Florida has a long respiratory virus season, year-round allergens, and a few regional considerations that matter for kids. This handout is meant as an evergreen reference to the common illnesses we see, when they tend to show up, how to recognize them, and when to pick up the phone. It is not a weekly surveillance report. If you want real-time activity data, we can point you to the Florida Department of Health’s weekly respiratory surveillance updates.
Respiratory Illnesses
Influenza (flu).
Sudden onset of high fever, body aches, fatigue, headache, and cough. Florida flu season typically runs from fall through spring. Annual flu vaccination for everyone 6 months and older is the most important prevention. Antiviral medication can shorten flu illness if started early. AAP recommends oseltamivir for any child hospitalized with influenza, for any child with severe or progressive illness, and supports treatment for any symptomatic child within 48 hours of onset. Baloxavir is also approved for children 5 and older.
RSV (respiratory syncytial virus).
Cold-like in older children and adults, but can cause bronchiolitis and significant breathing trouble in infants and young toddlers. Florida often sees earlier and longer RSV seasons than the rest of the country. Two prevention tools are now part of standard care. Nirsevimab (Beyfortus) is a single-dose monoclonal antibody for infants entering their first RSV season, with high-risk children covered through their second season. Abrysvo is an RSV vaccine for pregnant women between 32 and 36 weeks, given during the RSV season. Florida’s RSV season starts earlier than the national average, so local timing for both products may differ from continental US guidance. Ask us which option fits your situation.
COVID-19.
Still circulating with a less predictable seasonal pattern than flu. Symptoms range from mild cold-like illness to more significant respiratory illness. Vaccination recommendations are updated yearly. We are happy to discuss what is currently recommended for your child.
Common cold.
Multiple viruses (rhinovirus, parainfluenza, adenovirus, enterovirus, mild coronavirus strains, and others). Runny nose, congestion, cough, mild fever. Supportive care: fluids, rest, saline drops, suction for infants, humidifier. No OTC cough and cold medications for children under 6 years. Half to one teaspoon of honey as needed can soothe cough in children over 12 months. Do not give honey to infants under 12 months because of the risk of infant botulism.
Croup.
A barking cough, often starting overnight, usually in toddlers and preschoolers. Stridor (a harsh inhale sound) at rest is the sign that the airway is narrow enough to need evaluation. Cool, humid night air often helps. Loud stridor at rest or trouble breathing needs urgent care.
Whooping cough (pertussis).
Starts as a cold, then progresses to paroxysmal cough, sometimes with an inspiratory whoop or post-tussive vomiting. Infants may present with apnea rather than the classic whoop. The single highest-yield prevention for newborn pertussis is Tdap during pregnancy at 27 to 36 weeks, which passes antibodies to the baby. DTaP for the child and Tdap for all household contacts add additional protection.
Strep throat.
Group A Streptococcus pharyngitis. Sudden sore throat, fever, swollen tender neck lymph nodes, often without cough or congestion. Diagnosed with a rapid strep test and treated with antibiotics (amoxicillin is first-line). Less common under age 3.
Gastrointestinal Illnesses
Viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu).
Vomiting, diarrhea, low-grade fever. Common offenders include norovirus (peaks in winter, highly contagious), rotavirus (less common now due to routine infant vaccination), and multiple other viruses year-round. After vomiting, start with one teaspoon of oral rehydration solution (ORS) every 5 minutes for the first hour, then advance. Return to a regular age-appropriate diet as soon as tolerated. The BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) is no longer recommended. Avoid sports drinks in infants and young toddlers.
Foodborne illness.
Salmonella and Campylobacter are common. Undercooked poultry, unpasteurized dairy, reptile/amphibian exposure (Salmonella), and contaminated produce are typical sources. Bloody diarrhea, high fever, severe abdominal pain, or prolonged symptoms deserve evaluation.
Rash-Associated Illnesses
Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD).
Coxsackievirus and other enteroviruses. Fever followed by painful mouth sores and a rash, often on palms, soles, and sometimes buttocks. Peaks in summer and early fall in Florida. Supportive care, with attention to dehydration from painful swallowing.
Chickenpox (varicella).
Much less common since routine varicella vaccination. Itchy rash that progresses from red spots to blisters to crusts, usually with fever. Worth calling so we can confirm and advise on exposure tracking.
Fifth disease (parvovirus B19).
Bright red “slapped cheek” rash, often with a lacy body rash. Usually mild in healthy children. Tell us if anyone in the household is pregnant, has sickle cell disease, or is immunocompromised, because those contacts need specific guidance.
Roseola.
Three to five days of high fever in a well-appearing young child, followed by a pink rash when the fever breaks. Self-limited.
Eye Infections
Most cases of pink eye in children are viral and resolve without antibiotics. Bacterial conjunctivitis tends to have thicker, more purulent discharge and may need antibiotic drops. Any eye redness with vision changes, severe pain, significant swelling, or a herpes-type appearance needs same-day evaluation. Call us before starting leftover drops from another illness or someone else’s prescription.
Environmental and Florida-Specific Exposures
Allergies.
Oak and other tree pollens in spring, grass pollen in late spring and summer, ragweed in fall, and mold spores year-round, especially after heavy rain. HEPA filters, keeping windows closed during peak pollen, and showering after outdoor play help. Intranasal steroids and non-sedating antihistamines work well when needed. Florida humidity also makes year-round indoor allergens relevant. Dust mite covers on mattresses and pillows, and addressing indoor mold (often near air handlers and bathrooms), help in many cases.
Heat-related illness.
Dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke are real risks in Florida summers. Keep children hydrated, plan outdoor activity for early morning or late afternoon, provide shade and rest breaks, and dress in light, loose clothing. Never leave a child in a parked car. Even a few minutes can be fatal.
Water safety.
Drowning is the leading cause of death in Florida children ages 1 to 4. Layered protection is the standard: four-sided pool fencing that fully isolates the pool from the house, a designated water watcher whose only job is watching the children, formal swim lessons starting at age 1 per AAP, Coast Guard-approved life jackets (not floaties) in open water, and CPR training for parents and caregivers.
Mosquito-borne illness.
Florida has seen locally acquired cases of dengue in recent years and continues to have West Nile and Eastern Equine Encephalitis activity. Chikungunya and Zika remain possibilities. Use EPA-registered insect repellent: DEET up to 30 percent for children over 2 months (not for younger infants), picaridin 5 to 20 percent, or oil of lemon eucalyptus for children over 3. Permethrin can be used on clothing only, never on skin. Empty standing water around the home, and screen windows.
Ocean and freshwater exposures.
Harmful algal blooms (red tide) can irritate airways and trigger asthma. Avoid the beach when red tide is active. Warm freshwater (rivers, lakes, hot springs) can rarely carry Naegleria fowleri. Hold the nose or use a nose clip during summertime freshwater swimming and do not submerge the head in untreated hot water. Avoid swimming in freshwater that looks discolored, scummy, or has a blue-green tint, which can indicate a cyanobacteria bloom that irritates skin and airways. Vibrio vulnificus is a rare but serious bacteria in warm coastal and brackish water. Avoid open wounds or raw oysters in warm coastal water, especially for anyone immunocompromised or with chronic liver disease. After a hurricane, avoid floodwater contact with broken skin until conditions clear.
Sun safety.
For infants under 6 months, shade and lightweight protective clothing are first-line. Sunscreen can be applied to small areas of exposed skin when shade is not possible. For children 6 months and older, apply SPF 30 or higher to exposed skin, reapply every 2 hours, and after swimming or heavy sweating.
When to Call Us
- Any fever of 100.4°F or higher in an infant under 3 months.
- Labored breathing, retractions, or blue lips or tongue.
- Dehydration in infants: fewer than half the usual number of wet diapers in a 24-hour period, dry mouth, no tears, sunken eyes, or unusual sleepiness.
- Persistent vomiting, bloody or black stools, or severe abdominal pain.
- A rash that does not fade with pressure (non-blanching), especially petechiae below the nipple line, which is more concerning than petechiae on the face or neck from crying or coughing.
- Severe allergic reactions: trouble breathing, throat tightness, widespread hives, or repeated vomiting after a new food or bee sting.
- Fever lasting more than 3 days in an older child, or any fever that worsens after initial improvement.
- Concerns about heat stroke: rectal temperature above 104°F with confusion, absence of sweating, or collapse.
- Any illness after travel to areas with active mosquito-borne disease, or any illness following a tick bite.
Prevention Basics
- Keep vaccines current. The pediatric schedule covers the highest-impact preventable illnesses, including flu, COVID-19, RSV (via nirsevimab or maternal Abrysvo), pertussis, varicella, HPV, pneumococcal disease, rotavirus, meningococcal disease, and others.
- Handwashing remains the single most effective infection-control measure.
- Cover coughs and sneezes. Teach children the elbow.
- Stay home when sick. The AAP recommends fever-free for 24 hours without medication, eating and drinking well, and feeling well enough to participate before returning to school or daycare.
- Protect infants by making sure adult household members are up to date on flu, COVID-19, and Tdap.
Bottom Line
Most of what goes around in Florida looks like a cold, a stomach bug, or a rash that resolves on its own. The things worth calling about are the red flags above. For real-time activity data, the Florida Department of Health publishes weekly respiratory surveillance updates. When in doubt, call us. We would rather hear from you early.
Call ELP at (727) 372-6760 or schedule online. Stay healthy my friends.
Sources
- Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Epidemiology: weekly Florida Arbovirus Surveillance and Florida Flu Review reports.
- AAP and Red Book guidance on respiratory virus surveillance, mosquito-borne disease, and travel health. The Florida Department of Health publishes weekly Florida Arbovirus Surveillance and Florida Flu Review reports if you want local activity data.
- American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org: articles on common childhood illnesses.
- AAP Red Book, current edition: infectious disease management.
- ACIP and AAP recommendations for RSV prevention (nirsevimab and Abrysvo), seasonal influenza, COVID-19, and routine pediatric immunizations.
