Common Illnesses

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.