Common Illnesses
Updated: Jan 6, 2020
Common illnesses that affect children. Some require antibiotics, while others only require the treatment of symptoms. Several are seasonal, while others are year round.
VIRUSES VS. BACTERIA
VIRUSES = NO ANTIBIOTICS NEEDED. ONLY REQUIRE MEDICATIONS FOR SYMPTOMATIC TREATMENT
BACTERIA = REQUIRE ANTIBIOTICS FOR TREATMENT/HEALING
These are a few:
The Common Cold/URI (Upper Respiratory Infection): A virus, therefore no antibiotics are needed. Illness is self-limiting Symptoms include the following: cough, congestion, fever (100.4 or higher)
Treatment: time, rest, antipyretics (medications for fever ie. motrin/tylenol)
RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus): A virus, therefore no antibiotics are needed. Symptoms include the following: bad/worsening cough over 5 days, fever (100.4 or more), congestion and mucous, vomiting (especially after cough) and fussiness/irritability.
Treatment: time, rest, antipyretics, nasal suctioning, albuterol if wheeze is present and/or inhaled hypertonic saline
Influenza Virus: A virus, therefore no antibiotics are needed. Symptoms: body pain (malaise), cough, congestion; fever (100.4 or more), headache, vomiting and diarrhea.
Treatment: Tamiflu for 5 days (anti-viral agent), antipyretics, hydration, and medications for vomiting/nausea control (anti-emetics), time and rest
Hand, Foot and Mouth (Coxsackie Virus): Symptoms: sore throat, high fevers (102, 103), blisters and ulcers of the mouth, rash (face, palms, soles and groin), anorexia (decreased appetite), vomiting and diarrhea.
Treatment: rest, time, hydration, antipyretics.