January 26, 2023, 11:55 a.m.
Katherine Rivera-Spoljaric
It’s that time of year again, when RSV, Influenza, & viral illnesses in general are going around. If your child gets sick, it’s important to know what signs to look for that may point to a more serious illness. The best course of action depends on your child’s age and individual medical history, but there are several good rules of thumb to keep in mind. Infants are more likely to develop severe illness from a viral infection. If your child develops symptoms paired with difficulty breathing, it’s time to contact your doctor so that they can determine if your child needs assistance breathing. If your child has more mild symptoms, there are plenty of steps to keep them comfortable. In cases of pain and fever, medication should be used to address those symptoms. It is also important to ensure that your child stays adequately hydrated. If you feel concerned, or if your child begins having difficulty breathing, seek advice immediately by calling your pediatrician or going to the nearest urgent care.
Dr. Rivera-Spoljaric is a member of the Division of Allergy, Immunology and Pulmonary Medicine. She is the Medical Director of the Multidisciplinary Technology Dependent Child Clinic and also provides consultative services at Ranken Jordan Pediatric Specialty Hospital. Her research interests include childhood asthma and technology dependent children. Originally from Puerto Rico, Dr. Rivera-Spoljaric spends much of her free time with her 3 children. They enjoy swimming, going to the park, and exploring local St. Louis attractions like The Magic House and City Museum.
