Experts help parents prepare for the start of the second semester amid post-holiday COVID-19 concern

Experts help parents prepare for the start of the second semester amid post-holiday COVID-19 concerns

Local pediatrician has been encouraged by the flu numbers she's seeing she's not seeing.dr. amanda williams, peacock pediatrics: "we have not seen any influenza yet this season which is incredible and speaks to how social distancing is helping keep general viral infections kind of at bay."dr. amanda williams with peacock pediatrics says while no flu cases have popped up at their office, covid-19 cases have been steady.dr. amanda williams, peacock pediatrics: "the month of december our numbers were at about 15 percent positivity which i think is pretty consistent with what's been seen in our community as well.

We have had weeks where we've been as high as 40 percent though so we've seen some fluctuations there."

By early monday afternoon -- they had another two kids test positive for covid-19.

Dr. williams notes that children have experienced severe and fatal reactions but a vast majority of children who test positive only experience minor to mild symptoms. dr. amanda williams, peacock pediatrics: "we've just not seen that locally.

That doesn't mean that we can slack off on any of the precautions that we taking."those precautions are super important now that children are heading back to the classroom after the holiday break.dr. amanda williams, peacock pediatrics: "this year more than ever we've asked people, even if your child has minor symptoms you can't send them to school because that could be covid.

We would recommend keeping them home and having them evaluated if the symptoms are persistent."and she says if we practice what we preach -- it's easier to get children to do it.dr. amanda williams, peacock pediatrics: "please be diligent in front of your kids because your kids will do what you do so if your kids see you masking and washing your hands and avoiding gatherings that becomes just the norm and then its not as much as a struggle so be cognizant of the way you speak to your kids about it."

And it's tough to follow any goal to the "t" without making mistakes -- but she says if we focus on why we are masking, washing our hands, social distancing keep going."we are really hopeful that we can get kids in school and keep them in school because we know that they do better academically.

They need that social interaction for their mental health which we've seen just a ton of, you know, kids who are struggling with depression, anxiety all kinds of things because we've upset the whole apple basket as far as their lives are concerned.

Reporting, madeline mcclain kq2 news.

It's also not too late to get your flu shot.

Peacock pediatrics says they have it in stock if you still need one.

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