The Mommy Docs to the rescue this cold & flu season

There's a new form of help for parents this cold and flu season... and it's free.

Physicians Jamie Freishtat and Rachel Schreiber have started up a new website called MommyDocs.com, that offers advice for parents on children's health. I talked to the Mommy Docs about their site and some tips to help you prevent colds and flu this winter.

Dr Jamie & Dr Rachel of MommyDocs.com

Examiner: Why did you start mommydocs.com?

Dr. Jamie: We both realized, especially after years of answering questions during preschool drop-off/pick-up, that moms have a constant need for reliable pediatric information.  Almost everyone has a physician, but it’s not always easy or convenient to call her with every question or concern. The web has become an important place moms look to for their medical concerns, and we wanted to create a website which parents feel comfortable going to for information that they can trust - and relate to.  We are both moms and wives, and are in the trenches of raising children just like everyone else.  

Examiner: What is Mommy Docs all about?

Dr. Rachel: MommyDocs is about getting good pediatric information out to moms through different venues. On the website, we offer podcasts, questions and answers on different topics, articles, a blog, videos, and even a section where people can write in their own question if they can’t find what they are looking for.  In addition, we write for Washington Parent Magazine and appear on WUSA9 in Washington DC discussing all sorts of children’s health issues.  Our goal is to get trustworthy information to moms from the standpoint of moms, who are also docs.

Examiner: What is your number one piece of advice to moms of babies and toddlers for avoiding getting sick this flu season?

Dr. Jamie: We think that prevention (coupled with some luck) is the key to avoid coming down with the flu. There are a lot of things which help both children and adults from catching the influenza virus, but the two biggest are probably frequent hand washing and the flu vaccine (for all who are in the recommended groups).

Examiner: Are there any natural remedies you recommend for cold/flu season?

Dr. Jamie: Colds are caused by viruses, so unfortunately, no medications can “cure” the infection. However, we can do a few things to help make our children more comfortable when they come down with a cold:

• First and foremost, avoid using over the counter cough and cold medications in children under the age of 6 years (the FDA officially says under 2 years of age, and has not made a formal recommendation for children up to the age of 12, but we think these medications should be avoided in children under 6).
• For nasal congestion, especially in little ones, consider using nasal saline drops and a bulb syringe to help clear stuffy nasal passages.
• Humidifiers can help loosen congestion and mucous, provide comfort, and help moisten dry airways.
• Make sure children get plenty of rest
• Give them extra TLC!
• Avoid herbal supplements in children; they are not controlled by the FDA and there may be  potential for serious side effects with unclear, unproven benefits. 

If a parent is ever concerned about any issue regarding their child’s illness, the doctor should be contacted right away.    

Examiner: How important are vitamin supplements for toddlers?

Dr. Rachel: The need for vitamin supplements, such as a daily multivitamin, really can only be made on a case by case basis.  Every child is different in terms of what she consumes (for example, is she meeting the recommended dietary allowance?); so the decision as to whether or not a vitamin supplement is needed should be discussed with the pediatrician.  Parents should avoid giving any sort of vitamin supplement before discussing it with their child’s doctor.