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What's Going Around: Meningitis, high fevers, Tonsillitis
If your child has had a fever lately you are not alone. The question: at what point do you need to take them to the doctor?
Doctor Janice Kutilek with the Grand Island Clinic says that she's seen two patients with viral meningitis. Both of them were younger than five years old and the kids were from two different towns. Kutilek added that Tonsillitis is going around and she's still seeing a lot of patients with Hand Foot and Mouth Disease. She also said she's seeing a large number of patients with high fevers. She says the high fevers are a viral illness with no other symptoms. If you or your child have a temperature greater than 101 degrees for more than 48 hours you need to see a doctor. With higher fevers it's important to push fluids, rest, and to stay out of the heat. Kutilek says that if you or your child have a fever less than 101 it's ok to have the fever because it's the body's way of fighting the illness. If you have a fever for more than 5 days you need to see your doctor a second time. Dr. Michael Johnson with the Hastings Family Practice says he's seen a number of patients with colds and insect bites. He says it's important to use a DEET containing spray when you are out and about to prevent bug bites. He reminds us that mosquitoes are more active early and late in the day. He also suggests wearing long sleeves. If you do end up with a bite Johnson suggested using hydrocortisone or calamine lotion. He says that there is still a risk of West Nile Virus. He says most people have minimal or no symptoms. People with a more severe response to West Nile virus have flu like symptoms and can end up with either encephalitis, or meningitis. For more information you can visit: http://kidshealth.org/parent/question/general/repellent.html Mosquitoes in Adams and Sheridan counties have tested positive for West Nile as have birds in both Madison and Phelps counties. |
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