Published date: January 09, 2023
No medication can treat a virus. Some medicines control symptoms caused by a virus, like coughing or fever, and can lessen the length of symptoms. For example, Tamiflu or Xofluza (for ages 12 and up), if taken within the first 48 hours of flu symptoms, can help shorten flu symptoms. A person who starts the medication in that window may experience symptoms for five days instead of seven.
The most common respiratory illnesses are RSV, flu and COVID:
Children who contract a respiratory illness can see a primary care doctor if they have the following symptoms:
If a child has a fever of 100.4 for more than 24 to 48 hours or their symptoms are not improving within five to seven days, parents should make an appointment with their primary care doctor.
Emergency care is vital if a child has:
"The biggest reason you'd want to go to the ER is for a child's respiratory status. They need a more critical evaluation if they're visibly struggling to breathe or saying their chest hurts," Cockerell said.
Parents may notice fast or hard breathing when a child sleeps, indicating they're struggling to breathe. Lethargy is different from fatigue. Cockerell explained fatigue can be if a child has low energy "and just wants to lay around on the couch" but is still eating and drinking.
"If a parent is having a hard time waking their child up, it's lethargy. They need to go to the emergency room," she said.
Parents need to immediately take a baby under six weeks with a fever to an emergency room because their immune systems are weak.
There are many ways a parent can keep their child comfortable at home as they recuperate from a respiratory illness.
Several things can prevent or lessen the chance a child will contract a respiratory virus. Children six months and older should receive flu and COVID vaccines. Cockerell said every relative in close contact with children younger than six months should ensure their vaccines are up-to-date. Other tips include:
"It's up to the parent and their discretion, but it's a good conversation to have with your family members. Ask them if they're coughing, have a runny nose or any respiratory illness symptoms," Cockerell said.
Arkansas Children’s hospitals and clinics provide COVID-19 and flu vaccines, along with other immunizations. Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock and Arkansas Children’s Northwest in Springdale deliver high-quality care in their emergency departments.
Primary care services are available at the following:
New and existing patients can visit our appointment hub for several ways to request an appointment, including online scheduling for many services.
Request an appointment