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

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It all began with a fever. First, it hit 102, then 103. Before midnight, the thermometer peaked, reaching a concerning 104. Hours later, a cough emerged—a harsh rasp that was unsettling but not immediately alarming. My main concern, at least at that moment, was his relentless fever that wouldn’t budge. Tylenol, ibuprofen, sponge baths—nothing seemed to lower his stubborn temperature. He was hotter than usual and utterly lethargic, almost like a shadow of himself. So, I took him to the pediatrician. COVID test came back negative, but he tested positive for the common cold. We were advised to simply wait it out.

Three days passed, then another. The cough intensified, and his breathing became strained, heightening my anxiety. For nearly a week, I worried every minute. We returned to the pediatrician. “Something isn’t right,” I insisted. “His fever lingers, and his cough is frightening. I’m afraid he’s having trouble breathing.”

They conducted additional tests, took more swabs, and sent him for a chest X-ray labeled “STAT.” By 5:00 PM, we discovered why. My son had contracted three viruses: the common cold, parainfluenza, and RSV, which had taken residence in his chest. He had pneumonitis, a type of pneumonia.

When did this happen, you might ask? Just two weeks ago—in the middle of summer, when these viruses are usually dormant. He caught an unusually seasonal cold, and it turns out he’s not alone. As COVID-19 restrictions ease, viruses are starting to circulate again—viruses that typically vanish during warmer months.

“As masks are removed, schools reopen, and travel resumes, we should expect a resurgence of these viruses,” an article on STAT notes. “Experts worry that we are facing a challenging cold-and-flu season or two, due to a mix of factors leading to a difficult re-entry into the world of germs.”

Indeed, this re-entry has already proven to be problematic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently issued a warning that respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) has been detected with increasing frequency in ten Southern states. Cases are also rising in Utah, New Mexico, Texas, and New York City, particularly in Brooklyn.

“RSV is the leading cause of bronchial infections and pneumonia in children under one year old, typically peaking from November to early spring,” according to a Washington Post article. It can be perilous for infants and young children, with severe cases sometimes necessitating hospitalization.

My son was fortunate. He managed to recover at home. However, RSV isn’t the only virus making the rounds, as my pediatrician informed me—evident from my son’s viral panel results. Various “seasonal” illnesses are reappearing. Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease expert at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, told News Channel 5 that more individuals are experiencing sore throats, coughs, and colds now that mask mandates have been lifted.

“Last year, due to widespread masking, social distancing, and children not being in school, we experienced the lowest flu season on record,” Dr. Schaffner explains. RSV rates were also remarkably low, and I personally didn’t experience a single sniffle or sneeze in 2020. For the first time in ages, I felt incredibly healthy. But as guidelines shift, germs are regaining their foothold. The CDC anticipates that respiratory viruses will circulate more widely this summer as people ease COVID-19 restrictions and schools and workplaces return to normal operations.

Let me be clear: I’m grateful that people are getting vaccinated against COVID and thrilled that life is slowly returning to a semblance of normalcy. It feels miraculous that my son is back in daycare and my daughter is in school. My husband has also resumed work, and masks are now optional for vaccinated employees. We’re reconnecting with others, although our circle remains small. It’s all wonderful—I cherish every meal, beach outing, and day spent together.

Yet, we must remain vigilant. COVID-19 isn’t over, and the prevalence of RSV and flu-like viruses is rising. While we may not be able to prevent the spread of these illnesses, we can still take precautions. If you’re feeling unwell, wear a mask. Better yet, stay home. And keep your little ones home too. Because every parent knows that a sick child is the worst, whether it’s COVID or the common cold.

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Summary

The article details a parent’s experience with their child’s unexpected illness during summer, highlighting the resurgence of common colds and other viruses as COVID-19 restrictions ease. The author reflects on their family’s challenges and emphasizes the importance of remaining cautious about viral infections while also celebrating the return to normalcy.

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