According to various sources, there are several illnesses going around currently. Here are some of the most common ones:
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Enteroviruses: These are a group of viruses that often cause illness during the summer and early fall months, but are still being seen in children and adolescents. Symptoms include fever, rash, respiratory or cold symptoms, and vomiting with diarrhea.
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Influenza: Flu cases usually start to increase around October and peak between December and February. Symptoms include sudden onset of fever, chills, dry cough, and muscle aches, as well as headache, fatigue, sore throat, and nasal congestion.
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Viral gastroenteritis: This is a viral illness that causes inflammation and irritation of the stomach and intestines, leading to vomiting and diarrhea. It is often called the "stomach flu" and typically lasts 1-2 days, with diarrhea lasting a few days longer.
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Croup: This is a viral respiratory illness that most often is caused by the parainfluenza virus. Symptoms include a cough and breathing that are associated with croup, which make it distinctly different from other viral colds or respiratory illnesses. The cough is worse at night, and it has a distinct bark that sounds much like a seals bark.
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Other respiratory viruses: According to the CDC, a mixture of respiratory viruses are circulating right now, including common coronaviruses (other than SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19), respiratory adenovirus, and parainfluenza (which is distinct from influenza). All of these viruses can cause cold-like symptoms including fever, runny nose, sore throat, and cough.
It is important to note that the symptoms of these illnesses can overlap, making it difficult to determine which one you may have. If you are experiencing symptoms, it is best to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.