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Spring 2011: What’s going around?

What’s going around?  Spring 2011

 

The winter is now behind us and spring is on the way.  Here is a latest update of what we are seeing in the office.

 

Bronchiolitis: We are still seeing children with this illness.  It is causing a harsh cough and affects smaller children more severely.  See our “winter” edition of What’s Going Around to find out more about this condition.

 

“Flu,” or influenza virus: The “flu” (high fever, cough, headache, body aches) is now on the decline.  It was not a “bad” flu year, but we did see a significant number of cases.  There are still sporadic cases around but overall the worst has passed. Remember to get vaccinated next year!

 

Strep Throat: Strep is still in the community.  Most sore throats are from viral illnesses, but if your child has fever, rash, or swollen lymph nodes those symptoms are more suspicious for strep throat.  A throat swab is the only accurate way to tell if your child has strep throat that can be treated.

 

ALLERGIES!: Spring means pollens. And that means many of the runny noses we see are due to allergies.  In March and April, TREE allergies are the most common culprits.  Symptoms of allergies include a chronic runny nose or congestion, frequent sneezing, or watery/itchy eyes.  Smaller children may also experience tiredness and irritability.  Be sure to see us if you think your child may have symptoms from allergies.

 

Injuries: As the weather gets nicer, kids get out and play more.  While this is GREAT, they also are more likely to get some bumps and bruises.  Make sure your child’s bike helmet fits properly.  Make sure play areas are free of hazardous items.  Look out for any freestanding water where children could accidentally drown.  Be careful if your child plays around a creek because springtime rains can make small creeks deeper, swifter, and more dangerous.

 

Rashes: Many rashes are common in the spring.  One common rash we see is a reaction to being out in the sun.  Red, dry rashes can occur from sun exposure on the face (especially nose) and the tops of the ears in boys or girls with short hair.  PREVENTION with SUNSCREEN is the best way to battle this condition.

 

Fifth Disease is very common in the spring months.  Fifth disease is due to a viral infection.  It usually causes very red cheeks (a “slapped cheek” appearance), and a fine, red, lacy rash on the arms and legs, that gets worse with temperature changes.  Your child is not contagious when the rash is present, but may have been contagious before the rash appeared.  We should see your child if you suspect he/she has Fifth Disease.

 

Another common rash in the spring is a rash called pityriasis rosea. This rash often starts out looking like a ringworm spot on the body.  Then in several days to weeks, pale red oval spots appear over other parts of the body (the torso in Caucasian children, and the neck, armpits, and groin in African-American children).  There is no treatment for this rash, but it will go away without treatment in several weeks. Like most rashes, we need to see this to make an accurate diagnosis.

 

Sometimes, strep throat can also cause a rash.  This rash is rough (feels like sandpaper), and is usually like one large sheet of redness mostly over the torso, especially in the groin area.  This rash has been commonly called scarlet fever.  Scarlet fever is not more serious than a “regular” strep throat, but the rash can be very itchy and peel.

 

NOTE: It is impossible to accurately diagnose rashes over the phone.  Your child should be seen if he/she has a rash.

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