Pediatrician Dr. Gwyneth Spaeder talks about the rise in various illnesses spreading around the United States including RSV, flu, and even COVID. She explains the effect of a possible “immunity gap” from months of social distancing, what’s happening in hospitals, immunization and treatment possibilities, and what symptoms parents should watch for in their children to know when to get help.
Top 3 Takeaways:
- RSV is a big deal. Don’t be afraid to talk to your doctor about it.
- When it comes to fever, it’s less about the actual number on the thermometer and more about what the number is doing to the child. Worry more about behavior than temperature.
- Antibiotic stewardship is important: not every illness should be treated with antibiotics, but it might eventually develop into something that does!
Other resources:
CDC Influenza Map
CDC RSV Trends