Good news, bad news on latest health concerns

One of the hazards of sending kids back to school is knowing that they'll probably come home with the latest bug that is making the rounds.

That's true again this year, but instead of contracting the common cold, kids in Missouri, Kansas, Iowa and Colorado are reporting hundreds of children being hospitalized with an unusual strain of summer cold, Enterovirus 68.

Symptoms usually last about a week, and while most kids and adults recover without lasting problems, children with asthma or other health problems are especially at risk. Even kids without asthma have developed asthma-like breathing problems.

The good news is no deaths have been reported.

The bad news is the outbreak will probably hit Nebraska soon, if it hasn't already.

The symptoms are like the common cold, but the symptoms -- fever, cough and runny nose -- are lasting a little longer.

The treatment for most cases is the same -- rest, fluids and time. Because it is a virus, antibiotics won't work, and there usually is no reason for testing.

Children with a fever should stay home from school or daycare until they are fever-free for 24 house. Don't give children aspirin, of course, but give them acetaminophen and ibuprofen to ease aches and fever.

Stay away from over-the-counter cough or cold medicines for kids 10 and under, and try honey for a cough, but do not give it to children under the age of 1.

Make sure kids get plenty of liquids and clear their noses often, and contact your doctor if a child has difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, or a persistent or worsening cough; or if a child under the age of 2 months has a fever.