Kids & Kooties

Upper respiratory infection, common, cold, pinkeye, ear infections, and croup –all things Dreux has had in her 18 months of life! Derek and I do our best to keep germs at bay by using antibacterial soap in the house; making sure people remove their shoes when entering our home; and encouraging Dreux to wash her hands every time she comes in the house and before she eats. However, the little booger seems to keep bringing her classmate’s boogers, and everything else they may have, home with her! It comes with the territory. It’s only so much you can do right? It’s inevitable, they are going to get sick and pass their cooties around twice before they come home from school. It’s a blessing and a curse. Her little immune system is building itself up and by the time she is a kindergartener, a little cough and a sneeze won’t affect her as much as it does now. The doctor says it’s actually better for her to get it now then later. But it just pains my heart to see her tiny body hunched over, feverish, in pain.

The first time we wound up in the ER, we were immediately informed her temperature was 106! As a first time mom, I was worried. It was found to be an ear infection and nothing “serious”. An ear infection is common! Cool! No worries. We got her started on Amoxicillin and prayed it would clear up soon. However, just 2 days later, Dreux broke out all over in a red rash! Yep you guessed it - an allergic reaction to Amoxicillin, a type of Penicillin. My poor angel. As we found out, Dreux has a mild allergic reaction to Penicillin; as if she hadn’t suffered enough. Back to the doctor we go! Within 10 days she was on another antibiotic and back to herself! We’ve been to the ER and “walk-in office” visits about 3 times since then. Once for pink-eye and twice for what they diagnosed as croup and an upper respiratory infection. Its amazing how the minute they are getting over one virus, they contract another. So now, not only is she sick. But Mommie and Daddie are now too.

Parents we know when something is wrong with our kids. We know them best. If you think something is wrong, go with your gut! Better safe than sorry is the best policy. Below are some very common symptoms to be aware of and to pay close attention too.

Fever: A CLEAR sign that their body is trying to fight something off. It's a possibility there is a viral or bacteria infection lying somewhere.

Low Grade Fever: 99.0-100.9 F

Moderate Fever: 101-103.5 F

High Grade Fever: over 103.5 F *

*If your child’s fever is over 103, I would suggest getting them to a doctor immediately!

Lethargic: Very sleepy and or tired; won’t play or do other activities they would typically enjoy. Another true sign something is up and they are not feeling too well.

Not eating: Could be a sign of illness. Monitor closely but don’t freak out. Kids go through bouts of not eating. For a week straight Dreux would only eat tatar tots and fruit. No veggies, no meat, and no nothing! The next week she was eating everything in sight.

Mommies and Daddies, it’s so very important to know the signs of illness. Since they cannot verbally express what is bothering them. We must look at their social cues and body language. Although majority of the time it’s a small bug or a common virus, never underestimate a sick child. With all the germs, bacteria, and viruses running rapid these days, it’s important to pay close very close attention to who we send our children around and what they are picking up and putting in their mouths.  Wash those hands often with mild antibacterial soap and PLEASE, PLEASE, with fall around the corner, put a hat on those babies’ beanies! If your child gets sick, please find other alternatives for child care so they do not have to go to daycare and get others sick. Its only courtesy! 

Happy Health!