New batch of leave days arrives just in time
Toddler COMES DOWN WITH a highly contagious respiratory VIRUS

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By Tami Althoff

Published: January 8, 2009

NORMAN — Last week I was so excited. A new year meant a whole new set of leave time at work.

Maybe this year I could save up my sick leave instead of using it all to take care of a sick child. How long could I go without using any? I vowed to go as long as possible.

Life had other plans.

I’ve been home all week with my sick toddler who has respiratory syncytial virus — an infection of the lungs and breathing passages. In adults, the virus usually causes mild cold symptoms. In young children, especially infants, it’s much worse — especially if the child has other health problems.

Not allergies

When he started getting a cough last weekend, I tried to ignore it. I told myself it was just allergies. I did not want to start the year off having to stay home from work. Ignoring it lasted all of a couple of hours — then the day care called.

I called the pediatrician’s office, but they didn’t have any openings. They suggested I take him to an urgent care center. I took him to one, and was very impressed. The staff was as friendly as can be. Even though the doctors and nurses there weren’t our primary care doctors, they responded as if they were.

Plenty of rest

Although this is the worst my son has ever felt, there isn’t much I can do for him but make sure he gets a lot of rest and plenty of fluids. Tender loving care also goes a long way to comfort a sick toddler.

Like the flu, RSV is most active during the winter months. It is highly contagious and spreads rapidly in schools and day care centers. The best way to prevent your family from getting this virus, or most other viruses floating around, is frequent hand washing.