Bronchiolitis (and RSV)
Symptoms
We are currently seeing cases of bronchiolitis, a viral illness (sometimes caused by RSV -- "respiratory syncytial virus") that occurs most often in children under age 2. This virus typically occurs in epidemics during the winter and the early spring. "Bronchioles" are the smallest airways in our lungs, and "itis" means these airways are inflamed, or irritated, by the virus. When these airways get inflamed in young children, they often will start to "wheeze," meaning air and the oxygen in it have difficulty getting through these narrowed, swollen airways.
With a case of bronchiolitis, your child's symptoms may begin with a runny nose, a fever, and a harsh, tight cough. If it progresses to wheezing, your child may start to breathe rapidly and "pull" with his/her abdomen and rib muscles with each breath. Please call us for an appointment if your child’s breathing becomes labored or difficult.
The New Flu (H1N1 Influenza)
Symptoms
The H1N1 influenza virus is in Anchorage and in Alaska. Symptoms are similar to those of seasonal influenza. They include sudden onset of high fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, and fatigue. Some people have also reported diarrhea and vomiting. If your children's symptoms are just those of a cold, without any additional severity or influenza symptoms, they probably have a cold and do not need to be seen in the office.
>>Healthy children 5 years old and above with flu-like symptoms DO NOT need to be seen in the office. They can be cared for at home.
>>Children at increased risk of more serious illness from influenza because of conditions such as diabetes, asthma, immunity problems, or being treated with immune-suppressing medications for other reasons, are especially vulnerable to complications.
If they develop symptoms they SHOULD be promptly evaluated in the office.
>>Babies and children under 5 years old MAY need to be seen. Please call and speak to a nurse to help decide whether to make an appointment.
Vomiting and Diarrhea
Symptoms
We are currently seeing viral illnesses that cause vomiting and diarrhea. Usually called viral gastroenteritis, the virus causes inflammation and irritation of the stomach and the intestines, leading to vomiting and diarrhea. Typically, vomiting and a low-grade fever start first, followed by diarrhea that may persist for several days. Rotavirus is a specific virus occurring during the winter months that can cause significant diarrhea in infants and children. Occasionally, it can lead to hospitalization for dehydration. Ensuring that your infant or child drinks plenty of fluids to stay hydrated during this illness is the mainstay of treatment.
