With the holiday season upon us, calendars are filling up with gatherings, travel, and celebration. However, this time of year also brings a rise in illnesses like influenza, RSV, COVID-19, and the common cold. When your child develops a fever or a cough, deciding what to do next can be stressful. You want prompt relief, but with so many choices available — from virtual visits to the emergency room — it is not always easy to know where to go.
Understanding the landscape of current respiratory illnesses, recognizing which symptoms to look out for, and knowing where to seek care can save you time, help you connect with clinically appropriate care, and keep minor conditions out of the emergency room.
“The flu season started earlier this year, which could indicate a more severe season,” said Dr. Saira Syed, a pediatrician at Ascension Saint Alexius. “Influenza has more complications than people might think. It can sometimes lead to pneumonia and other severe illnesses, and protecting your child and yourself with an immunization helps reduce the duration and intensity of the illness.”
If your child becomes ill, monitor their symptoms or start with a call to their pediatrician. They know your child’s history and can recommend whether to care for your child at home, schedule an in-person visit, or seek further medical evaluation. If your child gets sick at school, the school nurse may provide similar guidance. Mild symptoms — such as an ear infection, a sore throat, or a fever without other concerning signs — are well suited to a pediatrician’s office or an urgent care center, where clinicians can run rapid tests for influenza or strep throat.
The emergency department is dedicated to serious, life-threatening conditions. Especially during respiratory virus season, if a child has difficulty breathing, do not hesitate: seek emergency care immediately.
“Congestion and mild cough symptoms can typically be managed at home. If parents notice that their children are having a harder time breathing, they will need a clinical evaluation,” said Dr. Syed. “Additionally, any new fever that develops after symptoms begin indicates that your child should be seen by a clinician.”
Ultimately, Dr. Syed noted that prevention is a vital step in protecting children from respiratory illnesses this season. For influenza and RSV in particular, Dr. Syed explained that available immunizations can help children avoid complications such as wheezing, and other serious illnesses.
