The flu is here. Last week, NY State had close to 12,000 reported cases. It is here earlier than usual and in larger numbers. Even those who have had the vaccine are affected. But flu vaccine does help prevent serious illness. Besides influenza, we are seeing a surge in other respiratory viruses and with these a huge increase in calls to the office and text messages.
In the first 1-3 days of a fever, unless there are specific symptoms that would warrant attention (difficulty breathing, extremely lethargy, inconsolability, dehydration), it is best to monitor at home, treat discomfort with acetaminophen or ibuprofen (we do not need to treat fever – it is nature’s best way to treat infections) and push fluids.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and croup can be especially scary but usually just require home therapy.
We do not need to see every child with mild symptoms. But, if your child is not drinking adequately (not urinating or wetting diapers as much as normal), appears to be struggling (working hard) to breathe or anxious appearing, is extremely lethargic or crying inconsolably, please contact us immediately.
And… it is not too late to receive a flu vaccine. The virus will most likely be here through March 2023.
On that note, from all of us at Lewis Pediatrics, best wishes for a happy and healthy Thanksgiving!