health

Is it the safe to visit pediatrician? Dr. Stanley Wiggins talks sports physicals, school vaccines and well-child visits amid the COVID-19 crisis.

Q: My child is due for an annual

checkup. Is it safe to visit the doctor’s office?

A: Parents are understandably concerned about protecting their children from COVID-19 exposure. But skipping routine preventative care and recommended vaccines puts your child’s health at risk.

With so many children feeling isolated due to school closures, little ones confused over why they can’t hug their grandparents, and older teens grieving the loss of milestones like prom and graduation, kids and their families are experiencing a new level of disruption and stress. Now more than ever, the annual checkup provides time to discuss behavioral changes and concerns over emotional health.

Before your appointment, you can call and discuss any safety concerns you have about your upcoming visit. The American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended guidelines to protect your child and limit COVID-19 exposure. Our offices maintain separate times of the day for well visits, so you won’t encounter sick children. Nurses and providers wear masks, and rooms are disinfected between patients. Waiting in the car until receiving a text or phone call is a convenient and safe way

GETTY IMAGES

to protect you and your child.

Here are a few reasons why routine checkups are necessary for your child’s long-term health: » A well-child exam is a head-to-toe examination that allows your physician to detect subtle findings, such as unusual moles, hernias, high blood

pressure, abnormal heart murmurs and scoliosis. » Height and weight are evaluated to ensure that children are growing appropriately. This is a good time for parents to ask questions about diet and nutrition. Children starting school receive a hearing and vision screening.

Dr. Stanley Wiggins is a board-certified pediatrician with Physicians’ Primary Care of Southwest Florida in the Lehigh Acres office (239-481-5437) and in the Cape Coral office (239-573-7337).

» Important laboratory studies help ensure your child is screened for certain illnesses. A finger-stick hemoglobin screens for anemia. A urinalysis may be ordered to evaluate kidney function and test for diabetes. Pediatricians begin checking your child’s cholesterol at age 9. » Time is allowed and designated to assess school performance, behavioral issues and social concerns. During the well-child visit, your physician can share helpful resources on dealing with problems at school or home. For adolescents, there are mental health screenings as well as time to talk about sexuality and highrisk behaviors such as drug use or vaping. Many times this advice and these discussions can’t be crammed into a visit when your child is sick. » Doctors discuss important child safety precautions. Children hear their pediatrician share the importance of using a seat belt, wearing a bike helmet, brushing their teeth, getting exercise. These are just a few of the topics that would be difficult to discuss during a visit when your child is not feeling well. » Vaccines are done at appropriate ages. Before starting school, children need four vaccines. The DTaP vaccine immunizes against diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough) and tetanus. The IPV immunizes against polio. The MMR vaccine is needed for measles, mumps and rubella immunization. The VZV protects children from contracting the chicken pox. Some of these vaccines may be combined to reduce the amount of shots your child receives. Be sure to ask your physician if they have combined vaccines. At age 11 and before seventh grade, students need a TdaP vaccine, which is a combined tetanus and pertussis booster. The meningococcal vaccine is also recommended at this age. It protects your child from contracting meningococcal diseases such as meningitis, a life-threatening infection of the brain and spinal cord that is commonly contracted among students living in close quarters. Most colleges will require this vaccine for entry. The recommended HPV vaccine protects children against forms of malignancy caused by the human papilloma virus such as cervical, anal and penile cancers.

Under-immunizing and skipping annual checkups put your child at even greater risk. Whether it is the COVID-19 pandemic or another viral illness, maintaining regular preventative care gives your child the best defense.