Research
Adults with cancer appear more vulnerable to COVID-19
Cancer, particularly metastatic cancer, can be added to the list of medical conditions that pose a significant risk of worse COVID-19 outcomes , suggests a new study. Led by Boston Children’s Hospital and Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, it represents the first large cohort study to examine COVID-19 outcomes in cancer patients. Findings were published ... Read More about Adults with cancer appear more vulnerable to COVID-19
Health and Parenting
If someone in your house has COVID-19
If you or someone in your house has COVID-19, how can you protect other family members from infection when everyone is living in close quarters? Some of the recommendations below may be difficult, especially if you live in a small space with several people. Do your best, and remember the two most important things everyone ... Read More about If someone in your house has COVID-19
Health and Parenting
Vaping and COVID-19: A toxic blend?
With the COVID-19 pandemic keeping most of us sheltering at home, teens who vape are facing a reckoning. Should they quit vaping? What if they can’t? “Some of our patients have successfully quit vaping, and tell us that ‘stay at home’ orders have helped, because they’re not around their friends who use,” says Dr. Sharon ... Read More about Vaping and COVID-19: A toxic blend?
Health and Parenting
How coronavirus has changed us: One family’s story
“Albert — what’s the matter? Stop that barking!” In his typical territorial manner, my sheepdog patrols the neighborhood. I look out the window to see what’s got him worked up. Outside, I see my 15-year-old son and my 80-year-old mom walking down the street. This seemingly ordinary sight is actually anything but ordinary for our ... Read More about How coronavirus has changed us: One family’s story
Research
How the new coronavirus gets into respiratory tissue — and may exploit one of our defenses
What makes SARS-CoV-2, the virus behind COVID-19, such a threat? A new study, led by Jose Ordovas-Montanes, PhD, at Boston Children’s Hospital and Alex K. Shalek, PhD, at MIT, pinpoints the likely cell types the virus infects. Unexpectedly, it also shows that one of the body’s main defenses against viral infections may actually help the ... Read More about How the new coronavirus gets into respiratory tissue — and may exploit one of our defenses
Health and Parenting
It’s okay to be scared: Talking about COVID-19 with your kids
Images and stories of the global COVID-19 pandemic surround us, and it’s normal for kids to have questions. There’s no easy way to talk to children about it, but doing so can help them better understand this and other things that might scare them. Here are some tips to help you have those conversations, from ... Read More about It’s okay to be scared: Talking about COVID-19 with your kids
Our Community
Nurses find simulation to be a core component of daily care delivery
Complex patients, new technology, a demanding health care environment. These factors and more underscore the growing importance of simulation as a key component of nurses’ education and training. At Boston Children’s Hospital, nurses use simulation to hone skills, refine experience, improve interprofessional communication, and expand competence and confidence. Simulation is a core component of their ... Read More about Nurses find simulation to be a core component of daily care delivery
Our Community
Nurse scientists: Advancing pediatric care through research
Quality nursing care depends on ongoing clinical inquiry — that is, asking questions about current processes and developing the best solutions to those concerns. “The power of critical thinking strengthens nurses’ ability to be clinical experts and practice at the highest level,” says Jean Connor, PhD, RN, CPNP, FAAN, director of Nursing Research, Cardiovascular and ... Read More about Nurse scientists: Advancing pediatric care through research
Health and Parenting
Care in the NICU during the COVID-19 outbreak
Having a baby requiring specialized care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is stressful under any circumstances. But if your baby is being cared for in the NICU during the current COVID-19 outbreak, you may have even more questions and concerns than usual. To address these worries, we spoke with Dr. Kristen Leeman, associate ... Read More about Care in the NICU during the COVID-19 outbreak
Health and Parenting
Is it allergies or COVID-19?
Allergy season has kicked off earlier this year than usual. This means children may start having symptoms — such as coughing and sore throat — that are similar to those of COVID-19, but are triggered by a reaction to pollen or grass. Dr. Subhadra Siegel the director of the Allergy and Immunology Program at Boston Children’s ... Read More about Is it allergies or COVID-19?