PHX Reporter

Banner Health has issued a reminder to parents and caregivers about the ongoing respiratory illness season, emphasizing the importance of recognizing symptoms early to ensure proper treatment for children.

“With respiratory viruses circulating, it is important for parents to recognize early symptoms and take the appropriate steps to manage their child’s illness,” said Nikki Hardin, pediatric service line director at Banner Children’s at Thunderbird. “Many mild cases can be managed at home with rest and fluids, but some symptoms may require medical attention and if these symptoms persist, then it is time to go to the hospital.”

The health organization reports a 58% increase in pediatric respiratory illnesses in January compared to last year. This rise underscores the need for awareness among parents regarding symptom recognition and illness management.

Key symptoms associated with common cold include runny nose, sneezing, mild cough, and sore throat. The flu typically presents sudden fever, body aches, fatigue, and severe cough. RSV often causes wheezing, difficulty breathing, and worsening cough in infants. COVID-19 symptoms can involve fever, cough, loss of taste or smell, and sometimes gastrointestinal issues.

Parents are advised to consider urgent care for their children if they experience persistent fever above 100.4°F for more than three days, mild dehydration signs such as dry lips or reduced urine output, or worsening cough or congestion without severe breathing difficulties.

Emergency care should be sought if a child shows severe breathing difficulty like rapid breathing or flaring nostrils, bluish lips or face, high fever with confusion or unresponsiveness, or severe dehydration indicated by no urine output for over eight hours or extreme fatigue.

Banner Urgent Care offers treatment options for non-life-threatening conditions including cold and flu symptoms; ear, eye and throat infections; fevers; skin rashes; sprains; strains; and lacerations. It operates daily throughout the year and accepts most insurance plans.

For more information on locations and services offered by Banner Urgent Care visit bannerhealth.com/urgentcare.