A common but unsightly virus is making the rounds.

Doctor Mark Otto in Council Bluffs is seeing children with Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease.

This typically affects children under the age of 10 and the virus is contagious. It starts off with diarrhea, cough, and often a fever between 102-103. A couple of days later painful sores will develop in the mouth and a rash will sprout on hands and feet. The rash may blister, but it will not itch.

Use Ibuprofen to help control the fever. Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease will usually run its course within five to seven days.

In Papillion, Doctor Carey Ertz has some reminders about the heat and children's health.

Children with chronic conditions like Diabetes should talk to their doctor about how to maintain normal hydration.

Certain medications, like cold medicine, can make it harder for the body to get rid of heat and should be used as little as possible.

Being overweight can greatly increase the risk of a heat injury, making summer practice risky for larger athletes. They should slowly work up to full workouts.

Anyone with a history of a heat injury may be at an increased risk for a repeat. Pay extra attention to proper hydration and rest.

In Bellevue, Doctor Steven Sindelar says parents need to be on the lookout if their child has asthma.

The rainy summer weather means ragweed is hitting a little earlier than normal and it's causing allergy related flare-ups.

With kids outside and at summer camps they may be more susceptible. Try to avoid large open fields and freshly mowed grass. It's also a good idea to have children shower or take a bath after coming in for the day to remove any pollen on them.

Runny nose, and itchy, watery eyes are common. Try using an over the counter antihistamine before kids head outside to minimize impact.

In Midtown, Doctor Amy Lacroix continues to see children with major reactions to bug bites. Give them an oral antihistamine like Benadryl. Put topical cream on the bug bites and use cool compresses to relieve the pain and itching.

Keep children from scratching their bites too hard or too often. it can lead to a secondary infection.

In Southwest Omaha, Doctor Robert Beer is handling a lot of school and sports physicals. Many parents choose to make this a part of a well child visit.

These exams should include a review of health history, shot records, and a head to toe physical exam. Immunizations can be updated, chronic conditions may be discussed, and regular medication can be adjusted or renewed.

Make sure to bring any school district paperwork that needs to be filled out.