What's Going Around Boston

About

If your child is sniffling, coughing, or running a fever, you're not alone. Parents across Boston and Massachusetts are asking the same question: "What's going around right now?" As board-certified pediatricians serving the South Shore community for over 20 years, we see patterns in illness activity every week. Here are a few of the illnesses we're currently seeing in our office. For a complete list of illnesses circulating in the Boston area, check our What's Going Around resource. 

Cold viruses remain prevalent across Massachusetts as expected for this time of year. Most cases are mild and self-limiting.


Common Symptoms:

  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Mild cough
  • Sneezing
  • Sore throat
  • Low-grade fever (sometimes)
  • Mild fatigue


What to Do: Rest, fluids, and symptom management. Colds typically resolve in 7-10 days. Over-the-counter medications are not recommended for children under 4 years old.

Influenza

Flu season is ramping up in Massachusetts with both Influenza A and B strains circulating. Schools across the South Shore have reported increased absences due to flu-like illness.


Common Symptoms:


  • Sudden onset of fever (often 101°F+)
  • Body aches and muscle pain
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Dry cough
  • Headache
  • Sore throat
  • Chills and sweats


Prevention: It's not too late to get your flu vaccine! The vaccine is the best protection against severe illness. Also practice good hand hygiene and keep sick children home.


When to Call Your Pediatrician:



  • High fever lasting more than 3 days
  • Difficulty breathing or chest pain
  • Severe or persistent vomiting
  • Confusion or unusual drowsiness
  • Children under 2 or with chronic conditions


Strep Throat

Strep throat cases are steady in Massachusetts schools and daycares. We're seeing typical seasonal increases as children spend more time indoors.


Common Symptoms:


  • Severe sore throat (sudden onset)
  • Pain when swallowing
  • Red, swollen tonsils (sometimes with white patches)
  • Fever
  • Swollen lymph nodes in neck
  • Headache and body aches
  • Red rash (scarlet fever)



Important Note: Strep throat requires a rapid test or throat culture for diagnosis and antibiotic treatment. Children can return to school 24 hours after starting antibiotics and once fever-free.

Need to See a Doctor?



Beacon Pediatrics serves the communities of Norwell, Hingham, Scituate, Marshfield, Hanover, Cohasset, Rockland, and the greater South Shore Massachusetts area. The illnesses listed on our What's Going Around resource page reflect what we're currently seeing in our practice. We're located at: 

600 Longwater Drive
2nd Floor
Norwell, MA 02061

Call us at 781-745-3322 to schedule an appointment with one of our pediatricians.

Need driving directions?

Our Team

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Did you know that children get an average of 6-8 colds per year? This is normal and helps build their immune system! Most illnesses resolve on their own with supportive care at home, but if you're ever in need of a doctor, give us a call. The dedicated team of pediatricians, clinicians, and staff at Beacon Pediatrics is here to help. We offer same-day sick visits, after-hours care, and online resources so you can be aware of what's going around the Boston area. Learn more about our team!