Dealing with a sick child is tough enough for parents.

As colds and the flu sweep the area, additional anxiety has been caused by the sudden deaths of four children in Oakland and Washtenaw counties between Jan. 25 and Feb. 3.

While the children, ages 5 through 14, all experienced flu-like symptoms, only two were confirmed as having influenza, said Dr. Stan Reedy, medical director for the Washtenaw County Department of Public Health.

Reedy said in a press release Feb. 6 that the county would discuss the findings with the state and make use of additional resources the state and Center for Disease Control have for a more detailed study.

Reedy said the deaths have occurred during a time when influenza is circulating in the community along with other viruses.

"Active surveillance is now under way for severe illness in children that results in hospitalization and/or death, and protocols have been established for viral screening and treatment in the area emergency departments," Reedy said.

Signs of severe illness include high fever, altered mental status, unusual neck soreness or stiffness, bleeding problems, breathing difficulties, and severe, sudden and persistent headaches, he said.

"If children develop such severe illness, they should be taken in for immediate medical evaluation," Reedy said.

Flu vaccination remains one of the top preventive measures and some vaccine is still available, he said.

"Although protective immunity takes a couple of weeks to fully develop, it can be helpful in either avoiding or reducing the impact of influenza infection," he said.

Reedy recommended that people contact their health-care providers about the availability of the vaccine.

Reedy stressed basic hygiene is fundamental in reducing overall infection transmission. He said people should cover coughs and sneezes, avoid sharing drinking and eating utensils, and not exposing others by returning too quickly to work or school.

Joyce Williams, public affairs manager for Huron Valley Ambulance, said Tuesday that in the past two weeks HVA staff has seen an increase in emergency calls for patients with respiratory problems, severe vomiting and diarrhea.

"The elderly and the very young are usually the most at risk," she said.

Chelsea School District Assistant Superintendent Iva Corbett said Friday that during the cold and flu season, the school district encourages parents to be especially attentive to children who have fevers and are exhibiting symptoms.

"When in doubt, we encourage parents to keep students home for an additional day to ensure that the student is no longer contagious and protect the other students in class," Corbett said. "Washing hands, using tissues and not handkerchiefs, not sharing drinks or straws are all helpful in reducing the spread of germs.

"When students exhibit symptoms at school, we will contact the parents to make arrangements for students to be taken home."

Family physician Randall Forsch, medical director at the University of Michigan Chelsea Family Practice, said his staff is seeing a lot of viral illnesses, including some that look like Influenza A.

"These infections are lasting multiple days and are characterized by fever, runny nose, fatigues, some cough and frequently muscle aches," he said.

Forsch said the vaccine is still available and consideration should be given to immunize children, especially those at higher risk, such as those with asthma or other lung diseases.

"Parents know their children and can usually tell best when they are not the ‘normal’ sick," he said. "Symptoms to watch for include high fever, difficulty breathing and excessive sleepiness.

"If any of these or other questionable symptoms occur, please contact your child’s physician."