We’ve fully entered virus season and if your family hasn’t experienced one yet, then you’re one of the lucky ones! But since we’ve had a few major viruses going around in our area, we wanted to share some insights with you on which ones are the most common right now, what they look like, when to come see us, how to prepare, and what to do to keep your family safe. Here is a breakdown of 9 different types of viruses we recommend being on alert for…
Influenza
It’s flu season! Unfortunately, we’re currently seeing a high number of cases of the flu in Orange County, CA right now. If your child is feeling under the weather, look out for symptoms such as cough and/or sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, head and/or body aches, fatigue, and fever. Those who are pregnant and children under 5 years old are more at risk for a dangerous condition or complications. Ask your pediatrician or read up on the emergency warning signs of influenza in children here.
Parainfluenza
Another set of viruses called human parainfluenza viruses (HPIVs) have symptoms similar to the common cold. Luckily, HPIV cases are currently low. However, it’s important to know that they can cause other more serious illnesses that could be life-threatening in severe cases. These include croup, bronchitis, bronchiolitis, and pneumonia. If your child has a barking cough, wheezing, a noisy or high-pitched sound with breathing, or hoarseness, let your pediatrician know right away.
Coronavirus
Long after the official end of the pandemic, recorded COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) cases are low right now. Unfortunately, cases are trending upward this time of year. The good news is, children are less likely to become seriously ill with this virus – even though they are just as likely to catch it as adults. However, pregnant women are at a higher risk of serious illness and this virus can put unborn babies at risk. Talk to your doctor or pediatrician about the right course of action to protect you and your family from COVID-19.
RSV
The number of cases of respiratory syncytial virus going around are currently moderate, yet increasing. This highly contagious virus is characterized by cold symptoms but can sometimes lead to bronchiolitis or pneumonia and dehydration. RSV can be dangerous for young children — especially infants. So, be sure to let your pediatrician know if your child has a high fever or appears to get a fever after a cold, has worsening symptoms, is wheezing, is breathing fast or with more effort, or is showing signs of dehydration. Seek emergency medical help if your child has blue lips or fingernails, extreme drowsiness, or difficulty breathing.
HMPV
Although cases are still quite low, human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is currently surging in China and ticking up in the US. While the HMPV virus is not new and is not yet a cause for concern, it’s crucial to watch the trends of this illness as it can progress to bronchitis or pneumonia. While this virus is in the same family as RSV, HMPV symptoms are similar to the flu. Most people experience a cough, shortness of breath, fever, and nasal congestion. However, children under 2 are most vulnerable for a serious case.
Rhinovirus
Reported rhinovirus cases are still relatively high right now but are trending downward. This virus is frequently the cause of the common cold and infections are often mild or don’t cause symptoms. However, it can cause more serious illness for those with asthma, weakened immune systems, or other medical conditions. You can look out for symptoms like coughing, sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, headache, body aches, and fever. More severe illness is less common but can include asthma attacks or reactive airway disease and ear, sinus, or airway infections.
Enteroviruses
Reported cases of non-polio enteroviruses are going around right now but are currently trending downward. These viruses are in the same family as rhinoviruses and are often mild but can cause more serious illnesses. Symptoms range between enteroviruses (and other related viruses) but might include fever, respiratory symptoms, cold symptoms, vomiting and diarrhea, or even rash (as with hand-foot-and-mouth disease). Call your pediatrician if your child has asthma or severe symptoms. Seek emergency medical help if your child has serious trouble breathing, slurred speech, severe headache, paralysis, unresponsiveness, or if you’re having difficulty waking your child up.
Rotavirus
Reported cases of rotavirus have been fluctuating over the past year, but currently cases are down. This contagious virus is most common in young children and infants with symptoms such as severe, watery diarrhea and vomiting that usually last 3-8 days. This illness can become serious and even life-threatening if it causes severe dehydration. If you suspect your child has rotavirus, keep a very close eye on their symptoms, appetite and hydration and be sure to keep your pediatrician updated.
Norovirus
Currently, there is an upward trend in reported cases of norovirus. This is a contagious virus that spreads easily (even without symptoms) and is very common in children. An infected person might experience nausea, vomiting, belly pain, and diarrhea that last around 2-3 days. Call your pediatrician if your child develops a high fever, shows signs of dehydration, is not drinking at least every few hours, has blood in their vomit or stool, has severe pain in their belly, or if diarrhea and/or vomiting symptoms persist beyond a few days.
Keeping Your Family Safe
Prevention. While not all of these viruses going around can be prevented, it’s a great idea to disinfect household surfaces regularly and to avoid friends or family members showing symptoms. We also encourage keeping your family up to date on your pediatrician’s recommended vaccines such as flu, COVID-19, rotavirus, and the Abrysvo maternal RSV vaccine or the Beyfortus monoclonal antibody RSV vaccine for babies.
Stay in the know. Keeping track of what viruses are going around right now can be tricky – and even anxiety provoking. To ease your concerns, you can keep an eye on the seasonal trends of viruses the CDC is watching here. Better yet, stay connected with your pediatrician for new information about what symptoms to be on the look out for in your area and when you’re traveling.
Treatment. If your child is showing any symptoms (or simply if you’re feeling concerned), don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Make an appointment for your child to get checked or tested, get advice on how to get them back to health, and make them feel more comfortable (safely) in the meantime!
Emergency care. If your child or a member of your family is experiencing severe symptoms of any kind, never hesitate to seek emergency medical services – you could save a life!
At Ocean Pediatrics, we are committed to keeping your little ones safe and healthy. Our patient-first approach offers your family tailor-fit care and advice for medical conditions of any kind. Whether your child is feeling sick, needs a vaccine, or you would like more information about the current viruses in Orange County, CA, we’re here for you! Give us a call to let us know you’re stopping by or make an appointment to see your pediatrician today!
Additional resources:
https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/RespiratoryVirusReport.aspx
