WOOD Radio Local News

WOOD Radio Local News

WOOD Radio Local News

 

Pediatric expert at Helen DeVos talks about spike in strep throat cases

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Doctors in West Michigan have been seeing an increase in strep throat infections among children in recent months.

Strep throat is a bacterial infection. A pediatric chief with the Helen DeVos Children's Hospital spoke about it on West Michigan's Morning News. Dr. Andrea Hadley said a sore throat, fever and swollen lymph nodes in the neck are possible symptom of strep throat.

"It does not come with the cough and runny nose that most viral infections come with. This is very different because you don't have those symptoms. It's treated with antibiotics, and it's important to get treated because it can lead to different complications - including even heart disease, rheumatic fever and some kidney problems down the road if you don't get treated," Hadley said.

She is section Chief of Pediatric Hospitalists at Helen DeVos Children's Hospital. 

Strep-throat symptoms include a sore throat, fever and, possibly, swollen lymph nodes in the neck.

She said the current strain is spreading "quite wildly" through households, schools, daycares, etcetera.

Hadley said Norovirus also is making the rounds. She said handwashing is the key to preventing that.

"Use hand sanitizer but, really, the best is good old soap and water," Dr. Hadley said.

### [Photo courtesy: Corewell Health / Helen DeVos Children's Hospital]


Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content