HOT TOPICS:  RSV, FLU & OTHER RESPIRATORY VIRUSES

As many of you know, we are already surging with an unprecedented number of cases of respiratory viruses. This time of the year there is always an uptick in the number of cases, however, we are seeing numbers even above and beyond a typical seasonal increase. 

Currently there are many cases of influenza, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), COVID-19 and a wide variety of other viruses circulating. Our children's hospitals are quite full and pediatric offices nationally have been seeing tremendous numbers of sick children over the last several weeks. 

There are few options for treatment for these viruses. Some antiviral medications may be available for influenza or COVID-19, but there are no specific treatments for most of the other respiratory viruses.) 

We do encourage parents to take preventive measures when you are able, such as flu vaccines and COVID-19 vaccines for all those who are eligible. This is especially important to schedule now before the holiday season arrives and families are gathering.  Mitigation efforts that were helpful during the peak of the pandemic are also helpful for these other viruses. Staying home when you are sick, good hand washing, avoiding crowded indoor spaces, increasing air ventilation when possible, wearing a mask when you're in a high risk environment, and getting your flu and covid vaccines are all helpful ways to decrease the spread all of these viruses as well. 

If your child does become ill with any of these respiratory viruses, there are things that can be helpful to manage the symptoms. These include keeping your child well hydrated, manage their mucus and secretions as best you are able (steam showers, humidifiers, nasal saline drops or rinses, clearing nostrils) and monitoring their breathing. Fever reducers/pain relievers may be helpful if your child has a fever or body aches/headaches, etc. 

SCHEDULING A VISIT: If your child is drinking reasonably well,  acts reasonably well when their temperature is in a normal range, and does not show signs of dehydration or difficulty breathing, it is ok to monitor your child at home. If your child has fever that lasts longer than 4 days, is acting particularly ill even when fever is down, or has other symptoms that are concerning, please schedule an office visit. **IF YOUR CHILD IS UNDER 10 WEEKS OF AGE OR HAS NOT YET HAD THE FIRST FULL SET OF VACCINATIONS, CALL THE OFFICE FOR ANY ILLNESS OR TEMPERATURE OF 100.4 OR HIGHER***

If you are worried that your child is becoming seriously ill,  their breathing is becoming labored, or they are having difficulty with their level of consciousness, please call our office or 911 if necessary. 

The following are some links, that also include some videos of how to monitor breathing and what labored breathing looks like and they contain some helpful information when managing these respiratory illnesses at home. 

Given that we are still seeing substantial numbers of COVID-19, we would recommend testing for COVID for anyone who has any cold symptoms (congestion, cough, runny nose, scratchy throat, fever, chills, headache, fatigue). If your child is at high risk from COVID-19 and is over the age of 12 (obesity, asthma, diabetes, immunocompromised, etc.) please call to discuss options for treatment with antiviral medication. 

For information about RSV:  https://www.healthychildren.or...

For information about the Flu:  https://www.healthychildren.or...

For information about fevers:  https://www.healthychildren.or...

For information about colds/coughs:  https://www.healthychildren.or...

For information about sinusitis/colds:  https://www.healthychildren.or...