What's Going Around

ALLERGIES

Allergies can be seasonal or year-round. Symptoms include watery, itchy, red eyes; a clear runny nose; sneezing; and an itchy throat. In some cases, eczema may flare up, with dry and itchy skin. The most common triggers are trees, grasses, and weeds. Over the counter medications, like Loratadine, Claritin, and Zyrtec, are available for children over the age of two for treatment of seasonal allergies. If your child’s symptoms worsen, please call or text our office at 281-614-2445 to make an appointment or schedule a televisit. Click here for additional information.

COUGH

Cough is a beneficial reflex that clear secretions from our airways and keeps them open. However, persistent coughing can be a symptom of allergies, asthma, pneumonia, sinus infections, bronchitis, bronchiolitis, viral infections, etc. If you are concerned about your child’s cough, or call or text our office at 281-614-2445 to make an appointment or schedule a televisit. If your child’s cough is causing difficulty breathing, purple lips, or wheezing, call emergency services immediately. Click here for additional information.

CORONA VIRUS

COVID-19 can look different in different people; for many people, being sick with the Corona virus would be like having the flu. Parents and caretakers play an important role in teaching children to wash their hands. Explain that hand washing can keep them healthy and stop the virus from spreading to others. We recommend wearing protective face masks when in public spaces for children older than the age of 2. While we believe the Corona virus in children is rare, seek care immediately if your child has:

• Prolonged fever (more than 5 days)

CROUP

Croup is an upper respiratory viral infection caused by the parainfluenza virus. Typically, it is seen in younger children. The child may suddenly start with a hoarse, barky cough due to swelling in the vocal cords and windpipe, which can worsen at night. This can lead to difficulty in breathing, where the child makes whistling sounds when breathing in - called stridor. To help alleviate the condition, a cool mist humidifier may be helpful. Please call or text our office at 281-614-2445 to make an appointment or schedule a televisit, if your child has symptoms of croup. Click here for additional information.

HAND-FOOT-MOUTH DISEASE

Coxsackie virus is the cause of the common illness, Hand-foot-mouth disease, which causes a blistery rash to appear in the mouth followed by small blisters on the hands and feet. Sometimes the rash is seen in the diaper area as well. These blisters can be painful and the child may refuse to eat, and for that reason we recommend giving your child Ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol). You may also give your child cold liquids or frozen treats to relieve the pain. Monitor your child for dehydration, and if your child does not urinate for more than 8-10 hours, then please call or text our office at 281-614-2445 to make an appointment or schedule a televisit. Click here for additional information.

FLU

Flu is viral illness caused by Influenza A and B. It is more dangerous than the common cold, and thousands of children are hospitalized, leading some children to die from flu. Flu symptoms can range from:

• Fever or feeling feverish/chills

FIFTH DISEASE

Fifth disease is a mild rash illness caused by parvovirus B19. It is more common in children than adults. A person usually gets sick with fifth disease within 14 days after getting infected with parvovirus B19. It starts with a scratchy throat, runny nose, and a low-grade fever. It then presents with a pink rash on the cheeks, and a lacy rash on the outer surfaces of the arms and legs. This condition may last from 2-3 weeks and will resolve by itself. If you have any other questions, please feel free to call or text us at 281-614-2445. The symptoms of fifth disease may include:

• fever

PINK EYE

Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is a condition that is caused by a viral or bacterial infection. The white part of the eye becomes red and watery, and your child may experience some nasal drainage as well. Bacterial conjunctivitis has more yellow-green discharge, and your child’s eyelids may be sticky in the morning. To treat it, you will need antibiotic eye drops. Sometimes the chlorine from swimming pools can get into your child’s eyes, and present like pink eye. To prevent this, ensure your child wear’s goggles. Good hand-washing is very important because both viral and bacterial pink eye infections are very contagious. If there is swelling, pain, and increased redness around the eye, please call or text our office at 281-614-2445 to make an appointment or schedule a televisit. Click here for additional information.

STREP THROAT

Strep throat is caused by Group A streptococcal bacteria and can present with a fever, sore throat, headaches, stomachaches, and sometimes may be associated with a rash behind the ears, armpits, and groin. Strep throat is diagnosed with a throat swab, in office, and if the test comes back positive, your child will need antibiotics. Viral infections can also cause sore throat. To rule out Strep, please call or text our office at 281-614-2445 to make an appointment or schedule a televisit. Click here for additional information.

RSV

Respiratory Syncitial Virus (RSV) is a viral infection very common and severe in young infants. It is the most common cause of bronchiolitis (an inflammation of the small airways in the lung) and pneumonia (an infection of the lungs) in children younger than 1 year of age. Symptoms include:

• Runny nose

UPPER RESPIRATORY INFECTION

Upper Respiratory infections are mostly cause by viruses. Symptoms can be nasal congestion, clear nasal mucus, sore throat, cough, and in some cases fever (2-3 days). These symptoms can be followed by cough persisting for 1-2 weeks. If your child has persistent high fever, please call or text our office at 281-614-2445 to make an appointment or schedule a televisit. ​ Click here for additional information.

VOMITING AND DIARRHEA

Diarrhea and vomiting, also known as gastroenteritis, can be caused by viruses or bacteria. Viral gastroenteritis causes inflammation of the stomach and intestines. This typically lasts 1-2 days and can be treated with fluids. It is important to hydrate your child with electrolytes like Gatorade or Pedialyte in small amounts every 30 minutes. If your child has any blood in the stool, bile stained vomit (yellow-green color), no wet diapers, no tears, appears limp, this may be a serious case. If so, please call or text our office at 281-614-2445 to make an appointment or schedule a televisit. ​ Click here for additional information.