WESTON, Wis. (WSAW) - "We're definitely getting into respiratory season where lots of different illnesses are coming in," Marshfield Clinic-Weston Pediatrician Dr. Nicole Giles says.
Respiratory season waits for no one. Dr. Giles says they're seeing pneumonia cases more than usual with adolescents and school-aged children. When it comes to young children, it leaves an impact any way you slice it.
"Infants generally don't have the immune system that an older child does, so they may get sicker faster," Dr. Giles explained. "Toddlers tend to tolerate things a little bit better, cause they've seen illnesses in the past. Some of the older kids we've been seeing, just more fatigue and trouble breathing, and just this general, shortness of breath."
Once the illness hits, be ready for the treatments. More importantly, it's about picking the right treatment.
"In your toddler-infant age range, a lot of nasal saline, nasal suction, humidifier. If they're over one, you can do a teaspoon of honey for the cough. Bigger kids, once you get to like six or eight, you can start looking at some of those over-the-counter cough medications," Dr. Giles said. "I would always ask your pediatrician if it's safe for your child. Just based on their own health care situation."
If the at-home remedies don't work, it's time to visit the doctor.
"If a child has a fever that's lasting three, four days, it's not really responding to Tylenol or Motrin or things like that, then we definitely think it's the time to bring your child in," Dr. Giles added.
A visit to the ER is something no one wants to endure, but it's crucial to know the signs of when that's necessary.
"Any acute difficulty breathing, my child's breathing fast, they aren't able to catch their breath," Dr. Giles said. "Any kind of chest symptoms with that, I would tell them to go to the emergency room right away."
She recommends a flu shot vaccination to help prevent more serious illnesses. It also doesn't hurt to practice good hand washing, cough covering, good rest, drinking fluids, and simply staying home when you are sick.