As flu season begins to surge across the U.S., one Boston-based pediatrician’s no-nonsense advice to parents has gone viral online.
Dr. Leah Rappaport (@dr.leahrap), a pediatric hospitalist at Boston Children’s Hospital, posted a reel on Instagram, sharing in the caption the advice that she would give parents if she “wasn’t afraid” to hurt their feelings.
Among them: that frequent sickness in young kids does not inherently mean they have weak immune system, that antibiotics don’t treat viruses and “honey, saline, humidifiers and patience work better than most medications during viral season.”
Rappaport told Newsweek that every fall, she’s inundated with questions from worried parents about viral symptoms.
“The same themes come up again and again,” she said. “Parents are tired, confused and trying to make the right call in a sea of conflicting advice. I wanted to put the answers I give over text every day into one place, in the same direct way I would say it to a friend who just wants the truth without medical jargon.”
Among the biggest misconceptions she encounters, Rappaport said, is the belief that frequent illness signals a problem. But in reality, this is how immunity develops in children.
“Young children can have up to ten viral infections a year—and most are completely normal,” she added.
Another widespread misunderstanding is that parents can prevent all illness with hygiene, nutrition or supplements.
“Even with the best hygiene and nutrition, kids will still get sick because they are out in the world play and being with other kids,” Rappaport said. “The goal is not to eliminate viruses, but to help children handle them safely and recover well.”
While most viral infections in children are mild and self-limited, parents should always trust their instincts and reach out to their doctor if something feels off.
“Fast or labored breathing, signs of dehydration like fewer wet diapers or dry lips, persistent high fever or a child who is unusually sleepy or irritable are all reasons to call,” Rappaport explained. “If symptoms are not improving after about a week, it is also worth checking in. I also just urge people to call if they are worried.”
When it comes to preparation, Rappaport recommends that parents start by making sure their child is protected against the illnesses that cause the most severe disease.
“The flu, COVID and RSV vaccines do not stop every infection, but they greatly reduce the risk of hospitalization and complications and should be available at your pediatrician’s office,” she said.
Parents, Rappaport continued, should be proactive and stock up on essentials—such as a thermometer, acetaminophen or ibuprofen, saline spray and a humidifier—before children get sick.
“And most importantly, give yourself permission to rest and lower expectations,” Rappaport said. “No family gets through viral season perfectly.”
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