Childhood illnesses are part of parenting, but they’re always stressful. Your usually lively child is coughing, vomiting, lacking energy, or irritable. You’re doing everything possible to manage the symptoms and help your child recover, but when it’s a virus, you can only do so much.
Our guide helps you decide when to take your child to the pediatrician’s office versus one of the doctors at Premium Urgent Care. How do you know when to go directly to the ER? Our advice is to trust your instincts and always prioritize your child’s well-being, but we also have tips to help you make the best decision.
Illnesses That Are on the Rise in California
Between March and April, Fresno’s average highs range from 66 to 72ºF. Average lows are in the 45 to 48ºF range. As of mid-March, temperatures have proven to be anything but average.
Actual temperatures have reached as high as 92ºF, and those high temperatures are expected to last through the end of the month. Along with this heat, there has been a complete lack of rain. This is leading to high tree pollen counts. Fine particulates have reached PM2.5 levels, which is rough on children with asthma.
While the air quality index (AQI) has been acceptable in some areas, AQI levels are higher on Drummond Street and at Foundry Park. East Home Avenue/Van Ness Avenue reached 114, indicating elevated pollution levels.
Warmer temperatures, high pollen counts, and worsening air quality all affect a child’s health. Additionally, several viruses are circulating in California. If your child’s been sick, it might be one of these common spring illnesses.
1. Allergic Rhinitis
It’s peak tree allergy season. Allergic rhinitis is commonly referred to as seasonal allergies or hay fever. With high pollen counts in Fresno, your child may be experiencing allergies. It’s worse if allergies occur alongside a cold, RSV, or another virus.
Symptoms include dark circles under the eyes, red, watery eyes, a runny nose, and sneezing. Saline rinses help keep the nasal passages moist, and they are a good primary treatment option. Consider working with your child’s pediatrician or allergist for a long-term allergy management plan.
2. Cold
Cold season doesn’t just run during the winter. This virus can hit at any time of the year. It’s often an illness that you can treat at home with rest and fluids to ensure mucus flows readily.
Symptoms include a mild cough, runny nose, and scratchy, sore throat, often from postnasal drip. If there’s a low-grade fever, a fever-reducing medicine that your child’s pediatrician recommends is optional.
3. Croup
Croup is a viral infection that causes inflammation in the upper airways. It’s easily identified by the barking cough and high-pitched noise when breathing. The cough is often worse at night.
Moist air, such as a cool mist humidifier in the bedroom, helps your child. Medications may be necessary, however, so head to urgent care.
4. Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD)
Coxsackievirus A16 is usually mild, and a fever, sore throat, and blisters or sores appear on the hands, inside the mouth, and on the feet. It spreads through feces and saliva and is more common in children 7 or younger. It often spreads quickly in daycares and preschools.
Since it’s a virus, there’s no cure or specific treatment. Over-the-counter pain relievers help reduce discomfort. Keep your child comfortable and encourage plenty of water and fluids, even if mouth sores are painful. You shouldn’t have to take your child to a doctor unless your child is dehydrated, in which case, go to urgent care.
Encephalitis and viral meningitis are rare complications of HFMD. If your child develops a headache or high fever, go to the ER.
5. Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)
HMPV is on the rise in California. More than 6% of people with respiratory viruses in Region 9 tested positive for HMPV.
Most children with HMPV experience mild cases with symptoms like those of a common cold. It can become more severe in infants and toddlers due to the risk of bronchiolitis, which occurs when the airways swell and become clogged with mucus.
The virus spreads very easily through respiratory droplets when coughing and sneezing. Most children will recover well at home with plenty of fluids and over-the-counter fever reducers. If a child has difficulty breathing, the virus isn’t easing after 10 days, or is dehydrated, go to urgent care.
6. Influenza
The flu caused six pediatric deaths in Region 9, which includes California, by March 1st. It’s slowing down, but flu season hasn’t ended yet. Ideally, your child is vaccinated, which helps reduce the severity of symptoms if they contract the virus.
Symptoms include headache, cough, body aches, and fever. If you suspect your child has the flu, take them to urgent care for a flu test. If it’s possible, antiviral medications are an option. Dehydration can occur, so it’s crucial to keep your child well hydrated.
7. Gastroenteritis
A stomach bug like norovirus is one of the most common childhood illnesses. It happens at any time of year, but spring gatherings for Easter and egg hunts make it easy for the virus to spread.
If your child has a stomach bug, vomiting and diarrhea can seem unstoppable. Hydration is crucial. Sips of a liquid like Pedialyte can make a difference. If your child is unable to keep any liquids down, go to urgent care.
8. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
RSV remains common in California, and the RSV vaccine is advised for infants and children. Urgent care can provide the RSV vaccine if your child hasn’t received it yet.
This virus affects the respiratory system, including the lungs. It is very common and usually causes mild symptoms similar to a cold. If the infection reaches the lungs or lower respiratory passages, it can result in bronchiolitis or pneumonia.
Medical attention is essential if your child develops a fever, makes a wheezing sound while breathing, or has bluish-looking lips. Go to urgent care if you suspect your infant has RSV, as they’re most likely to develop severe symptoms.
9. Strep
Strep throat is a bacterial infection of the throat that causes it to feel intensely sore and scratchy. A fever and swollen lymph nodes are common symptoms. It’s frequent in children and needs medical treatment to cure the infection. If not treated, it can lead to kidney inflammation and rheumatic fever.
A throat swab needs to be taken, which is why it’s important to go to a doctor. Urgent care has the equipment to take samples and test for strep during your visit.
Top Reasons to Bring Your Child to Urgent Care
Most viruses go away after a week or two. However, there are situations where urgent care is essential.
- A child’s temperature is higher than 104ºF.
- A fever returned after going away.
- An infant’s temperature is 100.4ºF or higher
- It’s been three days, and the fever hasn’t gone away.
- Your child has a stiff neck and a headache.
- Your child has an unexplained rash.
- Your child is having difficulty breathing.
- Your child isn’t forming tears or urinating.
- Your child’s lethargic.
- Your child’s lips have a bluish tint.
The doctors at Premium Urgent Care are available later in the evening than pediatricians. They also offer weekend hours, making urgent care especially convenient when your child gets sick on a Friday or Saturday night.
Save time by checking in online before you arrive. You can also print out the forms in advance and have them filled out, which saves time at the registration desk.