Sick Season is Here!
As temperatures drop and illnesses begin circulating widely, many families find themselves dealing with coughs, fevers, sore throats, and other common symptoms. It can be difficult to determine whether an illness can be treated at home or if it’s time to seek medical attention.
The following are some of the most common illnesses we see during sick season, along with steps you can take at home and signs that it may be time to contact your pediatrician:
Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)
Pink eye can cause redness, itching, irritation, and drainage from the eye. It may be caused by a virus, bacteria, or allergies and can spread easily among children.
How to Treat It at Home
- Use a warm, damp washcloth to gently clean the eye.
- Dab rather than wipe to avoid further irritation.
- Encourage frequent handwashing.
- Avoid sharing towels, washcloths, or pillows.
When to Come See Us
Schedule an appointment if your child's symptoms are getting worse, there is significant drainage from the eye, or your child wears contact lenses. We can help determine the cause of the irritation and whether treatment, such as eye drops or antibiotics, is needed.
Sore Throat/Strep Throat
A sore throat can be caused by either a viral infection or strep throat. Viral sore throats can typically be treated at home with supportive care, while strep throat is a bacterial infection that requires medical evaluation and treatment. Although the at-home measures below may help relieve discomfort, children who have been exposed to strep throat or develop a sudden sore throat, fever, and painful swallowing should see their pediatrician. Strep throat can also present as a rash or stomach pain, including nausea or vomiting. It's especially common during the fall and winter months.
How to Treat It at Home
- Encourage plenty of fluids.
- Offer warm drinks to soothe the throat.
- Give honey for throat discomfort if your child is over 1 year old.
- Make sure your child gets plenty of rest.
When to Come See Us
If your child has a sore throat with a fever or has been exposed to strep throat, we recommend scheduling an appointment. Testing can help confirm whether your child has strep throat, a bacterial infection that requires antibiotics, so they can begin treatment and recover more quickly.
Influenza (Flu)
The flu often comes on quickly and can cause fever, body aches, fatigue, chills, and cough. Children can become dehydrated more easily when they're sick, making close monitoring important.
How to Treat It at Home
- Encourage fluids to prevent dehydration.
- Prioritize rest and recovery.
- Alternate Tylenol and Ibuprofen for fever and discomfort, following dosing instructions carefully.
- Monitor symptoms and energy levels closely.
When to Come See Us
Contact us if you're concerned your child may be dehydrated, high fever, or if symptoms seem severe or are getting worse. If your child has been exposed to the flu or is showing symptoms, seeking care early may help reduce the severity of illness and limit its spread to others. We can evaluate your child's symptoms and help determine the next best steps for care.
Don't Forget Your Flu Shot
An annual flu vaccine is one of the best ways to help protect your child during flu season. Established JCMG Pediatrics patients can walk in for a flu shot or request one during a regularly scheduled visit. We also provide flu shots for the whole family during your child’s visit.
We're Here When Your Child Isn't Feeling Their Best
Sick season can bring its share of worries, but you don't have to navigate it alone. Whether your child needs a same-day sick visit, treatment for an infection, or preventive care to stay healthy throughout the season, the team at JCMG Pediatrics is here to help keep your family well. If you're ever unsure whether your child's symptoms require medical attention, our team is happy to help guide you.
Contact JCMG Pediatrics to schedule an appointment at (573) 556-7704.