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What's Going Around: Flu, common cold, bronchitis
Some central Nebraskans are still fighting the flu. Dr. Michael Johnson with the Hastings Family Practice says that the flu is still in the air along with RSV, the common cold, and bronchitis.
Bronchitis and the common cold are similar. The predominant symptoms of bronchitis include a productive cough, chest tightness and soreness. Patients usually do not have a fever. Johnson says that symptoms are localized in the chest. With the common cold the patient may have a cough but it is not as deep or productive as it is with bronchitis. With a cold there is more nasal congestion. Runny nose and not a lot of fever. Johnson says that both are usually viral illnesses and they are usually treated by treating the symptoms. The bad news? Neither colds nor bronchitis typically respond well to antibiotics. Dr. Janice Kutilek with the Grand Island Clinic added that a respiratory cold starts with a sore throat. Runny nose and cough. The cough can last weeks. If your child is experiencing labored breathing there may be more going on such as pneumonia or bronchitis. If your child is not sleeping they may have an ear infection as well. Dr. Johnson says that RSV is usually much worse in children under the age of two. Symptoms of RSV include rapid labored breathing, wheezing and difficulty keeping their oxygen levels up. |
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