Local doctors urge parents to track symptoms
(September, 2014) Back in the classroom, kids should be focusing on reading, writing and arithmetic, but a virus making the national rounds has children falling ill and parents worried sick. Doctors with AFC and AFC/Doctors Express are urging parents to be on the lookout for symptoms of this respiratory enterovirus known as EV-D68 sweeping the nation.
The virus symptoms are sneaky -- they mimic severe colds, allergies and asthma -- and are hitting asthmatics especially hard. With the upcoming fall season bringing the common cold and allergies to the forefront,AFC/DRX doctors have created a Symptom Tracker that parents can use to determine whether their children have just caught a cold or if it’s something more severe.
SYMPTOM TRACKER
| EV-D68 Virus | Cold | Allergies |
| Runny nose | Runny nose, sneezing | Runny nose, sneezing |
| Sneezing | Coughing | Itchy, watery eyes |
| Coughing | Sore throat | -- |
| Wheezing | -- | -- |
| Fever | -- | -- |
| Body and muscle aches | -- | -- |
“This virus is a scary reality for parents across the nation right now,” said Dr. Bruce Irwin, founder of American Family Care. “Our local doctors are warning people to be on the lookout for symptoms that usually occur in colds or allergies, but just seem a little bit worse. Wheezing is also a key symptom that shouldn’t be overlooked in the face of this virus.”
Wheeze Watch
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, wheezing is the biggest indicator that children are suffering from the EV-D68 virus. Children under the age of 5 and those with asthma are at high risk for this particular virus. Children with asthma are particularly vulnerable, since the virus is attacking their already-compromised respiratory systems.
Healthy Hands
Staying healthy is all about clean hands and awareness, according to local doctors and the CDC.
• Wash hands with warm water and soap
• Cover your nose and mouth if you cough or sneeze
• Wipe down communal surfaces with antibacterial wipes
• Avoid those that are sick
Asthma Awareness
Since children with asthma are having a hard time with the EV-D68 virus, parents should be aware of viral symptoms, as well as signs of an asthma attack. Doctors recommend that parents go over an asthma action plan with their children, including where inhalers are located, when to seek help and emergency contact information.
We’d love to have you interview one of our doctors in your local area about virus symptoms, prevention tips and how to keep your family healthy.
About American Family Care:
American Family Care is the second largest privately owned urgent care operator in the country. D. Bruce Irwin, M.D. founded the company in 1982 in Hoover, Ala., with a business model of “putting the patient first.” The clinics are designed, equipped and staffed to provide accessible primary care, urgent care, minor emergency treatment and occupational medicine. AFC clinics use a high-tech, high-touch approach to medical care, with digital x-rays, laboratories and medication dispensing available on-site. AFC also offers a Specialty Clinic (general surgery), WeighToLive, and U-Save Pharmacy at many of its clinics. In 2013, AFC acquired Doctors Express, the largest national urgent care franchise. By the end of 2014, AFC will operate more than 160 facilities in 26 states, providing care to more than a million patients. For more information, visit www.americanfamilycare.com.
About AFC/Doctors Express Urgent Care:
Founded by an emergency room physician seeking a more efficient, affordable and personable system for urgent care patients, AFC/Doctors Express walk-in medical centers are sweeping the country as the nation's largest urgent care franchise. AFC/Doctors Express provides state-of-the-art treatment for acute illness, trauma (including minor surgical procedures) and has on-site laboratory and digital x-ray service as well as medication dispensing. Pre-employment physicals, drug screening and treatment of work related injuries are also available to local employers. In 2013, American Family Care acquired Doctors Express, further expanding its reach and available services. By the end of 2014, AFC/Doctors Express will operate more than 160 facilities in 26 states, providing care to more than a million patients. For more information visithttp://www.doctorsexpress.com or http://www.americanfamilycare.com.
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