Denver doctors are warning parents about a “quademic” of viruses affecting children in Colorado. Rising cases of norovirus, coronavirus, RSV, and the flu are putting a strain on hospitals as children like 1-year-old Sirhan experience multiple illnesses. Symptoms such as fever, cough, and runny nose can be confusing, but doctors like Dr. Olukemi Akinrinola are able to identify key differences. For instance, high fever indicates the flu, while deep coughing is a sign of RSV. COVID can be harder to identify, but inflamed lymph nodes can be a clue. Norovirus, on the other hand, presents similarly to the flu but with a lower fever.
After recovering from one illness, children are more susceptible to others, so it’s important to keep them away from crowded places to allow their immune systems to recover. Vaccinating against the flu is crucial to prevent severe cases that may require hospitalization. Parents are advised to trust their instincts and seek medical attention if their child is unwell. Despite the challenges posed by multiple viruses circulating at once, doctors are determined to help families navigate this difficult time and ensure children receive the care they need.
