At last, a silver lining

As 2021 gets underway and an increasing number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines are administered, I believe that 2021 will be much more of a “normal” year, especially with the hope of COVID-19 vaccine availability for children by fall 2021. This month’s issue features several must read articles on topics including COVID-19 that are relevant to all of us in pediatric medicine:

• The cover story, “Influenza and RSV during the season of COVID-19” is an excellent review for the pediatric practitioner of influenza and respiratory syncytial virus diagnosis, treatment, and new vaccines now available.
• The COVID-19 pandemic has shone a glaring spotlight on the major racial, ethnic, and health disparities that have long been present in our society, and these disparities are present in all age groups. The article “Racism in pediatric health” examines the different forms of racial bias that children face and how it impacts their health care. Issues discussed include illnesses more prevalent in children of color, such as asthma, sickle cell disease, and COVID-19; the difference in pain management for White children versus children of color; and how bias impacts mental health issues in children of color. This article highlights a prevalent issue not frequently given careful consideration.
• “Pediatric update on antibiotic use” is a practical look at the way antibiotics are used and reminds us of the critical, widespread problem of antibiotic resistance in common infections seen in daily practice.

As Confucius said­ “It does not matter how slow you go as long as you don’t stop.” As always­ I welcome your suggestions­ comments­ and questions.

With warmest regards,

Tina

Tina Q Tan., MD, FAAP, FIDSA, FPIDS

Editor-in-Chief