All across the state pediatricians are asking themselves, what is happening?!
This year’s respiratory season (or “flu season”) is off to a rocky start! With much higher numbers than predicted, primary care offices, urgent care clinics, and hospitals are seeing a very abnormal pattern to this year’s season.
What is normal?
Typically, flu season starts at the end of September. There are multiple types of flu, the most common being Flu A and B. Flu A is a strain that often shows up at the beginning of the season, and is commonly followed by Flu B appearing around January through March. The peak of flu season is typically in February. It is very possible to catch Flu A at the beginning of the season, and Flu B at the end.
What is happening this year?
The Center for Disease Control predicted the flu season would be worse than normal this year. However, they did not predict that Flu B would show up at the beginning of the season! Right now, Flu B is more prevalent than Flu A. This means that we still have Flu A to get through, and then Flu B will probably make another appearance towards the end of the flu season. So, you could catch and be diagnosed with the flu three times this season!
What can you do to prepare?
- It is important to remember that after 48 hours of symptoms, a child is no longer eligible to receive Tamiflu.
- Remember that even if your child is eligible to receive Tamiflu, this medication can cause side effects that you should discuss with your child’s provider. This medication can alleviate flu symptoms and cut down the recovery time by 1-2 days.
- If they are outside the 48-hour time period, the flu is treated like a common cold. Bed rest, hydration, Ibuprofen/Tylenol are the best ways to help your child recover.
If your child is sick or injured, bring them to Little Spurs Pediatric Urgent Care. We are a walk-in pediatric urgent care open seven days a week. We have 11 locations in San Antonio and one in Dallas. Our Potranco clinic, located at 14249 Potranco Road, will open early 2020. For more information, please email us at info@littlespurs.com. We welcome walk-ins, accept most insurance plans and are proud to be accredited by the Urgent Care Association!
