TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) — As flu cases climb across the Big Bend this holiday season, a Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare emergency room doctor says accidents remain a far greater threat to children and teenagers than seasonal illness.
Dr. Kyle Parker, an ER physician at TMH, said the emergency department typically sees its busiest stretch the day after the holidays, when people delay seeking care to avoid disrupting celebrations.
“That’s definitely common, especially around the holidays, people just end up delaying care,” Parker said.
While the flu is something many families keep an eye on, Parker said it is usually mild for otherwise healthy individuals. Data from federal and state health officials show flu cases are increasing, with Georgia reporting “high” levels of flu-like illness, while Florida remains classified as “low.”
“If you’re otherwise healthy, you don’t have asthma or underlying breathing difficulties, I think it’s reasonable to treat your symptoms with over-the-counter meds, get plenty of rest. But ultimately use your judgment,” Parker said.
What concerns doctors more, he said, are holiday gifts that put kids at higher risk for serious injuries — especially electric scooters and bikes that many families may have waiting under the tree.
Since motors were added to scooters and similar devices, Parker said there has been a sharp rise in head injuries, particularly among children who do not wear helmets.
“I would really not recommend more than one person at a time on some of these vehicles. That definitely increases your risk for falling or injury and I just can’t stress enough every time they’re on it, they need a helmet,” he said.
Federal regulators estimate that more than 200,000 children visit emergency rooms each year because of toy-related injuries.
Parker urged parents to set clear expectations before their children ever ride new toys.
“I would say parents, if you’re getting your kids one of these for Christmas, I’d recommend having the conversation ahead of time before they even ride it on what the clear ground rules are,” he said. “I’d recommend that anytime they’re on it, they wear a helmet. I would certainly discourage riding around dawn or dusk periods where it’s going to be dark and cars might not see them.”
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