Dr. Lori Langdon, chair of Pediatrics at the Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine, spoke with WRAL this week after the death of a Wilson girl who developed myocarditis after she was infected with the flu, WRAL reports.
Langdon also offered parents advice on when to see a doctor or to seek emergency care. She told the Raleigh station that it’s important to closely monitor children when they’re sick, particularly for fever and dehydration.
“The height of the fever or number doesn’t scare us. It scares us how they are handling the fever,” said Langdon, who has more than 25 years’ experience in pediatric medicine. “Really push fluids. I don’t want you to be concerned if they are not eating solid foods.”
Respiratory infections are now prevalent, she told WRAL.
“Our top reason for seeking a higher level of care is if there is difficulty breathing,” Langdon said. “We are getting slammed with RSV right now.”
Seek emergency care if a child is struggling to breathe, Langdon told WRAL.
“If their belly muscles are working in and out to help them breathe, shoulders bobbing, head bobbing — all are bad signs of respiratory distress, and they should be seen even if it’s the weekend, even if it’s the middle of the night,” Langdon said.
Langdon also has nearly 1,000 subscribers on her YouTube channel, where she offers medical advice to children and parents.
Seasonal influenza activity is elevated in most parts of the country, with the Southeast, South-central, and West Coast areas of the country reporting the highest levels of activity, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports, as of Dec. 15.
More than 7,000 people were admitted to hospitals over the past week. Nationally, 14 children this season have died of the flu, the CDC reports.