IRVING (WBAP/KLIF)- North Texas health leaders are trying to give advice to parents about their kids going back to school amid both a spike in COVID-19 and RSV cases.
Irving-based Pediatrician Dr. Amanda Muir said RSV is a very common viral respiratory infection that causes cold-like symptoms in children.
She said there’s currently no vaccine for RSV and cases are more common in the Winter. However, we are seeing a surge now in North Texas because of a seasonal delay likely due to the widespread use of masks and social distancing.
Muir said this shouldn’t necessarily deter parents from sending their kids back to school.
“The truth is, if we do whatever we can, wear a mask, wash our hands and stay home if we are sick that’s the best we can do,” said Muir. “In all likelihood our kids get the Delta Variant or just the regular Covid strand most children do extremely well with it and it ends up just being like a bad cold,” she said.
Muir said symptoms are much milder and shorter in duration for children compared to adults, especially those with underlying health conditions.
She said going back to school and getting face to face interaction with teachers and other peers is important for their wellbeing and developmental growth.
“For most kids who have normal immune systems and aren’t suffering from any other factors that make them high risk for Covid, my advice is to wear a mask and get back into school,” said Muir.
She noted that every child is different though and if you are unsure about what decision to make, she advises communication with their pediatrician about their specific needs.
Muir said Children can be carriers of the virus so if you have high risk adults at home make sure they’re vaccinated before sending kids back.
