HomeFrom the Desk of Debbie Martin
After hours help for sick kids:- Children's Mercy South Urgent care is now open 24/7. Located at 110th and Nall. (913) 696-8000
- After hours Pediatrics at 14300 Metcalf Suite 122. (Southwest corner of 143rd and Metcalf in the Harrington Bank building) Phone:(913) 825-4701
- Children's Mercy Contact Center: Free nurse advice 24/7. Phone:(816)234- 3188.
| Cold Symptons | Flu Symptons |
| Fever Up to 102 degrees | Fever Up or Above 102 degrees |
| Headache Uncommon | Sudden onset of Severe Headache |
| Mild Muscle Aches Possible | Muscle Aches Common, Severe |
| Mild Tiredness | Very Tired (can last up to 2 weeks) |
| No Exhaustion | Sudden Exhaustion |
| Runny Nose | Sometimes Runny Nose |
| Sneezing | Sometimes Sneezing |
| Sore Throat | Sometimes Sore Throat |
| Mild Hacking Cough | Usually Coughing, Severe |
| No Vomiting/Stomache | Vomiting/Stomache |
STREP THROAT: Usually bad sore throat which may include a fever, headache or stomach ache. You may be able to see a red throat with white patchy spots in some children. Your doctor can diagnose Strep with a throat swab, and if positive, will give an antibiotic. (Children need to be fever free without a fever reducer for 24 hours, and on an antibiotic for at least 24 hours before returning to school)DON'T FORGET TO CHANGE TOOTHBRUSHES!
FEVER: Children should stay home for any fever greater than 100.0 orally, and be free of fever for 24 hours before returning to school.
PINK EYE: The classic symptom of "bacterial pink eye" to watch for is yellowish-greenish drainage from the eye. (Looks kind of like snot) Often the eye is matted shut after sleeping. The white part of the eye may or may not be red or pink also). If you see this type of drainage, please keep your child home and contact the doctor to see about treatment.
COUGH: Some of these upper respiratory illnesses produce a bad cough that may last for 2-3 weeks. Obviously children do not need to stay home for weeks, but the cough should be manageable with children sleeping well during the night, and able to focus on schoolwork or playing during the day without being distracted by their cough before returning to school.
TIPS FOR PROTECTING YOURSELF FROM ILLNESS:
- PRACTICE GREAT HANDWASHING: Be sure to wash frequently, especially before eating or after sneezing or coughing. Be sure to use warm water, lots of soap, and wash vigorously for at least 15-20 seconds. (Your kids will say until you have sung the ABC's) Use antibacterial liquid when no sink in available.
- CLEAN: and disinfect surfaces such as tables, computer keyboards, doorknobs, toys etc. whenever possible.
- COVER YOUR COUGH: Cough and sneeze into your elbow... not into your hands. You can also cough into a tissue, but be sure to dispose of it in the trash and wash your hands right away.
- Do not share drinking cups, silverware etc.
- Talk to your doctor about the possibility of getting the flu shot still this year. Influenza usually hangs around well into March. (Miami County Health Department is giving the shots on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8-12 and 1-4 for $20.00) Takes about 2 weeks to fully work, but starts helping some right away.
- Change toothbrushes after an illness, especially something like strep throat.
Just a few reminders: You should not give any children plain aspirin or aspirin products. They carry a rare, but very serious risk of Reye’s Syndrome. Tylenol and Motrin would be the fever reducers of choice. (Motrin only if child is > 6 months old). Another product for children to avoid is Pepto Bismal, as it contains an aspirin-product. AS ALWAYS, BE SURE TO CONTACT YOUR CHILD’S DOCTOR FOR SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS OR QUESTIONS.