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A local physician noted the rise in respiratory illnesses among children across the nation and how parents can take steps to monitor and care for their own kids who may become sick.
Dr. Ashley Pence, a pediatrician and medical director of UPMC Pediatrics North Central Pa., said cases of RSV and enteroviruses have arisen earlier this year, although not at alarming levels locally.
"We typically see RSV start in November," she said. "We saw it in July this year."
The numbers at UPMC in Northcentral Pennsylvania are not at the high numbers reported in some areas of the nation at this point, she noted.
"Respiratory viruses such as RSV can be severe in young infants and children who experience severe symptoms can require hospitalization to help with breathing.
She noted that children are more vulnerable to respiratory illnesses.
"They are still building their immune systems. They have smaller airways," she said.
With many children, the symptoms can be severe.
"I think the concern should be in making sure we are mitigating when we can," she said. "Keeping them home from school when they are ill."
Consulting the family physicians is a good first step.
Coughs and fevers are among the signs of respiratory illnesses.
While it's impossible to predict how the illnesses will spread this year, the onset of colder weather forcing people indoors can be a factor.
"When you are in enclosed spaces, that can spread the illness," she said.
It's especially important to eat well and drink plenty of liquids.
Tylenol and ibuprofen can be used to help counter fevers.
The CDC issued a health advisory in September noting that health care providers and hospitals had alerted the authority about increases in pediatric hospitalizations in patients with severe respiratory illness who also tested positive for rhinovirus (RV) and/or enterovirus (EV).
Hospitals should have a heightened awareness for severe infections when treating children and parents to be alert for symptoms of difficulty in breathing and onset of limb weakness, according to the CDC.