A lot of kids are getting sick right now from school and daycare -- coughing, sore throats, and congestion.
The most common viruses going around right now can be treated at home with hydration and rest. But if your symptoms don’t improve in a few days, especially with young kids, you will want to go visit a doctor.
Dr. Rubina Khan at Legacy Community Health in Southwest Houston said an increasing number of kids are coming in now with RSV and norovirus.
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“About 27% of patients have something called norovirus, which is responsible for vomiting and diarrhea and gastro illnesses in children. That’s the most prevalent right now, and then we also have the RSV virus, which is about 20.9%,” Dr. Khan explained that seasonal viruses are beginning to tick up again.
RSV is a virus that can make it hard for babies to breathe. It causes fevers, and congestion and every year leads to several hospitalizations.
“RSV commonly makes younger babies sicker than the older children. It is a very common viral illness. Babies, you’ll see them coughing. You’ll see them breathing hard. Very congested, upper airway congestion. If they have a fever, they need to come in. RSV can make them very sick.” Dr. Khan said. “If it’s an older child, just a little cough and congestion, then the parents can wait it out at home. That’s fine.”
Dr. Khan said there’s an injection available to protect babies under eight months or immunosuppressed kids up to 19 years old.
A nurse practitioner at the CVS Minute Clinic in Humble noted that adults are also experiencing similar viral infections, presenting symptoms such as sore throat, nasal congestion, and cough.
