Flu Cases on the Rise
Anita S. Henderson, MD, a physician with Hattiesburg Clinic The Pediatric Clinic, recently spoke with WDAM about the sharp rise in flu cases.
“Our flu positivity rates have almost been 50%,” said Dr. Henderson. “So, almost half of all the tests that we’re doing here at The Pediatric Clinic are coming back positive.”
According to Henderson, this year’s flu has been hitting children with a wide range of symptoms including high fevers, stomach symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, body aches and a cough.
With the flu expected to stick around well into the new year, Henderson emphasized that there is still time to protect loved ones.
“The first thing you can do to keep your family safe every year is get your flu shot, and it is not too late to get your flu shot because we will still be seeing the flu in January, in February, in March,” said Henderson.
If your child is diagnosed with the flu, Henderson outlined some steps that can be taken at home.
“Give them pain and fever reducers,” said Henderson. “Make sure they are staying hydrated. Drink, drink, drink. Clear liquids, water, Gatorade, Pedialyte, popsicles. Make sure they are well-hydrated because dehydration, complications from the flu, can put your child in the hospital.”
For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit https://www.hattiesburgclinic.com/locations/pediatric/hattiesburg-101-medical-park/.
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About Hattiesburg Clinic The Pediatric Clinic:
Hattiesburg Clinic The Pediatric Clinic consists of pediatricians and nurse practitioners who work very closely together to form a consistent and similar style of practice. We are dedicated to providing personalized, quality care for your child from birth through adolescence. Our physicians and providers want to ensure we allow appropriate time with all of our patients. Please call during regular office hours to schedule appointments for wellness, follow-up, referrals and sick visits. After-hours appointments are available for sick patients only. For weekend and holiday after-hours appointments, please call our office upon the clinic opening.
About Hattiesburg Clinic:
Hattiesburg Clinic is Mississippi’s largest privately-owned, multispecialty clinic. Founded in 1963, Hattiesburg Clinic has expanded to include over 450 physicians and providers, along with 2,500 employees, serving patients across more than 17 counties in Mississippi. Hattiesburg Clinic is committed to being the health care provider of choice in the communities we serve.
