My Child Recently Fell Ill—The Common Cold and Flu Are Back

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It all began with a fever. First, it hit 102, then 103. Before midnight, we were alarmed to see the thermometer reach 104. Hours later, a cough emerged — a rough sound, but not overly concerning at that moment. My primary worry was his persistent fever, which we couldn’t seem to reduce. We tried everything: Tylenol, ibuprofen, sponge baths — but nothing worked against his relentless temperature. He became incredibly warm and lethargic, almost a shadow of himself. So, I took him to the doctor. COVID test: negative. Common cold: positive. We were advised to wait it out.

Three days passed, then a fourth. The cough worsened, and his breathing became more strained, leading to constant worry for nearly a week. So, we returned to the pediatrician. “Something is wrong,” I said. “His fever won’t break, and his cough is alarming. He seems to be struggling to breathe.”

They conducted more tests, took additional swabs, and sent him for a chest x-ray marked “STAT.” By 5:00 PM, we learned why. My son was battling three viruses: the common cold, parainfluenza, and RSV, which had settled in his chest. The diagnosis: pneumonitis, a type of pneumonia.

When did this happen, you ask? Just two weeks ago, in the midst of summer, a time when these viruses typically lie dormant. He caught an out-of-season “seasonal” cold, and it turns out he’s not alone. With COVID restrictions easing, viruses are re-emerging—viruses that typically don’t circulate during warmer months.

“As mask mandates are lifted, schools reopen, and travel resumes, a resurgence of these viruses is expected,” an article on STAT notes. “Some experts are concerned about facing a particularly tough cold-and-flu season due to a mix of contributing factors.”

Indeed, this re-emergence has already proven to be challenging. Earlier this month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a warning that respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was being detected more frequently in ten Southern states. Numbers are also rising in places like Utah, New Mexico, Texas, and Brooklyn, New York, which has become a bit of a hotspot.

RSV is the leading cause of bronchial infections and pneumonia in children under one year old, typically peaking from November to early spring. It can be particularly dangerous for infants and young children, sometimes necessitating hospitalization.

My child was fortunate; he recovered at home. However, RSV isn’t the only virus making the rounds, as my pediatrician confirmed — and my son’s viral panel showed. Various “seasonal” illnesses are on the rise. Dr. Richard Thompson, an infectious disease expert, recently mentioned that more people are experiencing sore throats, coughs, and colds now that mask restrictions have relaxed.

“Last year, due to extensive masking and social distancing, we saw the lowest flu season on record,” Dr. Thompson stated. RSV rates were also remarkably low, and I didn’t catch a single sniffle or sneeze throughout 2020. For the first time in ages, I was in peak health. However, with new guidelines in place, germs are now free to spread. The CDC anticipates respiratory viruses to circulate more widely this summer as people ease COVID precautions and schools and workplaces resume normal activities.

I genuinely appreciate that COVID-19 vaccinations are being administered and that life is slowly returning to normal. The fact that my son is back in daycare and my daughter is attending school feels miraculous. My husband has also returned to work, and masks are optional for vaccinated employees. We’re reconnecting with people, although our social circle remains small. All of this is wonderful; I cherish every meal, beach outing, and day together.

That said, we must stay vigilant. COVID isn’t over, and RSV and flu-like viruses are rising. While we may not be able to fully prevent the spread of these illnesses, we can still take precautions. If you’re feeling unwell, please wear a mask or, better yet, stay home. Keep your little ones at home too. After all, every parent knows that a sick child is a challenging experience, whether it’s COVID or the common cold.

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In summary, my son’s recent illness serves as a stark reminder that with the easing of COVID restrictions, common viruses are re-emerging. While it’s great to return to normalcy, we must remain cautious about our health and that of our children.


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