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559-746-7337

  • Home
  • Our Team
  • Contact Us
  • FAQ /Insurance Info
  • New Patients
    • Get Started
  • Classes & Events
  • Ear Piercing
  • Treatment/Info
  • BLOG

updateS on the "Season" & age appropriate treatment

 

As of 1/14/23


**Please see information at bottom regarding fevers**

We are still seeing a lot of RSV/Flu positive patients, however there are still other viral illnesses going around causing symptoms similar to influenza. We are seeing some strep throat, however most of the "sore throats" have been viral. Continue to see high fevers that are lingering for 4-7 days, congestion, awful sounding cough, headaches, sore throat, tummy aches etc .  We highly recommend that unless your child is having difficulty breathing or is an infant under 3 months that you try to avoid the Emergency Room. Use the guidelines below and reach out to us as needed! 


We have also been seeing viral rashes...including Hand Foot and Mouth. These can appear on the entire body. It may look like hives but generally doesn't bother the child. If they are itchy, you can give benadryl or do an oatmeal bath. Generally if viral, the rash will not disappear with the benadryl. However, please call us for a visit if needed. 


****IMPORTANT****

There is a shortage of amoxicillin and it appears there may be some more antibiotics that will be difficult to find. As stated below, we will only prescribe them if really needed. 


Also a shortage of  Tylenol (Acetaminophen) in liquid form. You can also use Motrin (Ibuprofen) for 6 months and older. Tylenol also comes in a suppository form, typically found at most pharmacies. 


General Virus Information - Please read


A friendly reminder about viruses in general...we do NOT treat viruses with antibiotics. Please plan on using the supportive care measures listed below in most cases. Under some circumstances, patients will develop a secondary infection ie ear infection. However, we do not treat to prevent these. We are always happy to check though! 


Urgent care and telemed providers, although necessary at times, will in a lot of cases will unfortunately prescribe antibiotics when NOT needed in order to move patients through.  So please keep this in mind...when we don't prescribe an antibiotic for the "same symptoms they had last month". 


Some further virus Information...we don't treat for sinus infection until symptoms have persisted/worsened for over 10 days as most viruses can cause nasal drainage that looks like it came out a swamp...green for days. "Ear infections" can often be viral...and so there is a chance your child may have ear pain without a true bacterial infection. 85-90% of coughs are viral and of the 10-15% that are not, half are asthma/allergy related and then a small percentage are bacterial - so only a very small percentage of patients will get an antibiotic for a cough. 


All viruses are subject to lasting 10-14 days. As well, on average the first few years of "school/daycare" your child may have up to 12 episodes of illness.  It is NORMAL for viruses to peak in between days 2-7 and seem like they are worsening or like it's lasting forever. With exception of infants or those with respiratory difficulties, expect to treat toddlers and older children with the options below. If worsening after 5-6 days, then please have them evaluated.


As always, please feel free to use our portal to ask questions, but hopefully the options below will help to answer some of these prior to messaging us. 

 


Viral Treatment Options

Tylenol (Acetaminophen) Dosing

Tylenol (Acetaminophen) Dosing

Tylenol (Acetaminophen) Dosing

Please refer to the above chart - a few things to note. Infant and Children's Tylenol are the same strength, it doesn't matter which one you have. Can be given with all other cold and cough medications EXCEPT there are some cold and cough for older kids 6 & older that might also have tylenol (acetaminophen) in them. Typically tylenol can be alternated with Motrin(Ibuprofen) for children 6 months and up, however in cases of very high fever that won't come down or pain - they can be given together. Otherwise alternate every 3 hours if above 6 months old.  Please also note, you may have been given a weight based dose by us, please follow the instructions we gave you...it will likely be more than listed on chart. 

Motrin (Ibuprofen) Dosing

Tylenol (Acetaminophen) Dosing

Tylenol (Acetaminophen) Dosing

Please refer to the above chart - a few things to note. Infant and Children's Motrin strength are NOT the same strength, it DOES matter which one you have. ONLY given to 6 months of age and older. Can be given with all other cold and cough medications.  Typically Motrin can be   alternated with Tylenol (acetaminophen) for children 6 months and up, however in cases of very high fever that won't come down or pain - they can be given together. Otherwise alternate every 3 hours if above 6 months old. Please also note, you may have been given a weight based dose by us, please follow the instructions we gave you...it will likely be more than listed on chart. 

FEVER **3 months and older

Tylenol (Acetaminophen) Dosing

UNDER 12 months old - viral treatment options

If your infant is less than 3 months old and has a fever please call us or be seen by another healthcare provider.

 Parents might worry when a child's temperature rises, but a fever itself causes no harm and can actually be a good thing — often, it's the body's way of fighting infections. 

Different viruses will cause higher fevers, ie influenza which lately has been 102-104. You will treat it with tylenol and/or

 ibuprofen (6 months and older). Use the charts to the left.  You can alternate medications every 3 hours. In some cases of a fever of 104 or above, you may give both at the same time. May also perform cooling measures, such as a cool cloth or a luke warm bath. Sometimes fevers are persistent, that's ok...ie, influenza may do this for 4-7 days. 

 

A fever is probably not serious if your child is 3 months or older and:

  • is still interested in playing
  • is drinking well (may lose appetite)
  • is alert and smiling
  • has a normal skin color
  • looks well when their temperature comes down

Fevers will make a child fussy, also causing increased heart and respiratory rate. These symptoms should resolve when fever is reduced. 


 

The best way to take a temperature:

(we encourage parents to have a method of taking it different ways)

  • for infants 1 year old and younger: rectal temperature
  • for kids 4 or older who can cooperate: an oral temperature (by mouth)
  • for any age: under the armpit (axillary) and temporal artery (forehead) are easiest but less accurate. Tympanic (in the ear) is OK for kids 6 months and older.


UNDER 12 months old - viral treatment options

Children (Ages 4 and up) - viral treatment options

UNDER 12 months old - viral treatment options

In every sick infant...humidifier, steam showers, bulb suctioning with saline, and treating for fever/pain with tylenol (acetaminophen) or motrin (ibuprofen - if over 6 months) - see charts. These can be given with the options listed below.  Formula/breast feeding may take longer and possibly not as much...supplement with pedialyte as needed to keep hydrated.


Zarbees and Hylands are just 2 brands that are typically readily available locally that make age appropriate, homeopathic medications for infants. HOWEVER, please make sure to check the age on the box...you might be looking for something approved for at least 2 months and older.  We advise against using anything not approved in the US by the FDA.  


Infants will pull at their ears for several reasons...teething, a habit, itchy...and with illness they will experience pain related to pressure secondary to congestion. This does not mean it's an infection. Treat for pain/fever if needed. 


Infant chest rub / typically homepathic versions are approved for 2 months and older, this is fine as an additional therapy. 

Toddlers (Ages 1-4) - viral treatment options

Children (Ages 4 and up) - viral treatment options

Children (Ages 4 and up) - viral treatment options

In every sick toddler...humidifier, steam showers, bulb suctioning with saline, and treating for fever/pain with tylenol (acetaminophen) or motrin (ibuprofen) - see charts. These can be given with the options listed below. Push fluids - water, Pedialyte or if absolutely necessary watered down juice/gatorade. 


Zarbees and Hylands are just 2 brands that are typically readily available locally that make age appropriate, homeopathic medications for toddlers. HOWEVER, please make sure to check the age on the box to make sure it is age appropriate.  We advise against using anything not approved in the US by the FDA.  




Children (Ages 4 and up) - viral treatment options

Children (Ages 4 and up) - viral treatment options

Children (Ages 4 and up) - viral treatment options

Humidifiers and warm steam showers can help with some of the congestion. At this age, there are additional cough and congestion medications available. Just check that the medication is safe for use for your child's age. Some of these may have "acetaminophen" which is tylenol. Check the ingredients before giving more tylenol. OTHERWISE, you may alternate with acetaminophen/ibuprofen every 3 hours. 

Information and causes of cough at any age

Information and causes of cough at any age

Information and causes of cough at any age

More often then not, a cough in children does not need to be treated with antibiotics. Causes of cough include allergies, asthma, viruses (can affect both upper and lower airway) and in a few cases a bacterial cause. 


Very often with a upper respiratory viral infection or allergies there will be post nasal drip. This will cause your child to cough more at night and first thing in the morning. Propping them up and offering age appropriate over the counter medications is sometimes warranted. 


A dry barky cough can be croup, but it can also occur with allergies and asthma. If you feel your child has croup, we encourage you to reach out to us. However,  at home you can do steam shower/humidifier, take them outside in the cool air or open your freezer door. 

Viral Tummy Bugs

Hydration/Appetite during viral illness

Hydration/Appetite during viral illness

Both vomiting and diarrhea can affect children of all ages. Infants less than 3 months need to be evaluated urgently for persistent symptoms as they may become dehydrated quicker.    Pedialyte would be the preferred fluid for those under the age of 1.  Otherwise during a tummy bug, push clear fluids, and avoid anything with too much sugar. Avoid milk and dairy. Keep their diet bland and doing so should continue 2-3 days after the illness or they may experience tummy pain and cramping. 

Hydration/Appetite during viral illness

Hydration/Appetite during viral illness

Hydration/Appetite during viral illness

Please do not worry about your child's appetite in the first week of an illness, HOWEVER you do need to make sure they stay hydrated. Water, Pedialyte, broth, or watered down juice are good options. 


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