HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County Health Department officials are advising that respiratory illness are starting to affect children already this year, some even leading to viral meningitis.

They say that most of the symptoms are the same as the common cold, however some of these viruses are causing more severe symptoms that need to be treated in the hospital. They suggest that parents keep a close eye on these symptoms, especially if the child has asthma or is at high risk of getting sick.

You should notify your doctor if the child has a fever that is not responding to Tylenol, Ibuprofen or Motrin.

As always, make sure your kids wash their hands, avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth. Kids and adults should stay home if they are sick.

If you need to cough or sneeze, do so into your elbow or a tissue. They also suggest getting plenty of rest, exercise, drinking plenty of water and eating healthy.

Other questions can be made to the health department or your personal physician.

Hundreds of children in about a dozen states have been sickened.