Winter illnesses are coming
December 17, 2006 by Kenneth Carlson, MD
As the days get shorter and the mornings colder, winter illness are beginning. With that comes a busier time for the clinic. Be sure to call early in the day if you feel your child needs to be seen in the office that day.
Illnesses more common in the winter include influenza, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), and rotavirus.
Influenza is a serious respiratory illness causing high fever for 3--5 days, bad cough, muscle aches, headache, and sore throat. This virus causes “respiratory flu” which is different from viral stomach/intestinal flu which is characterized by fever, vomiting and diarrhea. Influenza is a viral illness (like a bad cold) and antibiotics are not helpful for the main infection. Antibiotics are used when influenza infections are complicated by ear infections or other bacterial complications. More about influenza.
RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) is a very common respiratory infection that is most severe in the youngest patients. Older kids, teenagers, and adults have symptoms just like a bad cold. For younger infants and toddlers, the infection begins just like any other cold. About 3 to 5 days into the cold they can start to have worsening cough, wheezing, and a harder time breathing. More information about RSV and bronchiolitis.
Rotavirus is a serious cause of diarrhea illness in kids. It is similar to other causes of viral intenstinal infections but often lasts longer than other stomach “flus”, sometimes up to 2 to 3 weeks. More information about treatment of vomiting and diarrhea.
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