A senior pediatrician at LBJ Tropical Medical Center is encouraging parents to stay calm and informed when their children show signs of viral illness — and not to rush to the emergency room (ER) at the first sign of a cough or fever.
Dr. Maria Gayapa, with LBJ’s Department of Pediatrics, joined 93KHJ this week to discuss the recent wave of viral illnesses in the territory, including RSV, influenza A and B, hand-foot-mouth disease, and stomach viruses.
“We’re seeing a rise in kids coming in with fevers, coughs, diarrhea, and vomiting,” said Dr. Gayapa. “But not every sick child needs to be brought in immediately. Parents should know the red flags.”
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She stressed the importance of home remedies in the early stages: plenty of fluids like water and Pedialyte — but not sugary drinks or sodas — rest, and over-the-counter medications like Tylenol.
While hydration and rest are key, Dr. Gayapa explained that parents should seek immediate care if their child:
• Refuses all food and liquids
• Appears lethargic or weak
• Shows signs of difficulty breathing
• Is under two months old with a fever
She also reminded families that not all illnesses require antibiotics.
“Viruses don’t respond to antibiotics,” she explained. “Parents should allow the illness to run its course — usually three to five days — and avoid exposing their child to more viruses at the clinic if it’s not urgent.”
To help ease the strain on LBJ’s Emergency Room and pediatric clinic, families are urged to call ahead at 633-1222 for appointments or phone consultations. Dr. Gayapa also pointed out that the Tafuna Health Center is another care option, with excellent pediatricians available during the week.
“We want to leave the ER for emergency cases,” said Dr. Gayapa. “Running in for every sniffle could actually make things worse.”
Same-day appointments are available at the pediatric clinic, and walk-ins are never turned away — but awareness and patience, she says, will go a long way.
