This year promises to be the worst flu season ever, and if you have not had to deal with the effects of this powerful bug yet, your kids could still be at risk.
The flu is a very infectious disease that is quite different to the cold. Flu symptoms include high fever, chills, severe body, and muscle aches. Some have even said that their hair hurts. If your child has been complaining about an aching back or neck, and is running a high fever, it is important that you get him or her to Powell Pediatrics. Dr. Morris can examine your child to determine if the flu virus is present.
With that being said, not everyone is getting the flu this winter. Right now, there are respiratory viruses going on that are much different from the flu. Respiratory Syncytial Virus is one of them that are causing serious respiratory disease in children, particularly those under the age of 2. It is not uncommon for kids to be hospitalized with shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing. RSV is an infection of the lungs and respiratory tract. Symptoms are usually mild and can seem like a common cold.
Another one that is showing up in the emergency room is the Parainfluenza Virus
HPIV is common in young children and infants. Symptoms of the Parainfluenza Virus include runny nose, fever and cough. Although some can recover with bed rest, it is wise to make an appointment with Powell Pediatrics just to be on the safe side as it could cause more severe problems including croup or pneumonia. This particular bug causes that barky cough in kids. In adults, the Parainfluenza Virus bug can cause a prolonged cough and laryngitis.
Another virus that is making the rounds this year is the norovirus. The symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea. According to doctors, the norovirus is very difficult to get rid of and requires constant cleaning to remove the virus.
The most important thing is the health of your children, and even if your son or daughter just has a cold or a touch of the flu, it is important to make an appointment with Dr. Morris from Powell Pediatrics just to rule out anything more serious. Flu, especially the strain that is running across the US this year, can kill not only the elderly, but the young and old as well. Treat the flu with respect and make sure that you rule out the three strains that are circulating this winter.