Emily Beckett, D.O., FAAP
Pediatrician at the Arkansas Children’s Hospital Southwest Little Rock Clinic, Outpatient Breastfeeding and Lactation Medicine Specialist and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Q: What is respiratory illness season?
A: Respiratory illness season is usually late September/early October through March. Because of cooler temperatures, people spend more time inside, which spreads illness more easily. During this time, there are high numbers of common cold viruses and other types of respiratory viruses like the flu, COVID-19 and RSV.
Q: What are some differences between flu, RSV and COVID-19?
A: The flu usually causes a higher fever, body aches, abdominal pain, headaches, cough and congestion. RSV usually causes moderate to severe nasal congestion, mucus production and cough. COVID-19 can include a wide variety of symptoms ranging from a flu-like illness to RSV-type cough and congestion.
Q: Why are children especially at risk for respiratory illnesses?
A: Children are especially at risk for respiratory illnesses because their immune systems are usually less robust than adults. They also have smaller airways, so even a little extra mucus production can cause obstruction and difficulty breathing.
Q: Why should children receive virus-preventative shots?
A: Flu, RSV and COVID-19 vaccines can help prevent severe symptoms and hospitalization if a child is infected with a virus. The vaccines cannot prevent the infection, but they can help prevent the need for higher levels of medical intervention if the child becomes ill.
Call 501.510.6847 or visit archildrens.org/flu to schedule your child’s flu, RSV and COVID-19 vaccinations today.
1 Children’s Way
Little Rock, AR 72202
501.322.6422
