Cold, Flu, or RSV? A Pediatrician’s Guide for Parents This Winter
Introduction: The Winter Surge is Here
As winter settles into Pennsylvania, our office at Pediatric Healthcare Associates is seeing a significant rise in sick children, particularly with influenza. It can be frightening when your child wakes up burning up with a fever, and it is often hard to tell if it is just a common cold or something more serious like the flu. Our team of experienced providers, including Dr. Mohamad Moussa and Dr. Nader Younes, is dedicated to helping Altoona families navigate this challenging flu season with confidence and care.
Influenza (the flu) hits differently than a simple cold. While a cold comes on gradually, the flu often strikes suddenly. You might notice your child going from happy to miserable in a matter of hours. Key influenza symptoms include high fevers, severe body aches, chills, and a dry cough. Unlike a runny nose that might let a child keep playing, the flu often leaves children feeling exhausted and wanting to stay in bed. If you suspect your child has the flu, catching it early is vital.
When to Seek Acute Care
Because the flu can lead to complications like pneumonia or dehydration, knowing when to see a doctor is critical. If your child has trouble breathing, a fever that won’t go down with medication, or is not drinking enough fluids, you need medical attention. At PHCA, we prioritize accessibility for these urgent moments. We offer same-day acute (sick) care appointments so you do not have to wait when your child is suffering. Additionally, for established patients, we provide walk-in hours Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM to get your sick child evaluated first thing in the morning.
Safety First: Our “Sick” and “Well” Waiting Rooms
We know parents worry about exposing their children to other germs when visiting the doctor. To address this, our practice features separate sick and well waiting rooms. This ensures that if you are coming in for a flu check, you are in a dedicated space, and if you are here for a check-up, you are kept apart from contagious illnesses. It is just one way we provide the most advanced pediatric health care available in a safe environment.
Need Advice After Hours?
Flu fevers often spike at night. You are never alone when caring for a sick child. Our practice ensures there is always a physician on call 24 hours a day to provide medical advice when the office is closed. Whether it is 3:00 AM or a Sunday afternoon, you can reach a professional who can guide you on whether to head to the ER or how to manage symptoms at home until we open.
