COVID Q&A with Dr. Hassan Alzein of Alzein Pediatrics

Nanny Magazine had the opportunity to connect with Dr. Hassan Alzein of Illinois based Alzein Pediatrics who shared his insight into how the COVID pandemic is impacting nannies and families and what parents and caregivers can do to minimize the risk of COVID exposure. Here’s what he had to say.

There has been an uptick in requests from families asking nannies to live with them rather than practicing social distancing and come and go each day. Is this step necessary to protect the health and safety of children, families and nannies?

Although this would be an ideal situation to minimize potential exposure to COVID-19, most families and nannies would find it impractical considering the financial cost, lifestyle changes, and space limitations. We recommend focusing on encouraging your present nanny to practice safe social distancing at a similar level to your family practices, or finding a new nanny who is willing to do so.

When caring for babies and young children, social distancing isn't really possible. What precautions should nannies take if caring for infants and young children who need to be held, bottle fed, and comforted by their caregiver?

Developing a plan that makes both you and your nanny comfortable is important. Infants should always be held while bottle feeding. Washing hands frequently, especially before and after feeding, holding, soothing, and diaper changes or toileting should be emphasized. You can also consider having your nanny wear a mask while in close contact situations like feeding and holding. Again, ensuring that your nanny is practicing safe social distancing is the first priority in minimizing the risk to your child. Asking your nanny to maximize outdoor activities and, whenever possible, opening windows in the household is also beneficial.

What is the current science on children being less susceptible to COVID? Are caregivers like nannies at increased risk for caring for children?

Early research shows that children tend to have less severe illness and milder symptoms than adults. Rate of hospitalizations and deaths are also lower. However, severe illness is still possible and infants and children with underlying illnesses have greater risk. 

With all the talk about COVID, the first sign of a fever can drive a nanny into panic mode. How can parents and nannies tell the difference between common childhood illnesses and COVID symptoms?

Unfortunately, there is no way to distinguish symptoms of COVID-19 from a common cold. Fevers, congestion, sore throat and cough, the most common symptoms of COVID-19, do occur with many other viruses that frequently affect children. Look for other sick or symptomatic persons in your household and analyze the potential for recent exposure to COVID-19, tracking back your child’s activities and contacts for the previous weeks. Call your pediatrician’s office and follow their guidance about testing your child and family members. Whenever your child, nanny or other family member has a fever, it is safest to socially isolate, including having the nanny stay home. 

Some families have requested that their nannies discontinue providing care for other children if working for them. They are saying no more babysitting for other families, for example. Does this seem like a reasonable step to protect the health and safety of children and families or is this too much?

Asking for exclusivity during this time will definitely minimize exposure between different families. However, families making this request should be prepared to compensate for the nanny’s lost income. Limiting the numbers of families and children your nanny cares for is important to be able to trace and minimize spread of the virus in case of an infection.

Last question, some families are requesting that every person in the family's household be social distancing or not working. How small of a circle should nannies who are caring for children have with regards to social distancing? If their spouse is working, for example, how problematic would that be for the work family of the nanny with regards to an increased risk of COVID exposure?

We recommend that families consider the profession of everyone in the nanny’s household to determine if the nanny is at an increased risk of exposure, which in turn means an increased risk to your family. Just like everyone in your household, your nanny should keep their circle of social contacts as small as possible during this pandemic. 

Dr. Hassan Alzein earned his medical degree at the University of Damascus in Damascus, Syria in September 1988 and completed his residency in 1994 at the University of IL – Chicago.  Dr. Alzein is board certified and has been consistently awarded “America’s Top Pediatrician” by the Consumer Research Council of America and one of Chicago Magazine’s Top 100 Doctors in 2014 and 2018. Dr. Alzein served as a clinical instructor for Midwestern University in Downers Grove and Olympia Fields from 1994 to 1996. He gained extensive experience working as a hospitalist caring for critically ill children in Pediatric Intensive Care Units while providing care for children in the community through his offices located in the southwest suburbs of Chicago. The Chairman of the Pediatric Department at Little Company of Mary Hospital (LCMH), Dr. Alzein is a very active member of the American Academy of Pediatrics. He is also an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science in North Chicago. Dr. Alzein has special clinical interest in newborn care, asthma, and allergic rhinitis. He also enjoys traveling, listening to classical and country music, reading, and spending time with his wife and children.