A Rash Decision

While we were in Galena, Calvin awoke with a few red spots on his abdomen that quickly multiplied.

We checked WebMD to figure out what it was and talked extensively by phone with a (terrific) nurse in the University of Iowa Hospital System. Then we took him to the only medical clinic open over Memorial Day weekend; the Galena Hospital ER.

The nurse took one look at him and ruled out chickenpox; the doctor confirmed her diagnosis. He said it was a viral infection manifesting in a rash and that there were 50 different viruses that would cause something similar. We were encouraged to treat him like he had a cold and wash our hands.

We were so glad to hold our little guy again and comfort him through an illness. The rash cleared up on its own within a few days, with no scarring or notable side effects. Still, it looks horrible, doesn't it?