How your pediatricians in Gilbert, AZ, can help your child get relief from a respiratory virus
Respiratory viruses can be severe, especially in children. Right now, emergency rooms and medical facilities are dealing with a triple threat from RSV, flu, and COVID. You want your child to be protected, and your pediatrician can help.
Dr. Katherine Krieg and Dr. Sharon Novy at Children’s Oasis Pediatrics in Gilbert, AZ, provide comprehensive medical care for children, including diagnosis and treatment of respiratory viruses.
Let’s look at three main respiratory viruses:
RSV-which stands for respiratory syncytial virus; this virus can be especially serious, causing inflammation of the airways in the lungs and pneumonia. Symptoms of RSV include:
- Fever
- Wheezing
- A runny nose
- Decrease in appetite
- Coughing and sneezing
Flu–which is caused by influenza virus and is highly contagious; symptoms of flu include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Coughing
- Muscle aches
COVID–which is another virus causing serious symptoms like these:
- Fever
- Coughing
- Sore throat
- Headaches
- Breathing difficulties
- Chills and muscle pain
- Fatigue and loss of smell
As you can see, these viruses share some similar symptoms, which is why it’s important to bring your child in to see the pediatrician if you are concerned. Your pediatrician can evaluate your child's symptoms and know the best way to treat the virus.
Remember that the best way to prevent the spread of viruses is to make sure your child, your family, and you have received vaccines for flu and COVID. Children at least 6 months old are eligible to receive the COVID vaccine. RSV research is ongoing to develop an RSV vaccine.
Your pediatrician can also discuss treatment options and supportive care as well as provide:
- Education about prevention of viral transmission
You can do a lot at home to limit the spread of viruses. Remember to:
- Have your child wash his or her hands regularly
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces regularly
- If your child or a family member are sick, try to limit contact with others
To learn more about the signs, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of respiratory viruses in children, talk with the experts. Call Dr. Katherine Krieg and Dr. Sharon Novy at Children’s Oasis Pediatrics in Gilbert, AZ. You can reach them in the office by calling (480) 792-1012, so call today.