Respiratory viruses circulate in the air, causing infections that lead to problems with congestion, sore throats, fevers, body aches, chills, and pain. At Mesquite Pediatrics in Tucson, AZ, our three providers, Dr. Jeff Couchman, Dr. Susan McMahon, and Dr. Nicole Abdy, see pediatric patients throughout the year who are dealing with a wide range of respiratory viruses that require monitoring and treatment. If your young one has a prolonged fever, scratchy throat, runny nose, and other symptoms that have lasted more than a few days, it's time to see our pediatrician to see what is going on.

Common Symptoms of a Respiratory Virus

The common cold, influenza, and COVID-19 are respiratory viruses that infect the respiratory tract, causing a range of symptoms to watch out for. Symptoms can be mild, such as a runny nose or slight cough, or they can become worse and include a high fever, extremely sore throat, and difficulty swallowing. If your child is complaining of throat pain, and body aches, and has measurable symptoms such as a high fever or cough, it's important to have your child seen by a pediatrician if the symptoms persist for more than two days without any improvement. Testing may be done depending on the symptoms, in order to provide more effective treatment if it is available.

What to Know About Respiratory Viruses

Your child may experience a number of respiratory infections throughout the year, and treatment is focused on managing the symptoms. Medication to manage pain and reduce fever can help your child feel more comfortable. Good hygiene is essential to protecting your child from respiratory viruses, and this includes consistent hand-washing to help prevent the spread of germs. Your child should be getting plenty of rest while they are sick, and drink enough fluids to stay hydrated. Respiratory viruses such as influenza and COVID-19 may have medication treatment available, but only when the medication is taken early on in the start of the illness.

Schedule With Our Pediatrician Today

If your child has been experiencing symptoms of a respiratory virus for a few days or longer, it's time to see a pediatrician to further evaluate their symptoms. Contact Mesquite Pediatrics in Tucson, AZ by calling 520-648-5437, and schedule an appointment with Dr. Couchman, Dr. McMahon, or Dr. Abdy today.