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Community Corner

Something Is in the Air and It's Not Spring

Local health care providers are seeing an increase in sick cases this season.

Everyone seems to have some sickness or another right now, especially in households where small children are being bombarded with illness -- sometimes more than one at at time.

One preschool in Moon Township, which asked not to be named, reported a case of "Fifths disease," a viral infection that mostly affects children. Mononucleosis, " an infection caused by a virus, seems to be making the rounds as well.

A recent trip to the MedExpress in Moon revealed more than 10 positive strep throat cultures, three cases of pink eye, and a handful of stomach issues and ear infections being treated. That was all in one day -- and mostly in children.

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"In my 12 years as a doctor I have never seen a winter this bad," said Dr. Timothy Hedlund, a family practitioner at MedExpress.

Hedlund said even his own two children are sick. And with so much sickness going around, pediatricians around the area are double-booked, meaning a trip to the emergency room or an express facility is sometimes necessary.

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A nurse in the emergency room at said the hospital has seen a range of sicknesses coming up daily. The most prominent seem to be a stomach bug, pink eye, or a high fever accompanied by achiness. All are viral infections, which means that they can not be treated with antibiotics. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports flu outbreaks in all 50 states. The Pennsylvania Department of Health puts out a weekly report of influenza cases, and the department is currently reporting the number of cases across the state as "widespread."

Flu season runs until September this year and the state health department recommends getting a flu shot if you haven't already. 

Other logical precautions are also being recommended, such as regular hand washing, coughing into the elbow, and keeping sick children home from school and activities.

Keeping your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth to prevent germs from entering the body also helps to prevent spreading. And if illness does occur, health officials recommend getting plenty of rest and fluids. 

Other tips: 

Children who are sick should see a doctor if ...

  • High fever (above 103°F), or a fever that lasts for more than three days

  • Symptoms that last for more than 10 days

  • Trouble breathing, fast breathing or wheezing

  • Bluish skin color

  • Earache or drainage from the ear

  • Changes in mental state (such as not waking up, irritability or seizures)

  • Flu-like symptoms that improve, but return with a fever and a worse cough

  • Worsening of a chronic medical condition (such as diabetes or heart disease)

  • Vomiting or abdominal pain


  • In adults:

    • A high, prolonged fever (above 102°F) with fatigue and body aches

    • Symptoms that last for more than 10 days or get worse instead of better

  • Trouble breathing or shortness of breath

  • Pain or pressure in the chest

  • Fainting or feeling like you are about to faint

  • Confusion or disorientation

  • Severe or persistent vomiting

  • Severe sinus pain in your face or forehead

  • Very swollen glands in the neck or jaw

  • Source: Pennsylvania Department of Health and WebMD.com.

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