Seasonal Allergies involve an allergic reaction of the nose and sinuses, often accompanied by itchy, watery eyes. These types of symptoms can occur at different times of the year depending on what is in bloom and the individual unique sensitivities. 

Little to no symptom relief after 2 full days on allergy medications.

It's important to seek medical attention once severe symptoms appear or you notice significant changes in your child's wellness so that a proper evaluation can be conducted. Most cases are not severe but if breathing difficulties present you will want to have your child evaluated by a pediatric medical provider.

Seasonal allergies are quite common for many children. Symptoms of seasonal allergies often include sneezing, a clear runny nose, post-nasal discharge, itchy and water eyes, a scratchy and sometimes sore throat. Occasionally there can be rashes or itchy skin as well. Symptoms can flare after exposure to the allergen, such as after being outside on a windy day when pollen counts are high. Symptoms are often improved with over-the-counter medications and supportive care at home.  The severity can depend on how reactive your child is to the allergen, and the level of the allergen in the environment that day.  Occasionally children can experience more severe symptoms. The more concerning symptoms to watch for are any difficulty breathing, including wheezing (a whistling sound that typically occurs with exhaling) or any shortness of breath, tight feeling in the chest. These types of symptoms are signs that you should take your child to a pediatric urgent care clinic or seek more immediate medical attention if symptoms are extremely severe. 

Children with seasonal allergies are also more at risk for secondary infections such as ear or sinus infections. 

Children with seasonal allergies that also have asthma are at risk for more asthma exacerbations during allergy season. 

Unlike children that are allergic to certain foods, it is rare that a child will ever experience anaphylaxis from seasonal allergies, or would need to carry an epi-pen for that reason. 

Though seasonal allergies rarely lead to any severe reactions, they are typically lifelong and can lead to significant life disruption still, including loss of school time or difficulty concentrating in school, behavioral problems, missing out on social or outdoor activities, and difficulty getting quality sleep. 

Typically symptoms are mild to moderate and can be managed with over-the-counter medications.

Typically symptoms are moderate and can be managed with over-the-counter medications, but also may require use of Rx allergy medications and Rx medications for asthma management.

In children and adults that also have asthma

Seasonal Allergies can be caused by many things including but not limited to pollen from grass, trees, weeds, and molds. Allergies can also be caused by animals or animals that bring pollen into the home from being outdoors. 

it’s common to see seasonal allergy symptoms increase in some portions of the country caused by the pollen from trees, grasses and plants while they bloom.

Dust can contain fine particles of pollen, animal dander, dust mites, and mold. 

Animals with furry coats: dogs, cats, rabbits, etc.

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How to protect your child from Seasonal Allergies

What should I do if I think my child has Seasonal Allergies?

What is the treatment for Seasonal Allergies?

Our Panic-Free Symptom Checker can walk you through tons of common kiddo symptoms, and let you know if it’s time to see a doctor. 

Not sure if these symptoms fit your kiddo’s symptoms?

When should I seek medical care for my child from a Pediatric Urgent Care or Emergency Room?

If your child develops swelling of the lips, mouth, or throat.

If you child appears to be having difficulty breathing.

You should either call 911 or take your child to an Emergency Room right away in the following situations:

Go to Urgent Care in the following situations: If you have any questions or concerns about allergies you should bring those to your kiddo's primary care provider. If something arises sooner or your child is not improving with the suggested treatments you should bring your child into a Pediatric Urgent Care like Brave Care. 

Go to Urgent Care in the following situations:

What is the typical duration of Seasonal Allergies?

Allergic rhinitis occurs seasonally and typically lasts during the pollen season between 6-8 weeks for each pollen. Some children have allergies to several different pollens so their symptoms may last longer. Allergy medications should improve symptoms within 2-5 days, depending on the medication. 

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An allergic reaction of the nose and sinuses, often accompanied by itchy, watery eyes. 

Seasonal Allergies - Simple Guide to Signs and Symptoms

RSV, short for Respiratory Syncytial Virus. RSV can lead to upper or lower respiratory tract illness, and is the leading cause of bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways of the lungs). While older children and adults often only appear to have a mild cold, younger children are more likely to have it affect the small airways (bronchioles) in their lungs, which is when it is called bronchiolitis.  It typically begins with upper respiratory symptoms of runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, and coughing for 2-3 days, and then in younger kids and infants can progress to the lower respiratory tract where it can lead to wheezing and difficulty breathing.  Younger children commonly experience fever, though fevers can occur in any age. RSV outbreaks typically occur during the winter and early spring months, but can vary based on the year and in different areas of the country.

Belly breathing (when their belly is moving significantly more than normal with each breath) 

Retractions (if the skin between the ribs, below the ribcage, or in the lower neck above the sternum is sucking inward with each breath)

Signs that has progressed to lower respiratory tract (bronchiolitis):

RSV is not unique to children—adults can get it as well, albeit usually with milder symptoms. It matters for children, especially babies because it’s the most common cause of respiratory-related hospitalization for infants. The overall mortality rate for RSV is less than 1%, and in the United States, there are less than 400 deaths attributed to RSV annually. Most children experience at least one bout of RSV before the age of 2 years. 

Symptoms can vary from fever and cough to development of wheezing and difficulty breathing, to the point of needing hospitalization. Approximately 20% of infants develop RSV-associated wheezing during the first year of life; 2% to 3% require hospitalization. Infants with congenital heart disease, prematurity, chronic lung disease, or those with compromised immune systems tend to be at the highest risk.

Symptoms often mimic that of a common cold, but wheezing can still occur in up to 35% of adults and older children that are affected.

RSV is caused by infection from viral particles via contact or inhalation. Close contact with someone who is infected is the most likely source of transmission. It may also be picked up from contaminated surfaces. The virus attaches to and infects cells within the upper and lower airways.

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Those infected with RSV should be considered contagious for 2-7 days on average, but younger children and the immunocompromised can be contagious for up to a month. Adults can infect children and vice versa.

What do I do if I think my child has RSV?

Because RSV is a viral infection, antibiotics are not effective in treatment and are not recommended. If RSV is suspected, a clinical evaluation is recommended in order to provide proper diagnosis and treatment. This will result in avoiding overuse of antibiotics, which can result in long-term antibiotic resistance.

Most cases of RSV can be cared for at home following a diagnosis with “supportive care.” This could include:

Managing fevers with over-the-counter (OTC) fever reducers like acetaminophen (Tylenol), or ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin).  It is best to dose this according to your child’s weight. You can find Brave Care’s dosing calculator HERE for the most accurate dose. 
Note - never give aspirin to children,and ibuprofen is only to be used in children 6 months of age and older.

Plenty of fluids and rest. If your baby is breastfed, offer frequent feedings, and do not supplement with any water. If breastfeeding is difficult for your baby, you can consider feeding expressed breastmilk from a bottle or cup.

Nasal saline & suctioning: Apply nasal saline spray or drops to nasal passages, let sit for 3-5 minutes. Then using a bulb suction or a Nose Frida, gently suction out mucus from both nostrils. Perform this 3-4 times a day for best results, especially before bedtime and nap, and before eating. (Do not over-suction, as this could lead to increased inflammation in the nasal passages.)

Use of a cool-mist humidifier at bedtime, naptime, or throughout the day

Do not give cough medicine that contain dextromethorphan to children under the age of 4 due to serious side effects. Use caution even in children 4-11 and always follow package directions carefully. 

It’s important to seek medical attention once severe symptoms appear or you notice significant changes in your child’s wellness so that a proper evaluation can be conducted. Most cases are not severe, but distinguishing between RSV and other viruses can help form a better treatment plan.

Most RSV infections resolve with at-home supportive care in about 1 week. If fever occurs, it generally lasts 2-3 days at most. The worst of the symptoms typically peak around day 3-4, then start to gradually improve. Many children may continue to cough even after recovering. This is commonly referred to as a “post-viral cough,” and could linger for up to 2 weeks, and occasionally longer in some children. After they have fully recovered, the cough should not be treated as a sign of ongoing infection, but for any children with ongoing cough it may be helpful to have them evaluated as a precaution. 

Most people infected with RSV are contagious for 3 to 8 days, though some can remain contagious for longer. There is no way to tell for sure when your child is no longer contagious, but a good rule of thumb is that a child can return to school/daycare once the following criteria are met: 

Fever (temp of 100.4 or higher) is gone for at least 24 hours, without any fever-reducing medications

The cough is not causing significant distress or interfering with talking or normal activity

For children that have a history of previous recurrent wheezing or asthma (or reactive airway disease, as it is often called when they are younger), albuterol given through an inhaler or nebulizer could be helpful.  On the other hand, just because a child is wheezing and is diagnosed with bronchiolitis, it doesn’t mean they need albuterol. In most children with bronchiolitis caused by RSV, albuterol does not provide any benefit.

I’ve heard an inhaler or breathing treatment may be helpful?

RSV infection in infancy has been associated with recurrent wheezing and the development of asthma in some patients, though most patients that get RSV do not develop asthma. If your child continues to experience wheezing episodes or frequent coughs, it is important to follow up with your primary care provider.

RSV, short for Respiratory Syncytial Virus. Sometimes referred to as hRSV (where the “h” stands for "human").

RSV, short for Respiratory Syncytial Virus. RSV can lead to upper or lower respiratory tract illness, and is the leading cause of bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways of the lungs). 

Hand, Foot, and Mouth disease can usually be treated at home and serious complications are rare.

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease is caused by viruses in the Enterovirus family. In the US the most common virus is Coxsackievirus A16. Occasionally, other enteroviruses can cause Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease and can be associated with more serious symptoms. Kiddos get Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease when they come into contact with infected saliva, drool, or boogers; other kiddos’ infected blisters and scabs; and other kiddos’ infected poop. The viruses that cause Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease can spread via infected kiddos’ poop for 6-8 weeks after the start of symptoms.

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease is most common in kids younger than 5 years old. Hand, Foot, and Mouth is incredibly common in daycare and preschool settings and most kiddos will have at least one bout. 

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease is very contagious and spreads easily between kids. Usually adults are protected because they develop immunity as children, but adults can still get infected with Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease. Preventative measures are important if someone in your family is showing symptoms. Symptoms of Hand, Foot and Mouth are usually much more severe in adults compared to children. 

What are the symptoms of Hand, Foot, and Mouth?

Hand, Foot and Mouth follows a progression:

The rash looks like slightly raised small bumps of various sizes that may blister and scab. Hand, Foot, and Mouth can look different depending on skin tone:

On lighter skin tones, the bumps tend to have a thin halo of redness.

On darker skin tones, the bumps may appear lighter than the surrounding skin. (Photo via brownskinmatters)

How to protect your child from Hand, Foot, and Mouth?

The best way to protect kids from Hand, Foot, and Mouth is handwashing! Since, as we all know, babies and toddlers aren’t the best at handwashing, make sure all the grown-ups in your kid’s life are. If you have an infected family member, be sure to be extra attentive to handwashing in order to prevent the spread in your household.

What to do if your kid has Hand, Foot, and Mouth?

If your kiddo is less than 6 months old. We want to keep an eye on the tiniest humans.

If your kiddo isn’t drinking enough to stay hydrated. You may notice that they have fewer wet diapers or darker pee than usual; their mouth is dry or sticky, they seem drowsy or dizzy, or their eyes look sunken.

If the rash, sores, and/or fever are severe.

If the disease hasn’t resolved itself in 10 days.

If your kiddo has a weakened immune system.

Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease is caused by a virus, so there’s no cure. Usually your kiddo’s immune system will fight off the virus in about a week to 10 days. Here are some things you can do to help your kiddo at home:

Keep your kid out of school or daycare until they don’t have a fever and all the blisters and sores have healed.

You can give over-the-counter pain relief meds like Tylenol and Motrin/Ibuprofen (if your kid is over 6 months) to help with the fever and painful mouth sores. Our handy Dosage Calculator can help you with the right dose.

Keep your kiddo hydrated. For babies, popsicles made of frozen breastmilk or formula can be soothing. For older kiddos, fruit popsicles or smoothies can help when eating hurts. Pro-tip: let your kiddo eat their popsicle in the bath, warm water can be soothing to the sores and there’s less messy popsicle clean-up. 

Keep the Hand, Foot, and Mouth blisters or scabs clean and keep covered with bandages or clothes if possible to help your kid avoid touching or scratching.

Avoid bathing kiddos together until the rash heals. 

Change your kiddo’s clothes, sheets, and towels often to avoid spreading the disease.

Most cases of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease clear up in a week to 10 days. Make sure to contact your healthcare provider if your kiddo still has active sores or fever after the 10-day mark.

Preschool and daycare professionals are pretty experienced at identifying Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease. Most facilities will notify parents if kiddos in care have been diagnosed with Hand, Foot, and Mouth so you can be on the lookout for symptoms. If your kid is infected, do alert your care setting so they can inform other parents.

Peeling skin of the palms and soles can sometimes happen 1-3 weeks after the initial symptoms resolve. The peeling is superficial and not harmful.

Occasionally, 3-8 weeks after initial symptoms resolve, fingernails and toenails can develop ridges called beau lines or nails can completely fall off. If this happens, rest assured that the nails will grow back normally over time.

Hand, Foot and Mouth disease is caused by viruses in the Enterovirus family. Kiddos get Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease when they come into contact with infected saliva, drool or boogers; other kiddos’ infected blisters and scabs; and other kiddos’ infected poop. The viruses that cause Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease can spread via infected kiddos’ poop for 6-8 weeks after the start of symptoms.

Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease - Simple Guide to Signs and Symptoms

The severity of Croup is variable. Many cases of Croup resolve on their own, but fairly often, Croup is severe enough to warrant a visit to urgent care. In a few cases, serious breathing problems can occur and emergency room care is needed. 

Croup is caused by a viral infection, usually a parainfluenza virus. The virus infects the upper airway and causes the area around the vocal cords, windpipe, and bronchial tubes to swell. When your kiddo coughs, it forces air through the swollen vocal cords, creating Croup’s distinctive “barking” cough.

Most kids who get Croup are between 6 months to 3 years old. They have tiny airways, so Croup’s distinctive swelling affects them more than in older kids and adults.

The viruses that cause Croup are contagious and can spread easily through coughing or sneezing, or boogers. In adults, the viruses usually cause cold-like symptoms. Young kiddos in your household can be at risk of Croup. Kiddos are contagious for three days after symptoms begin or until the fever is gone. 

Croup usually starts as a cold. If there is enough inflammation, kids develop Croup. Croup symptoms usually get worse at night and tend to last for 3-5 days. 

Croup symptoms affect kiddos' breathing, so it’s important to keep an eye on them to see if things are getting worse. Seek medical care if you notice any of these symptoms.

When it's time to take your kiddo to their primary care provider or an urgent care clinic

Since Croup is caused by viral infections, use the same methods that you use to protect from cold and flu; wash hands, stay away from sick people, and teach your kiddo to sneeze into their elbow—we like to tell them it’s a “sneeze pocket.”

The most important thing you can do for your kiddo if they have Croup is to stay calm and help them feel calm too. Crying and agitation can make Croup worse, so think about what your kiddo loves. Snuggles? Nursing? Lullabies? A favorite stuffie? A new movie? Keeping things calm can keep Croup from getting worse.

Humid air can also soothe coughs, so sit with your kiddo in the bathroom with a steamy shower going, or run a cool-mist humidifier.

Keep kiddos hydrated. For babies, offer breastmilk or formula often. For older kiddos, soup or a popsicle can be more enticing than water.

Breathing cool night air can also help symptoms. Take your child outside (fully clothed of course) and let them breathe in the cool air. Standing in front of an open freezer door and letting them breathe there can also mimic this if you live in a place where nights are warm.

Most younger children will need to go to the doctor with Croup, so it’s a good idea to check in with your primary care provider if you suspect Croup so that they can help you monitor your kiddo’s symptoms. 

Usually Croup lasts 3-5 days. If it’s lasting longer, it’s important to see a healthcare provider.

Croup is caused by a viral infection, usually a parainfluenza virus. The virus infects the upper airway and causes the area around the vocal cords, windpipe and bronchial tubes to swell. When your kiddo coughs, it forces air through the swollen vocal cords, creating croup’s distinctive “barking” cough. 

Croup - Simple Guide to Signs and Symptoms

Influenza (commonly called the Flu) is a respiratory infection of the nose, throat, and the main airways to the lungs. It typically begins with a high Fever, body aches, runny or stuffy nose, headache, fatigue, and/or sore throat. If your child doesn't have a fever with early symptoms, it is unlikely to be the flu. Flu outbreaks typically occur during the winter and early spring months but can vary based on the year and in different areas of the country. 

The flu can cause significant coughing and congestion. In some cases, this can lead to pneumonia. With children that do end up with pneumonia, additional support for your kiddo may be needed. 

Labored breathing or retractions: This is when the skin between the ribs, and/or above and below the ribcage gets sucked in when kiddos are breathing.

Infants who are feeding will likely have difficulty, and often appear sleepy and/or irritable.

It's important to seek medical attention once severe symptoms appear or you notice significant changes in your child's wellness so that a proper evaluation can be conducted. Most cases are not severe.

The flu is a virus that is very common in certain months throughout the year. It can vary in severity depending on the conditions your kiddo may have prior to the infection of the virus itself. Viral illnesses typically resolve on their own, and do not require medications such as antibiotics to resolve. Most children recover well with rest and medications to treat symptoms. In some cases, the flu can be treated with antivirals to shorten the duration of the illness and decrease risks of complications.  

Children younger than 2 years old can be impacted by complications such as pneumonia and dehydration more than other age groups. The flu can also make preexisting chronic health conditions worse, such as asthma. Infants under 2 months of age with a fever of 100.4 or more should be evaluated in the emergency room. Young babies and premature babies should be monitored closely for signs of respiratory distress.

The flu is a virus that takes rest, fluids, and time to get over in order to make a full recovery. Most older, generally healthy children and adults recover easily from influenza without complications, and keeping them comfortable during their symptoms is the mainstay of treatment. For those that have underlying health conditions that may put them at risk for complications from the flu, they should see their primary care provider as soon as possible if they suspect they have influenza, since antiviral medications may be indicated. 

The flu is caused by infection from viral particles via contact or inhalation. Close contact with someone who is infected is the most likely source of transmission. It may also be picked up from contaminated surfaces. 

The severity varies from year to year. The flu is spread by coughing, sneezing, and touching contaminated surfaces that have the virus on them. The virus can live on surfaces for a short amount of time, so if someone who coughed into their hands touches a doorknob or children's toy without washing their hands first, these surfaces become contaminated.

What should I do if I think my child has the Flu?

When should I seek medical care for my child from an Urgent Care or Emergency Room?

If your child is under two months old and has a fever of 100.4 or more.

You have difficulty waking your child up or they are not alert when awake. 

They have a bluish or grey color to their lips or face.

Go to an Emergency Room in the following situations:

If your child is between 2 and 3 months with a fever of 100.4.

If your child is between 2 and 3 months and you suspect dehydration. Signs of dehydration would be less than 6-11 diapers in 24hrs.

If your child is older and out of diapers. Signs of dehydration would be no urine for over 8hrs.

Fever longer than 5 days in children over 3 months.

A cough that persists for longer than 2 weeks.

Most flu infections resolve at-home with supportive care in about 1 week. A runny nose is common for 7-14 days. If fever occurs, it generally lasts 2-3 days but can last up to 4-5. The worst of the symptoms typically peak around day 3-4, then start to gradually improve. 

Many children may continue to cough even after recovering. This is commonly referred to as a “post-viral cough,” and could linger for up to 2 weeks, or occasionally longer in some children. After they have fully recovered, the cough should not be treated as a sign of ongoing infection, but for any children with an ongoing cough, it may be helpful to have them evaluated as a precaution. 

The CDC does not recommend anti-viral medications for low-risk children with normal influenza. Your child does not need to see their doctor unless they have possible complications from the flu, the reasons for a visit listed above, or if you have concerns.

Influenza (commonly called the Flu) is a respiratory infection of the nose, throat, and the main airways to the lungs. 

Children's Influenza (commonly called the Flu) is a respiratory infection of the nose, throat, and the main airways to the lungs. 

Flu (Influenza) - Simple Guide to Signs and Symptoms

Pinworm infections are typically mild. While pinworm infections can be uncomfortable, many people with Pinworms have no symptoms. Pinworms are easily transferable between members of a household, so we do recommend seeing a doctor to seek treatment if you suspect someone in your household has Pinworms.

A tiny worm called enterobius vermicularis that sometimes lives in the colon and rectum of humans is the cause. Pinworms are about the length of a staple. During a pinworm infection, female Pinworms leave the intestine through the anus and deposit their eggs on the surrounding skin. We know, eww.

It gets worse, pinworm infection is spread by the fecal-oral route—when your kiddo ingests pinworm eggs transferred from another person’s anus. Folks become infected, usually unknowingly, by swallowing pinworm eggs that are on fingers, under fingernails, or on clothing, bedding, and other contaminated objects and surfaces. Because of their small size, pinworm eggs sometimes can become airborne and ingested while breathing.

Pinworms usually infect preschool and school-aged kiddos. Basically anywhere kids are in close quarters and handwashing might be less than ideal. Pinworm infections are widespread and the most common type of worm infection in the US.

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Pinworm infections are easily passed between members of a household. Just think about how often your little kids touch you and each other. If any of the kiddos in your household have a suspected pinworm infection, we usually recommend treating everyone in the household.

How do you know if your child has Pinworms?

We’re not going to lie, this is one of the grosser childhood diseases. The first symptom of pinworm infections is a persistently itchy anus, especially at night. Itching can lead to troubled or restless sleep for little ones. Sometimes you can see the worms on your kiddo’s skin near the anus or on underwear, pajamas, or sheets if you check 2-3 hours after they fall asleep. The Pinworms are thin, white, and about the size of a staple.

Handwashing is the best defense here. Keeping kiddos' nails on the shorter side so they can’t trap yucky stuff helps too.

Pinworm is not serious, but it is easily transferable between household members. If you suspect a Pinworm infection, schedule a visit with your healthcare provider so your whole family can begin treatment. 

You may have to do a “tape test” with your kiddo to confirm a diagnosis of pinworm. To do a tape test, take a piece of clear cellophane tape and press it to the skin around your kid’s anus, right after they wake up, before they shower, or use the restroom. You may need to repeat this a few days in a row depending on the needs of your healthcare provider. We know, parenting is a party. 

Treatment involves two doses of medication of which the second dose is administered 2 weeks after the first dose.

Take extra care with thorough handwashing, especially after toileting and/or diaper changes. 

Shower your kiddo in the morning to remove any pinworm eggs laid at night. 

Keep your infected kid’s nails trimmed short. 

Avoid bathing or showering kiddos together until the infection is cleared.

Make sure your kiddo doesn’t share towels with other members of your household and wash your infected kid’s sheets, towels and underwear every day in hot water. 

How to prevent the spread of Pinworms in your household

Pinworms can usually be cleared up within 2 weeks with treatment. 

Pinworms are gross, but they’re common, not serious and we’re here to get you through.

Pinworm is easily transferable between members of the household, so we do recommend seeing a doctor to seek treatment if you suspect pinworm.  Pinworms are about the length of a staple. During a pinworm infection, female pinworms leave the intestine through the anus and deposit their eggs on the surrounding skin. Kids become infected, usually unknowingly, by swallowing pinworm eggs that are on fingers, under fingernails, or on clothing, bedding, and other contaminated objects and surfaces. 

Pinworms - Simple Guide to Signs and Symptoms

In babies younger than 12 months old, Pertussis is taken seriously, although some babies will develop only mild cases. Infants under 12 months old are at the greatest risk of morbidity. Infants are more likely to require hospitalization, and to have complications—including apnea (the stopping of breathing), pneumonia, seizures, and weight loss secondary to feeding difficulties and vomiting from coughing so hard. Most deaths from Pertussis occur in infants younger than 6 months of age, who are too young to have finished their first three vaccinations. 

Potential for serious breathing difficulties

Sleep disturbances or difficulty getting comfortable in periods of rest

The severity of illness, duration of illness, and risk of complications are generally lower in children who have been vaccinated. Most Pertussis cases occur in unvaccinated children under the age of 10, but it can also occur in vaccinated children and adults.  The second most commonly affected group is children in the 10-18 year age range, where cases are both less common and less serious, but can still cause significant concern.

Pertussis is a respiratory disease, marked by its distinctive coughing spells and developing “whoop” sounds near the end of the spells, when the patient becomes more breathless. It is worth noting that the "whoop" sound is heard on inspiration (breath in) when the breathing in occurs suddenly between coughs (stridor). The offending cause of the illness is the Bordetella Pertussis bacteria. Infected individuals are contagious, and the disease is most often contracted through exposure to infected droplets from nearby coughing or sneezing. Locating the source of infection isn’t always easy, as the illness may incubate from 7-21 days before symptoms start to appear.

Infants younger than 12 months (usually under 6 months who have not yet been vaccinated against pertussis), children who have skipped the vaccine, or older children whose immunity had waned over time. 

Adults can also get pertussis, though many don’t get a formal diagnosis and recover with at-home conservative care. Many children become infected from adults or older children who are unknowingly sick with the infection.

Vaccinated individuals can still sometimes become infected, but symptoms and duration tend to be much milder and shorter, and there are less risks of complications or hospitalization.

For those who aren’t vaccinated, pertussis is considered highly contagious. Whooping Cough is considered most contagious within the early part of infection, which can last 2 weeks or more. 

Those given a course of antibiotics as treatment are unable to pass on the illness after 5 full days of taking the antibiotics.

How do you know if your child has Whooping Cough?

The distinctive “whooping” sound is the hallmark symptom of the illness that many, but not all, may experience in the latter stages of the progression of infection. Earlier, it looks more like a common cold. Doctors have identified 3 unique stages of illness progression with pertussis.

Pertussis can look like a common cold. What differs between pertussis and a common cold is that the cough in pertussis gradually worsens instead of improving.

In stage 2, signs and symptoms worsen. Severe coughing fits, with long series of coughs between which there is little or no inspiratory effort, often producing the “whooping” sound when they breathe in between coughs.  The child may gag, turn slightly blue, or appear to be struggling to breathe while these coughing fits occur. 

The path to recovery is gradual and may be slow. Coughing fits begin to decrease in duration, intensity, and frequency. Episodic coughing may recur or worsen with other common colds that can occur during this time.

How to protect your child from Whooping Cough

What to do if your child has Whooping Cough

If symptoms that first appear as a mild cold continue to worsen beyond 1-2 weeks instead of getting better, whether they have a fever or not, you should contact your primary care provider. Although testing is not necessary to diagnose Whooping Cough, testing can be performed if needed.  Speak with your primary care provider to perform an examination. They can decide whether a test for pertussis is necessary.  

To test for this, your doctor will typically perform a nasopharyngeal swab. This is where a swab is inserted into the nostril and goes back towards the top of the throat. The test will then be sent off for either a culture or a test called a PCR test. Test results may take between 1-5 days to return, depending on the type of test done. In cases where an infection is strongly suspected, or known contact with another infected person has occurred, your provider may prescribe an antibiotic while awaiting the lab results. 


Chest X-rays or blood tests may also be ordered if the diagnosis is uncertain or if they are assessing for other causes or complications. This occurs less commonly.

Once pertussis is diagnosed and an appropriate antibiotics course has begun, your medical provider will likely want to remain in contact in order to monitor symptoms from home. At-home treatment for the caregiver will likely focus on a few key areas:

Rest - finding comfortable positions and times for sleeping, which may involve an elevated sleeping surface and the use of a cool-mist humidifier.

Regular food intake, often in smaller portions. 

Avoiding triggers that may bring on coughing—including exercise, cold temperature environments, and nasopharyngeal suctioning.

If your child shows no signs of recovery after 5 days of antibiotic treatment, or the symptoms worsen, reach out to your medical provider immediately. 

Over-the-counter (OTC) cough medicines have not been found to alleviate coughing symptoms and are not recommended.

Whooping cough has a way of hanging around. Even when a child or adult is on the path to recovery, it may be slow. Some find that coughing and energy loss remain for over a month after the initial onset of symptoms. 

Because it can be so contagious, patients need to be kept out of school or daycare until the 5 days of antibiotics are completed. If no antibiotics were used, they will need to stay out of school or daycare for 21 days after onset of symptoms.

“Whooping Cough” - sounds very colonial, doesn’t it? Like something from the Oregon Trail game. In more medical terms, it’s known as pertussis, and was once referred to as the “100 Day Cough,” because it can cause an ongoing cough for weeks or months.”

“Whooping Cough” - Medically known as pertussis was once referred to as the “100 Day Cough,” because it can cause an ongoing cough for weeks or months.  In babies younger than 12 months, pertussis is taken seriously, although some babies will develop only mild cases. Infants under 12 months old are at the greatest risk of severe cases which can be deadly.

Whooping Cough - Simple Guide to Signs and Symptoms

Mild Impetigo isn’t immediately dangerous, and typically has no lasting effects. It is, however, highly contagious. Therefore, we recommend seeing your primary care provider if you suspect your kiddo has Impetigo, since there are easy and effective treatments.

Impetigo is caused when bacteria, usually Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes (group "A" Streptococcus) infects the skin. 

Impetigo is most common in little kids from 2-5 years old, but can also affect older children, and even adults. 

Impetigo is extremely contagious and spreads by contact. Kids and adults contract Impetigo in crowded settings, like daycares and schools, or in sports where there is skin-to-skin contact, like football. Folks are at higher risk of getting Impetigo if they have poor nutrition, diabetes mellitus, or breaks in the skin such as from mosquito bites, eczema, scabies, or herpes.

Impetigo is hard to miss. The disease begins with red, itchy sores, usually around the nose or mouth. The sores break open and leak a clear/yellow fluid or pus for a few days. Next, a crusty yellow or “honey-colored” scab forms over the sore, which then heals without leaving a scar. Impetigo sores can easily spread from the original infection site to other parts of the body if your kiddo is touching or scratching the sores.

The disease begins with red, itchy sores, usually around the nose or mouth. The sores break open and leak a clear/yellow fluid or pus for a few days. Next, a crusty yellow or “honey-colored” scab forms over the sore, which then heals without leaving a scar.

Two less-common ways Impetigo can show up

Larger blisters show up (usually on the torso) of infants and young children, then rupture and leave a thin brown crust.

A more serious form of Impetigo where the disease penetrates deeper into the skin — causing painful fluid- or pus-filled sores that turn into deep ulcers.

Our Panic-Free Symptom Checker can walk you through tons of common kiddo rashes, and let you know if it’s time to see a doctor. 

Not sure if these symptoms fit your kiddo’s rash?

The best way to prevent Impetigo is by good hand washing. A thorough hand wash, especially after coughing or sneezing, prevents the spread of the bacterias that cause Impetigo. We know this can be tough with young kids! Similar to other rashes like Hand, Foot, and Mouth, Impetigo is a disease that many children get, so don’t worry too much if yours does too! 

Impetigo is contagious and spreads quickly. If you suspect your kiddo has Impetigo, we recommend making an appointment with your primary care provider.

Depending on how much the rash has spread, you may be prescribed either a topical antibiotic (cream or ointment) or oral antibiotics to help treat the Impetigo.

Additionally, there are things you can do at home to prevent the spread of Impetigo to your other family members and communities:

Keep your kiddo home from school or daycare until after you see a primary care provider and begin antibiotic treatment. 

Change and wash your infected kiddo’s clothes, sheets, and towels every day. Do not share towels.

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