I remember back when days off from work were because I was sick. Mothers aren't allowed to get sick anymore, so I usually stay healthy via a daily vitamin. (Drawn by Althea Peterson)
Parents beware: Fever, RSV and even pneumonia
Published: 2/4/2013 11:19 AM
Last Modified: 2/4/2013 11:19 AM
A Saint Francis Hospital report that read "Diagnosis: Fever, RSV, pneumonia." Yes, it was equally scary for the 10-month-old and the parent alike.
It is sick season for Tulsa area young children and as such, I hope you get as much information as you can from your daycare providers, your pediatricians, your families and friends.
But, just in case you haven't, here's what Tulsa area parents need to know if you have young chldren:
The symptoms
Fever: It's not cause for alarm, but if it persists for a few days above 100.5 degrees, medicine or not, schedule a check-up. This was our daughter's first warning sign that something was wrong.
Coughing and congestion: It seems like my daugher has coughed occasionally for two months straight (it's winter), but recently, it became more persistent, even at night with a humidifier.
Changes in appetite, more fatigue: She was eating less, she was snuggling with mom and dad during the day more and was getting fussy even after long naps and full night's sleep.
How they diagnose
Temperature checking: When she just had RSV, the fever was around 100.5 to 101.5 at night, but had no fever in the morning. When it turned into pneumonia, her fever jumped up to 104.
Q-tip nose swab: A giant one-sided Q-tip took a sample from each nostril from my baby's nose to check for both RSV and flu. Fortunately, she had a flu shot a few months ago and tested negative for that.
Blood sample: To check the white blood cell count (higher in a sick child), this was done in two ways. Before an IV, she had a needle poke from a nurse (while being held by a parent to comfort her) then blood is squeezed out. With an IV already in her hand the next day, it can simply be done through the IV.
Urine sample: To check for a UTI, or urinary tract infection (diaper wearing can cause this), this will either be done via a catheter or a bag. Our daughter, being only 10 months old, unfortunately needed to have a sample via a catheter. (View this entry for details on both blood drawing and catheters)
The illnesses
RSV or Respiratory Syncytial Virus: I recommend reading Shannon Muchmore's Sunday article on this, which can be viewed here.
Pneumonia: According to Babycenter.com, pneumonia can be caused by RSV in younger children and babies. Grouped as viral or bacterial, pneumonia's symptoms are typically fever and cough, but can include others. Read more on pneumonia here.
The treatments:
RSV: She had to stay home from daycare for a few days during recovery, and with her fever, we tried to emphasize naps and fluid intake.
Pneumonia: She had two rounds of antibiotics, which were administered at Saint Francis Children's Hospital. Administered via an IV in her hand, she had the second dose the next day. Fortunately, she didn't need ot get the IV twice, as the nurse wrapped her wrist after the first dose. She will also be taking an oral antibiotic for a week, omnices (cefdinir).
Get well soon, Tulsa area children
Trust your instincts, Tulsa area parents. And if your child does get sick, know that there are many other parents in the same boat and understand what you're going through.
--Althea Peterson
Related entries:
July 30: Dealing with a baby's first sick time
Sept. 3: When a baby can't sleep and won't stop crying (possibly due to her first cold)
Oct. 8: Baby blood drawing, catheter, congestion, antibiotics...
Nov. 19: Sick or tired parents usually follow a sick kid
Althea Peterson is the proud mother of a 10-month old girl. Althea returned to work at the Tulsa World in May after two months of maternity leave. Baby advice, baby questions or baby words of encouragement can be sent to althea.peterson@tulsaworld.com. Also, follow Althea on Twitter at twitter.com/a1a4ou.
Written by
Althea Peterson
Staff Writer
