My 17 month old grandson is coughing, has a fever of 102 & difficulty breathing. He s been miserable all day. He seems to get way too many episodes like this. How can we decide whether he needs to be taken to the hospital. He has been nebulized with albuterol, but it hasn t helped much. Is there any chance he could have the MERS virus? We are in Manhattan.
Thanks for posting your query at Chat Doctor. There is a condition called bronchiolitis whicChatDoctormonly affects child Chat Doctor.  Probably your grandson has it. It is caused by a virus called respiratory initial virus (RSV) although certain other viruses like Adenovirus, Influenza and Para influenza virus may also cause it. It is unlikely to have been caused by MERS virus. Although he has not got much relief, I would insist that the nebulization be continued. It can be given with albuterol or hypertonic saline which would relieve his wheezing if any. If he wheezes, I would insist that you take him to hospital. Hope that helps. Feel free to contact back with any other queries if any.