The flu season is hitting families hard, with children falling ill left and right. It’s not always easy to tell if your child is sick because they can go from appearing perfectly fine to feeling unwell in a matter of minutes. But there’s something else that some parents have noticed along with flu-like symptoms – strange marks on their children’s faces.
One example is Coop, a little boy from Idaho, who started crying and complaining about being smacked on the nose while playing. At first, his parents thought it was his younger sibling’s doing, but the mark on his nose only got worse. After a visit to the doctor, Coop was sent home with a steroid, but things didn’t improve. His concerned parents decided to take him to the emergency hospital, where doctors diagnosed him with a strep infection in his sinuses. The mark on his face could have spread to his eyes and brain if left untreated.
Another parent shared her son’s story on Facebook, hoping to raise awareness among fellow parents. Her son developed a fever during the flu season, and she initially thought it was just the flu. But she noticed unusual red marks on his face, which turned into a splotchy rash by the evening. Concerned, she brought him to the emergency room where he was diagnosed with strep throat and the flu. The rash and marks on his face were actually common signs of strep throat, something she and many others were unaware of.
Candace Reeves McMahan from Oklahoma also went through a terrifying experience when her son’s strep infection became so severe that he required surgery. His eyes became red and puffy, and the infection had spread dangerously close to his brain. Thanks to immediate medical attention, he fully recovered, but it took worsening symptoms, multiple hospital visits, and emergency surgery to get there.
These brave families are now sharing their stories to help other parents become aware of these symptoms. It’s important to remember that strep infections don’t just affect the throat – there are different types with unique symptoms. By being alert and informed, we can protect our children and ensure they receive the necessary treatment in a timely manner.
Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to these families for their willingness to share their experiences and help others. Let’s all stay informed and be prepared during this flu season.