Sick, Sick, and More Sick.

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It isn't news that we are experiencing a rough winter as far as illnesses go. Flu is all over the news. Schools have high rates of absenteeism. You hear coughs wherever you are in public places.

A few nuggets of information that might help you treat your family this sick season:

Fever

Fever is a symptom of illness and makes us feel achey and miserable, but the number on the thermometer does not necessarily correlate with the diagnosis or treatment needed. Look at your child. If they are happy with a fever, over 3 months and immunized, let it run its course. If they complain of pain (or if your immunized infant over 2-3 months is fussy) give a pain reliever/fever reducer. Push fluids to avoid dehydration. Treat other symptoms as needed. Don't worry if the temperature on the thermometer goes up ~ worry if your child is in severe pain, having difficulty breathing, or looks dehydrated.

Cough

Coughs do not need medicine generally. Honey (for those over 1 year) has been shown to be safer and more effective than other cough suppressants. Adding humidification to the air does wonders to loosen mucus and ease breathing.

If the cough is accompanied by rapid breathing, sucking in of the ribs or abdomen, or followed by vomiting, your child should be seen by a medical practitioner for further evaluation and treatment.

If your child has a history of asthma or other wheezing, it is okay to see if the rescue medicine (albuterol or levalbuterol) helps the cough. If not, it either is really bad wheezing that needs further evaluation or a cough. And don't forget your prevention medicine if you use it!

If your child has been exposed to whooping cough and develops a cough, please see your medical provider for evaluation and treatment.

Water's Power

Water is good for most illnesses. Increase fluids to prevent dehydration and help the body repair itself. Sips of water can help a sore throat and ease a cough. Add humidification to the air when the weather is cold and dry. Use saline to clear the mucus from the nose and open nasal passageways. Never underestimate the power of water!

Tamiflu 

Tamiflu is recommended for certain high risk people who are exposed to or sick with influenza. Prophylaxis can be given to prevent illness in children over 1 year of age who have known exposure within the past 48 hours if they meet high risk indications. Treatment of illness can be given to those over 2 weeks of age if they meet high risk criteria. There are shortages beginning this season and resistance can easily develop, so its use should be limited to those who truly need it.

High risks include: less than 2 years, lung disorders, immunologic disorders (immune compromised), chronic metabolic disease, and neuromuscular disorders.

If influenza symptoms have been present for more than 48 hours, it is not indicated unless there are special circumstances.

Tamiflu shortens the symptoms of influenza by 26 hours, about a day. It can help prevent the spread of the virus. It can have side effects, most commonly nausea and vomiting, but also more serious rashes and neurologic symptoms (confusion, delirium, and hallucinations).

Flu Vaccine

Vaccination is the best prevention against influenza. It does not make people get the flu. It is safe and indicated for everyone over 6 months of age. Thank you to all my patients who were vaccinated this year!  Although it is not 100% effective, it should lessen the risk of influenza to you.

Please don't wait to see if it will be a bad season before deciding if it's worth it to get the vaccine. Once the season has started it is less effective because it takes your body about 2 weeks to build immunity. Waiting also puts you at risk for being left out if there are shortages. Our office gave more vaccine than ever this year, but we still ran out earlier than ever this year.

If your family still needs the vaccine, check your local health department and pharmacies.  When we start vaccinating again this summer for next season, be sure to get your family vaccinated! (We will publicize availability on our website, Facebook page, and by email to those registered on our website.)

Vomiting and/or diarrhea

Vomiting and diarrhea can result from many viruses, usually NOT influenza. Treat with an electrolyte solution (such as Pedialyte, Gatorade's G2 - less sugar than regular). Give small volumes frequently. When kids get thirsty, they might gulp and then vomit, so put only 1 teaspoon in a small cup or syringe, or give a popsicle made of the electrolyte solution. Juice, carbonated lemon/lime drinks, and other high sugar drinks should be avoided.

Dairy increases stomach upset, and I generally say to avoid all milk products (except human milk) for 48 hours after the last vomiting or diarrhea. Breast milk can sometimes be tolerated, but it must be given slowly too, so often breast feeding should be stopped. Pump and give the expressed milk by the teaspoon in a syringe.