Winter and viruses
Description
Ah-choo! It feels like children everywhere are coughing and sneezing their way through this winter. So is it worse than usual? And what is 'RSV'? In this episode, Anthea and Margie are joined by paediatrician Dr Suzanne Boyce to chat about the most common respiratory viruses going around. They talk through the symptoms of COVID-19, RSV and flu, how to know when to seek help and the best ways to stop children from getting sick in the first place.
Helpful resources
RCH Kids Health Info fact sheet - Influenza (the flu)
RCH Kids Health Info fact sheet - Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
RCH Kids Health Info fact sheet - Bronchiolitis
RCH Kids Health Info fact sheet - Coronavirus COVID-19
RCH Kids Health Info fact sheet - Cough
RCH Kids Health Info fact sheet - Croup
RCH Kids Health Info fact sheet - Fever in children
RCH Kids Health Info podcast - Viruses and fevers, why do kids get sick so often?
United States
Most childhood viral infections are not serious and include illnesses as varied as colds, sore throats, vomiting and diarrhea, and fevers with rashes. You can learn more about common viruses in children here https://alldaymedicalcare.com/7-infections-kids-pick-up-at-school/ . Some viral infections that cause more serious illness, such as measles, are less common these days because of widespread immunization.