Cold Weather Viruses

Abstract

1. Asif Noor, MD* 2. Theresa Fiorito, MD* 3. Leonard R. Krilov, MD*,† 1. *Department of Pediatrics, Children's Medical Center, NYU Winthrop Hospital, Mineola, NY 2. †Department of Pediatrics, State University of New York, Stony Brook School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY * Abbreviations: AAP: : American Academy of Pediatrics Adv: : adenovirus CDC: : Centers for Disease Control and Prevention FDA: : Food and Drug Administration hMPV: : human metapneumovirus PCR: : polymerase chain reaction PIV: : parainfluenza virus RSV: : respiratory syncytial virus RV: : rhinovirus Clinicians must learn to identify viral infections in children during the winter months and must practice caution with the use of unnecessary medications in such cases. Recognition of the clinical pattern of viral infection (eg, bronchiolitis) in conjunction with judicious use of viral tests (either office-based immunoassays or newer molecular tests) may assist in epidemiological monitoring, cohorting patients in the hospital, withholding unnecessary therapies, and providing a definitive diagnosis. After completing this article, readers should be able to: 1. Review the epidemiological aspects and clinical signs and symptoms of common cold weather viruses. 2. Recognize situations in which viral testing is indicated. 3. Recognize situations in which treatment is indicated. In early November you are evaluating a 9-month-old boy born at 33 weeks of gestation. The infant presents with 2 days of fevers (101°F–102°F [38.3°C–38.8°C]), copious rhinorrhea, and 1 day of coughing with difficulty breathing. He is otherwise feeding well and has had adequate urination. His 4-year-older sister has an upper respiratory tract infection. On physical examination, the infant has a respiratory rate of 45 breaths/min without chest wall retractions. On auscultation there is good air entry with scattered rhonchi bilaterally. What is the most appropriate next step in management? 1. Obtain respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza antigen testing. 2. Obtain a chest radiograph to look for focal infiltrate. 3. Provide supportive care with nasal …