication are possible alternatives to name brands like Advil\u00a0and Tylenol.\u00a0 Please do NOT give children under 18 years of age aspirin\u2014whether that be whole, crushed up or halved\u2014because it can lead to Reye’s Syndrome, a potentially fatal condition that causes sudden liver problems and brain damage.<\/p>\n More problematic are the antibiotics shortages.\u00a0 Older kids and adults know how to swallow pills which opens up the list of medication possibilities.\u00a0 Kids don\u2019t have these options.\u00a0 This is why you may hear your physician dialoguing with the pharmacist about options available and what\u2019s in stock.<\/p>\n There are many causes to this shortage.\u00a0 According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), \u201cdrug shortages can occur for many reasons, including manufacturing and quality problems, delays, and discontinuations.\u201d\u00a0 This statement fails to mention the difficulties in acquiring raw materials, manufacturing problems, regulatory issues, business decisions, and disturbances within the supply chain.<\/p>\n Both generic and branded drug manufacturers are obligated to provide FDA information on supply disruptions.\u00a0 The FDA works closely with them to prevent or reduce their impact. It is only recently that companies forced by the FDA to follow up on their obligation have been obligated to report steep rises in demand to the agency.<\/p>\n Some of the shortages are surely due to the pandemic.\u00a0 There have been reports that many of the sources for the raw materials are located in countries that because of pandemic, were closed to travel.\u00a0 Now that borders have reopened, the FDA has resumed its site inspections.\u00a0 The FDA is making sure that its standards of safety are met.\u00a0 This may contribute to the shortages.\u00a0 What a Catch-22.<\/p>\n However, there have been shortages of important generic drugs \u2013 both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) \u2013 over the years.\u00a0 In 2010, the FDA reported 178 drug shortages in cancer drugs, anesthetics used in surgery and many medicines given intravenously.\u00a0 Today, there are 123 drugs in short supply. \u00a0An inadequate of raw materials is one factor in common between the two shortages.\u00a0 Let\u2019s be frank \u2013 The Medical supply chain is opaque on a good day.<\/p>\n My pharmacist friends and colleagues inform me that the shortages will be here for some time.\u00a0 They may even become more acute.<\/p>\n Ask your pharmacist which antibiotics are available.\u00a0 Is your pharmacist able to compound medications?\u00a0 What would be second and third choice antibiotics that are available?\u00a0 My team and I have had to go this route to make sure our patients are cared for.<\/p>\n This is a world that changes by the nano-second.\u00a0 Davening<\/em> becomes even more important.<\/p>\n As always, daven.<\/em>\u00a0 But daven<\/em> even harder now.\u00a0 Please.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" You may have heard about it from your pediatrician or pharmacist.\u00a0 And it\u2019s true.\u00a0 There is a shortage of Infant\u2019s and Children\u2019s Tylenol and Motrin and children\u2019s antibiotics to treat common sicknesses like ear infections and strep throats.\u00a0 Medications\u00a0 for ADD\/ADHD are in short supply. What\u2019s happening? Presently, we are in one of the most<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":133543,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-63538","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-parenting"],"yoast_head":"\n