What’s Going Around in Colorado?

As the weather changes, it’s important to be aware of the risks of seasonal illnesses in children. Here are some tips to help keep your child healthy:

  • Get a flu shot: The flu is a serious respiratory illness that can be deadly, especially for young children. Getting a flu shot is the best way to protect your child from the flu.
  • Wash hands frequently: Handwashing is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of illness. Be sure to wash your hands often, and especially before handling food or eating.
  • Cover coughs and sneezes: If your child has a cold or the flu, it’s important to teach them to cover their mouth and nose when they cough or sneeze. This will help prevent the spread of the illness.
  • Stay home when sick: If your child is sick, it’s important to keep them home from school or daycare so they can rest and recover. This will also help prevent the spread of illness to other children.

Mouth Blisters (Herpangina)

Herpangina is an illness caused by a virus, with small blister-like bumps or ulcers in the back of throat or the roof of the mouth. The child may have a high fever with the illness.

Herpangina is a common disease in children and is usually seen in children between the ages of 1 and 4, most often in the summer and fall. Good handwashing is necessary to help prevent the spread of the disease.

Treatment for herpangina is to help decrease the severity of the symptoms. Since it is a viral infection, antibiotics are ineffective. Treatment may include increased fluid intake, and acetaminophen for fever and pain.

If the child is not taking fluids well and there is concern about hydration, you should bring the child in to the office.