11/8/22 blog post
caring for your child during a surge in respiratory illnesses
in this article:
By now, you’ve seen the headlines or you’ve experienced firsthand the respiratory illnesses currently affecting children in our region. At Dayton Children’s, we’re seeing a record number of children in our emergency departments, urgent cares, and inpatient units seeking care for RSV, flu, COVID, and other respiratory viruses that are circulating.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, these viruses are at levels higher than usual for this time of year. And for many children, this may be their first fall and winter without masking or social distancing protocols in place, exposing them to these viruses for the first time.
when to be concerned
As a parent, it’s easy to feel helpless when your kiddo isn’t feeling well. We get it! The most common symptoms we’re seeing at our care sites are complaints of fever and cough. The graphics below can help you decide when to seek care for either of these conditions:
how to help your child
If your child is experiencing these symptoms, but doing relatively well, there are a few ways to provide “comfort care” at home to get them back on their feet. They include:
- Motrin (ibuprofen) or Tylenol (acetaminophen) for fever or discomfort
- Nasal saline spray and suction for little ones that like to breathe out of their nose
- A warm shower or humidifier if they have a barky-sounding cough
Above all look at the behavior of your child. If they are playful, active, and eating and drinking well, even with medicine, then they are doing okay. If they are not acting like themselves or their behavior has you concerned, consult with a medical provider.
where to go for care
The large number of children seeking care means there may be a long wait time to be seen. Everyone seeking emergency treatment at our emergency department will be seen. Urgent cares and Kids Express locations may stop accepting walk-in patients when they reach capacity for the day. We ask that families be patient and kind as our staff work to ensure each child has the care they need.
If your child is sick, please contact their pediatrician first, even if it is after office hours. They can help direct you to the best care for your child's condition.
urgent care
- Springboro: 3333 West Tech Road, Miamisburg, OH 45342 | Get directions and save your spot
- Huber Heights: 8501 Old Troy Pike, Dayton, OH 45424 | Get directions and save your spot
Kids Express
- Mason: 8809 Wilkens Boulevard, Mason | Get directions and save your spot
- West Chester: 7787 Cox Lane, West Chester | Get directions and save your spot
- Beavercreek: 3301 Dayton-Xenia Road, Suite 200, Beavercreek | Get directions and save your spot
- Springboro: 662 North Main Street, Springboro | Get directions and save your spot
Please check the website for updates for each of our locations.
protecting your family
Dayton Children's is encouraging families to use this time to get their child's flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine series. It’s not too late!
Kids Express can provide the flu vaccine for age 6 months and up and the COVID vaccine for age 5 and up. For kids age 5 and up, the flu vaccine and COVID vaccine can also be given at the same time. Learn more
Families should also be washing their hands regularly, avoiding large crowds, when possible, and staying home when sick.
