Childhood Flu/Respiratory Virus: What To Know

Childhood Flu/Respiratory Virus: What to Know

Flu and respiratory viruses are everywhere, and not everyone is vaccinated. Your child is at increased risk of becoming ill because your child’s immune system is still new to many viral illnesses. Your pediatrician can help your child stay healthy. Dr. Julie Tomberlin in Mansfield, TX, provides comprehensive medical care for children, including treatment of flu and respiratory viruses.

Childhood Flu and Respiratory Virus

One of the easiest, most effective ways to protect your child is to make sure your child and members of your household have been vaccinated against flu, RSV, and other common illnesses. Your pediatrician can easily administer necessary vaccines at your child’s routine appointments.

Many of the signs and symptoms of flu and respiratory virus are the same, so it’s often difficult to tell the difference. When your child has the flu, your child may have:

• A fever
• Body aches
• A sore throat
• A runny nose
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Chills

When your child has a respiratory virus, your child may have:

• A fever
• A sore throat
• A runny nose
• Coughing, sneezing, or wheezing
• Decreased appetite

If your child’s illness is not getting better after 2 days, or if your child is feeling very poorly or has a fever, a visit to the pediatrician is recommended.

Your pediatrician can order testing to find out what the illness is, so treatment can begin. Professional treatment may include:

• Prescription medication targeted at certain infections (like strep or influenza)
• Antibiotic medication if your child has a bacterial infection
• Rescue inhalers and other treatments to help your child breathe better
• Anti-nausea medication for gastrointestinal symptoms

Want To Know More About Childhood Flu and Respiratory Virus?

To find out more about the signs, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of flu and respiratory viruses in children, call Dr. Julie Tomberlin in Mansfield, TX. You can reach her in the office by calling (682) 518-8111, so call today.