Did you know...?

Young children are highly sensitive to viruses. Their resistance to infectious agents may still be low at the same time as their exposure to them increases.

Many viruses are hard to destroy without damaging or killing the living cells they infect, this is why drugs are not used to control them. Many viral diseases can be prevented by immunization.

Colds, flu and sore throats often recur in children. Self-care tips include:

• Bed rest
• Plenty of fluids
• Given acetaminophen to relieve fever and discomfort
• Feed lightly; select what is appealing to your child and keep your child home until there's been no fever for over 24 hours.
• Make sure to keep all appointments for your child's vaccinations. A healthy diet and plenty of exercise and rest will prepare your child to fight off viral infections. Remember, never give aspirin to a child under 18 years of age.

Strep throat is an infection of the throat by the streptococcus bacteria. Strep throat is very contagious and is spread through person to person contact. Symptoms ususally occur within 2 to 7 days after exposure. If untreated, this throat infection can lead to serious lifelong problems.

Strep throat is most common in children aged 5 to 10. It strikes most often between October and April. The bacteria may be present in some people without causing symptoms, but can still be spread to others.

Symptoms may include:

• Severe sore throat
• Fever
• Bright red tonsils and throat
• White or yellow spots at back of throat
• A swollen, tender neck
• Weakness and loss of appetite

If symptoms of strep throat are present, contact your doctor. Other bacteria and viruses can cause these same symptoms. A rapid strep screen is done to identify strep throat from other causes. Since the quick test is not 100 percent accurate, all tests are followed with a routine strep culture that takes 24 or 48 hours to get results. Strep throat is usually treated with an antibiotic for 10 to 14 days. It is very important to finish all of the medication. The patient should get bed rest and stay away from others for 24 hours after taking the first pill.

The common cold can be caused by one of several types of over 100 viruses that affect the nose, sinuses, throat and lungs. These viruses are very contagious. Although there is no sure cure for the common cold, some of the following may provide relief:

• Drink lots of fluids, especially water and fruit juice.
• Cough syrup or lozenges to ease a sore throat.
• Drugs, such as acetaminophen, for headaches or fever and a vaporizer or mentholated ointment to reduce congestion.

A fever is an abnormally high body temperature. There are four categories of fever:

• Low: 100 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit or 37.7 to 38.8 degrees Centigrade
• Moderate: 102 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit or 38.8 to 40 degrees Centigrade
• High: Above 105 degrees Fahrenheit or above 40.5 degrees Centigrade
• Dangerous: Anything over 107 degrees Fahrenheit or 41.6 degrees Centigrade, can cause permanent brain damage

Contact your physician if any of these conditions develop:

• temperature over 105 degrees Fahrenheit
• lower temperature (100 to 102 degrees F) lasts more than several days
• bright lights are uncomfortable or cause pain
• mental confusion or drowsiness
• seizure, convulsions, or fits
• coughing yellow or green phlegm, or shortness of breath
• swelling of the throat
• other signs of infection, such as painful join, burning on urination, or abdominal pain

NEVER GIVE ASPIRIN TO A CHILD UNDER 18 YEARS. Children should be given acetaminophen instead of aspirin, because of the risk of Reye's Syndrome. Do not bundle up under blankets. A cool shower or bath may help. Take particular care when dealing with a temperature in an infant or small child. Here are some general guidelines for children:

• Seek medical attention for a temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit, or above, in an infant.
• For fever less than 102 degrees in a child, treat by making sure that the child drinks plenty of cold fluids and remains cool.
• For higher temperatures, contact a health professional and begin active cooling measures. Undress the child. Sponge the child's body with warm water, or place in a tepid bath. Do not try to cool a child with ice or alcohol.

Nausea is a queasy feeling in the stomach that may occur before vomiting. It can be caused by changes in the middle ear, the intestinal tract or the brain.

Long periods of vomiting, or repeated episodes, can lead to dehydration. Replace fluids lost through vomiting. After vomiting eases, begin taking small amounts or sips of clear liquids, such as water, ginger ale, non-caffeinated colas, broth, apple juice, over-the-counter electrolyte supplements or drinks. Increase the amount to 4 to 8 ounces of clear fluids every hour while awake. When nausea and vomiting subside, begin eating easily digested foods such as rice, baked potatoes, bananas, toast, cooked cereal, applesauce, chicken or turkey without skin. Avoid milk products and fried or fatty foods for one to two days.

Fortunately, nausea and vomiting usually last only a short period of time. Seek medical care if any of the following symptoms occur with nausea and vomiting:

• very forceful vomiting
• high fever
• severe headache or pain
• diarrhea
• blood in the vomited materials (may look red, brown or black, like coffee grounds)
• sweating or unusual weakness

You may want to talk to family members, friends and co-workers to see if they have recommendations. Collect the names of family practitioners and internists, then learn what you can about their education background, medical interests and practice style.

Our clinics make this information available on printed cards (physician profile cards) which you can request from the Aurora Advanced HealthLine staff at 262-512-2880 or toll-free 1-888-709-2080 outside the Milwaukee area. This information is also available online, under the "Find a Physician " button at the top of this website.

Aurora Advanced Healthcare offers convenient Walk-In/Urgent Care hours.

We offer Walk-In/Urgent Care Services seven days a week at five convenient locations. No appointment is necessary. Come to Walk-In/Urgent Care with minor injuries and illnesses that may not require a trip to the emergency room. All locations are staffed with full-time physicians who are experts in providing prompt medical treatment. Insurance plans may vary.

Please check your coverage for benefits and/or referral requirements:

For a list of our Walk-In/Urgent Care Services hours, please click here.