Parents usually love when their kids are good at sharing with others. A notable exception: Sharing germs.
Children are being affected by the “tripledemic” of influenza, RSV and COVID-19. There has been a rise in visitation to doctor offices and hospitals both locally and around the country.
According to a press release from John Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, doctors are seeing an increase in all respiratory illnesses. John Hopkins has been about 122 cases in November of RSV, 53 Covid positive cases and about 235 cases of Flu A.
So, what should parents know to keep their child safe this winter? Guide is here to inform parents on symptoms to look for, how to provide treatment at home and how to know when it is time to seek medical attention.
What are these Illnesses?
RSV, which stands for Respiratory Syncytial Virus, is a common, cold-like illness which typically resolves in about a week or two for healthy individuals. It has potential to more seriously affect infants and the elderly. According to the CDC, it is the most common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in babies 1 year and younger.
Except for bacterial pneumonia, only the symptoms of RSV, flu and COVID are treatable, not the virus itself. While flu and COVID do have some treatments, many are not age appropriate for children.
Vaccination can reduce risk of flu and COVID. Simple precautions such as washing hands, disinfecting surfaces, staying away from sick friends and relatives and not exposing young children to tobacco smoke are all important.
What Symptoms Indicate These Illnesses?
RSV, flu and COVID share many similar symptoms. Here are the signs to look out for, according to the CDC:
- Runny nose
- Decrease in appetite
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Fever
- Wheezing
- Fever or feeling feverish/chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Deciding to Treat at Home or Go to the Hospital
The American Academy of Pediatricians suggests that parents call the pediatrician if the child has any of the following:
- Rapid breathing, flaring nostrils, wheezing and grunting
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing;
- Chest caving in with each breath
- Very ill or drowsy
- Gray or blue color to tongue, lips or skin
- Poor feeding
- Dehydration
- Vomiting for more than 24 hours
- Bloody diarrhea or fever
- Above 104 degrees fahrenheit in any child, above 100.4 degrees F if the child is under 2 months old or above 103 degrees F for more than 24 hours
The AAP also suggests, in addition to vaccination, to teach children to cover their mouth and nose while sneezing and coughing, wash hands with soap and water and have children stay home when they are sick.
Winter is a time of fun, family and friends, but making sure children stay healthy and away from illnesses is the best present of all.
By Michelle Stephens.
