Archive for coronavirus
Does your child need a flu shot? Yes, especially this year.
Have you and your children received your flu shots yet? If not, it’s important to get them as soon as possible. Every year, flu shots save lives by preventing influenza (another name for the flu), or reducing complications if people do get sick. In fact, the flu vaccine is mandatory this year in Massachusetts for ... Read More
Can the show go on? Song, dance, and other activities during COVID-19
At the start of any typical school year, Kelly Blake is busy meeting with the after-school clubs she runs. This year, however, Blake’s schedule — and her students’ schedules — are full of unknowns. “The school has so many things related to COVID-19 to figure out this year,” she says. “After-school activities are not a ... Read More
Behind the mask: How to prevent and treat mask-related acne in children and teens
Wearing a mask is very effective at helping prevent the spread of COVID-19, but it can also trigger a host of skin problems for children and teens, including acne, irritation, rashes, and chafing behind the ears. Many adults are also suddenly experiencing acne and other skin issues for the first time in years. Fortunately, you ... Read More
Clinicians: Four tips for effective virtual visits
Now that we’re eight months into the coronavirus pandemic, most providers have had experience with virtual, or telehealth, visits. These visits have been a necessary, and very convenient way to continue to safely provide patients with care. Like many other hospitals around the country, Boston Children’s had to ramp up telehealth services quickly at the ... Read More
Cyberbullying in the age of COVID-19: How to protect your kids
Now that so many classrooms across the country have moved totally or partially online, kids of all ages are spending a lot more time in the virtual world. And with so many kids on computers and mobile devices, there’s likely to be an increase in cyberbullying says Dr. Peter Raffalli, director of the Bullying and ... Read More
Helping athletes cope with the emotional rollercoaster of COVID-19
“The athletes I work with are over this,” says Kimberly O’Brien, a clinical social worker in the Sports Medicine Division. Last spring, when COVID-19 forced the cancellation of organized sports, coaches and athletes assumed they’d be playing again by autumn. Now it’s clear many athletes’ plans will remain on hold through the fall season, possibly ... Read More
COVID-19 and sports: Is it safe to play again?
It was hard on athletes when COVID-19 forced sports to shut down last spring, but at least everyone was in the same boat. Six months later, the picture is very different. Depending on where they live, what sport they play, and who they play with, some athletes are back in training. Others have to wait ... Read More
A diabetes drug with a potential side benefit: Reduced COVID-19 mortality
In 2006, the Food and Drug Administration approved the drug sitagliptin to lower blood sugar in type 2 diabetes. Now, a multicenter observational study in Italy suggests the drug also cuts mortality in diabetic patients hospitalized with COVID-19 — by as much as half. Paolo Fiorina, MD, PhD, of Boston Children’s Hospital led the study, ... Read More
Back to school during COVID-19: Children with special needs
If this were a normal year, summer would be wrapping up and kids would be returning to the routines of another school year. But school will be different this fall. From staggered start times to classrooms set up for physical distance, kids are in for an unpredictable year. The many changes may be especially difficult ... Read More
COVID-19 and vaping: Do you know myth from fact?
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, researchers continue to learn more about what puts people at risk for getting sick and who is most likely to have a severe form of the illness. One of the many questions has been about vaping and COVID-19 risk. For answers, we turned to Dr. Sharon Levy, director of the Adolescent ... Read More