EAST COLORADO SPRINGS - Gastroenteritis

Dr. Brad Tewes with Colorado Springs Health Partners says, it's back! A pretty nasty stomach bug.

Its affecting both adults and children.

Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, fever and chills.

The illness is lasting about 5 days.

Keep up the fluids to prevent dehydration.

MONUMENT - Pink Eye

Dr. Melissa Devalon with CSHP reports a big trend in Pink Eye.

She believes it is viral in nature.

Symptoms include redness in the white of the eye and discharge, but very mild irritation.

Treatment includes warm compresses and antibiotic eyedrops, just in case it turns out to be bacterial.

BRIARGATE - Viral Sore Throat

Dr. Michael Halenkamp with CSHP says, he's seeing a Viral Sore Throat making the rounds in children.

Because it's viral, all you can give is symptomatic treatment. That includes pain medicine for the sore throat or fever and soft foods that are easier to swallow. Older children can also gargle with warm, salt water.

But, if your child drools, can't swallow, has difficulty breathing or acts very sick, contact your health provider immediately.

Learn More About Viral Sore Throat:

Viruses that cause colds cause most sore throats. Strep bacteria causes 10% of some sore throats. The only true way to tell if the sore throat is caused virus or bacteria is to obtain a strep test/culture. Your doctor may use this information to find out if the sore throat is caused by a virus or strep bacteria. Only bacteria should be treated with antibiotics.
Your older child can tell you if he has a sore throat. A younger child may have a sore throat if he cries when he eats. Or your child may not eat. Your child's tonsils may also be red and swollen.

· Help the throat feel better. If your child is over age 1, give warm chicken broth or apple juice. Children over age 4 can suck on hard candy or lollipops to make the throat feel better. Children over age 8 can also gargle with warm salt water (1/4 teaspoon of salt per glass).
· Give a soft diet. If your child has a sore throat, some foods can be hard to swallow. Cold drinks and milkshakes are good. Do not give your child salty or spicy foods or citrus fruits.
· Give pain medicine. Give your child acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) for the sore throat or for a fever. No aspirin.

Call your doctor right away if:
· Your child drools or has a hard time swallowing.
· It is hard for your child to breathe.
· Your child acts very sick.

Call your child's doctor during office hours if:
· Your child has a sore throat for more than 48 hours.
· Your child has a fever and no other cold symptoms.
· You think your child may need a throat culture.