Spike in children with croup

AUSTIN (KXAN) - If your child has ever had croup, you know that horrible sound of the cough that comes with it.  The cough sounds similar to a bark.  That croup barking cough is being heard more frequently right now at Dell Children's Medical Center in Austin.

Croup is a viral disease usually affecting children under five years old.  They run fever and sometimes, because of swelling in the airways, have trouble breathing.

Dr. Pat Crocker at Dell Children's Medical Center Emergency Department said he has seen a spike in croup during the first week of November. He said most cases can be treated at home, but if they are severe, doctors at Dell will give a dose of steroids or put the child on a ventilator.

Stomach bugs going around Central Texas

Stomach bugs, or what doctors refer to as gastroenteritis, are showing up everywhere in Central Texas.  Jollyville Pediatrics in northwest Austin is seeing several cases of stomach bugs along with strep throat, viral respiratory infections and suspected pertussis or whooping cough.

Stomach viruses are also bothering children in southwest Austin. Dr. Christine Fyda at Southwest Pediatrics is treating them as well as ear infections and allergies.

San Marcos Family Medicine on Hunter Road also reports gastroenteritis is going around in San Marcos along with bronchitis and allergies.

Viral gastroenteritis is also the trend in Round Rock, where Dr. William Tobleman oversees Scott and White Healthcare's Emergency Department.

Doctors say the stomach bugs going around usually last for about 24 hours. They are hitting people of all ages with fever and vomiting.  Physicians recommend drinking a lot of fluids and rest.

There are still reports of flu beginning to show up. We had reports in Round Rock this week.. so here is another reminder from doctors to get a flu shot.