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What's Going Around?
Colds and Upper Respiratory Infections
Symptoms
Colds, upper respiratory infections, and URIs are common terms we use to describe viral illnesses that cause nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, fever, and cough. The fever usually lasts for 2-3 days, and the cough with congestion and runny nose may last for 5-10 days. The typical preschool-age child may experience 6-10 colds per year. Most colds resolve on their own with rest and fluids, but some may lead to ear infection, sinus infection, asthma attack, or other complications. If you are concerned about the possibility of one of these complications, please have your child seen in our office for an evaluation.
Cough
Symptoms
We are currently seeing children and adolescents with cough, typically one of the most prominent and bothersome symptoms of viral respiratory infections at this time of year. Coughing is an important and beneficial reflex that our bodies need to clear secretions and to keep open our major airways during the course of a viral cold or upper respiratory infection. However, severe or persistent cough can be associated with asthma, pneumonia, sinus infections, and bronchiolitis, and should be evaluated by your health care provider.
Enterovirus
Symptoms
We are currently seeing children and adolescents with infections caused by the enteroviruses, a group of viruses that often cause illness during the summer and the early fall months. The commonly used term "enterovirus" includes the coxsackie viruses, the echoviruses, and the enteroviruses. These viruses often cause a fever, and also may cause a rash, respiratory or cold symptoms, and vomiting with diarrhea. Hand-foot-mouth disease, a rash that involves those areas of the body, is a common enteroviral infection that occurs in children. More serious illnesses that are caused by these viruses include meningitis, heart infections, and eye infections. For mild illnesses caused by the enteroviruses, the best treatment is adequate rest, plenty of fluids, and fever control.
Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease
Symptoms
Hand-foot-mouth disease is a common viral illness caused by the Coxsackie A-16 virus (a member of the enterovirus family). Its name describes the location of the rash during the illness.
Typically children experience fever and small blisters in the mouth in the first few days followed by small blisters on the hands and then feet. Sometimes the rash is seen in the diaper area as well. The mouth blisters can be painful. Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be given as needed for pain relief. It is important to make sure your child receives plenty of fluids. Cold liquids may provide pain relief as well.
Call our office for an appointment if you think your child may be showing symptoms of dehydration during this illness (urinating less than every 8 hours, dry mouth, or lethargy); if the fever persists after the first 3-4 days; or if you cannot keep the pain under control.
Sore Throats
Symptoms
We are currently seeing cases of sore throats, also known as pharyngitis or tonsillitis, meaning that the pharynx and the tonsils are inflamed and irritated. Most often, a sore throat is part of a viral cold or upper respiratory infection, and will improve itself as the cold improves. Sometimes, your child may develop a fever, a sore throat, a headache, a rash, or a stomachache without any other viral symptoms, such as a cough, a runny nose, and congestion. These symptoms most often are associated with strep throat. Bacteria, called Group A strep, cause this type of sore throat. Strep throat typically is seen in school-age children during the late fall, winter, and spring seasons. To diagnose strep throat, your physician will require a swab of your child's throat, and prescribe antibiotics to cure it.
Vomiting and Diarrhea
Symptoms
We are currently seeing viral illnesses that cause vomiting and diarrhea. Usually called viral gastroenteritis, the virus causes inflammation and irritation of the stomach and the intestines, leading to vomiting and diarrhea. Typically, vomiting and a low-grade fever start first, followed by diarrhea that may persist for several days. Rotavirus is a specific virus occurring during the winter months that can cause significant diarrhea in infants and children. Occasionally, it can lead to hospitalization for dehydration. Ensuring that your infant or child drinks plenty of fluids to stay hydrated during this illness is the mainstay of treatment.
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