As a parent in Atlanta, you know that children and germs go hand-in-hand. From daycare and school to playgrounds and birthday parties, kids are constantly exposed to a variety of viruses. While most of these illnesses are mild and resolve on their own, some can be serious, and it can be terrifying when your child is sick and you don’t know why. Knowing how to recognize the symptoms of common pediatric viral infections can empower you to get your child the care they need and give you peace of mind.
This guide is designed to be a helpful resource for Atlanta parents. We will walk through some of the most common viral infections in children, their key symptoms, and when it’s time to seek medical attention. While this guide is for informational purposes, it is never a substitute for the advice of a qualified medical professional. If you are ever concerned about your child’s health, you should always contact your pediatrician.
Common Childhood Viruses and Their Symptoms
1. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
RSV is a very common virus that causes cold-like symptoms in older children and adults. In infants and young toddlers, however, it can be much more serious, leading to bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lungs) and pneumonia. The RSV season in Atlanta typically runs from the fall through the spring.
Key Symptoms:
- Runny nose and congestion
- Cough
- Fever
- Wheezing or difficulty breathing (a sign of a more serious infection)
- Decreased appetite
When to See a Doctor: You should see a doctor if your child is having any trouble breathing, is not eating or drinking, or seems unusually tired or irritable.
2. Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD)
Caused by the coxsackievirus, HFMD is another very common and highly contagious childhood illness. It is most common in children under the age of 5 and often spreads through daycares and preschools.
Key Symptoms:
- Fever and sore throat
- Painful sores in the mouth
- A rash of red spots or blisters on the hands, feet, and sometimes the buttocks
When to See a Doctor: While HFMD is usually a mild illness, you should see a doctor if your child is not drinking enough fluids due to the painful mouth sores, as this can lead to dehydration.
3. Influenza (The Flu)
The flu is a serious respiratory illness that can be much more severe than the common cold. The flu season in Atlanta typically peaks between December and February. The annual flu vaccine is the best way to protect your child.
Key Symptoms:
- Sudden onset of high fever
- Body aches and chills
- Headache
- Sore throat and cough
- Extreme fatigue
When to See a Doctor: You should see a doctor if your child has any signs of difficulty breathing, has a high fever that doesn’t respond to medication, or seems confused or lethargic.
4. Croup
Croup is a viral infection of the upper airway that causes swelling around the voice box (larynx), windpipe (trachea), and bronchial tubes. It is most famous for its distinctive, barking cough.
Key Symptoms:
- A loud, barking cough that is often worse at night
- A high-pitched, noisy sound when breathing in (called stridor)
- Fever
- Hoarse voice
When to See a Doctor: You should seek immediate medical attention if your child is struggling to breathe, has stridor even when they are calm, or has a bluish tint to their lips or fingernails.
When a Missed Diagnosis Becomes Medical Negligence
As a parent, you trust your pediatrician to correctly diagnose and treat your child’s illness. While most doctors are competent and caring, there are times when a doctor’s failure to recognize the signs of a serious infection can lead to a delayed diagnosis and a tragic outcome. This is particularly true with bacterial infections like meningitis, which can have symptoms that mimic a common virus in the early stages.
A delayed diagnosis can be considered medical negligence if a doctor fails to:
- Take a complete medical history
- Perform a thorough physical examination
- Order necessary diagnostic tests (like a blood test or a spinal tap) when symptoms point to a more serious condition
- Provide appropriate treatment in a timely manner
If your child has suffered a serious or permanent injury because a doctor failed to diagnose a serious infection, you may have a valid medical malpractice claim.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q: How can I tell if my child’s fever is dangerous?
A: For a newborn (under 3 months), any fever over 100.4°F is considered a medical emergency. For older children, the number on the thermometer is less important than how your child is acting. If your child has a high fever but is still playful and drinking fluids, it is less concerning than a child with a lower fever who is lethargic and refusing to drink.
Q: Are antibiotics effective against these viruses?
A: No. Antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections. Giving a child antibiotics for a viral illness is not only ineffective but can also contribute to the problem of antibiotic resistance.
Q: How can I prove that a doctor’s delayed diagnosis caused my child’s injury?
A: Proving a medical malpractice claim is a complex process that requires the testimony of a medical expert. An experienced medical malpractice attorney will work with a panel of pediatric medical experts to review your child’s case and determine if the doctor’s care fell below the accepted standard and if that failure was the direct cause of your child’s injury.
Trust Your Parental Instincts
You know your child better than anyone. If you feel that something is seriously wrong, do not hesitate to seek medical attention. Be a persistent advocate for your child’s health. And if you believe that your child has been harmed by a doctor’s failure to diagnose a serious illness, you should not have to bear that burden alone.
Our compassionate team of attorneys is here to help you get the answers and the justice you deserve. We invite you to contact us for a free, confidential consultation. Visit our homepage to learn more about our commitment to protecting the rights of families in Georgia.