What's Going Around: Strep Throat, Croup, RSV

Sore throats and strep are what's going around.

Our doctors and nurses in Sapulpa and Okmulgee from the Muscogee Creek Nation Department of Health said strep is highly contagious and remains contagious for 24-hours after antibiotic treatment is started.

Symptoms include a red, sore throat, enlarged tonsils with white patches, swollen lymph nodes a fever, chills and a headache.

Kids are also coming in with RSV and croup.

Croup is most common in children between six months and three years.

Croup is contagious and has a cough that sounds like a barking seal, and a harsh raspy. "Darth Vader," sound when they breathe in.

Treatment can include cool moist air, pain and fever medication, fluids, and very rarely antibiotics.

It's important to note, over the counter decongestants, cough and cold medications, and aspirin should not be given.

Close monitoring of the breathing of a child with croup is important, especially at night.

RSV is one of the most common respiratory infections of children. One doctor said most children will catch RSV by the age of two years old.

The first symptoms of RSV include fever, runny nose, cough and occasionally wheezing.

RSV can be serious, so you need to get your child to the doctor right away if you notice coughing or wheezing that does not stop, fast or troubled breathing, a fever, especially if it is greater than 100.4 in newborns, a bluish color around the mouth or fingernails and if they are gasping for breath.