Common Childhood Illnesses: Care in Hilo & Across Hawaiʻi — Medicaid (QUEST) Accepted

Most childhood illnesses, such as colds, coughs, sore throats, and hand-foot-and-mouth disease, are caused by viruses and get better with time and supportive care at home. Children catch a lot of these, especially in their early years, and that is a normal part of building immunity. At Ohana Care Clinic in Hilo, we help you care for the everyday bugs and spot the ones that need more.

The everyday illnesses

Young children commonly get several viral illnesses a year, particularly once they are around other kids. Colds bring a runny nose, cough, and sometimes a low fever. Many sore throats are viral, though some are strep and need testing. Hand-foot-and-mouth disease causes mouth sores and a rash on the hands and feet. Stomach bugs cause vomiting and diarrhea. Most of these run their course in days to a week or so.

How we care for them

Because most are viral, antibiotics do not help and are not recommended, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention emphasizes; they are reserved for true bacterial infections like strep throat or some ear infections. Care focuses on comfort: fluids, rest, and symptom relief, with attention to keeping your child hydrated. We test when it changes treatment, such as a throat swab for possible strep, and we offer same-day sick visits when your keiki needs to be seen.

When to reach out

Call us if your child is not drinking and showing signs of dehydration, has a fever that lasts more than a few days, has trouble breathing, is unusually sluggish or hard to wake, or simply is not getting better as expected. Trust your instincts as a parent; we are glad to help by telehealth or in person.

Culturally grounded care

We care for the whole child, in the spirit of lōkahi — balance and harmony among the connected parts of life: the body, the mind and emotions, the spirit, the ʻohana (family), and our relationship with the ʻāina (land) and community. In a Native Hawaiian understanding of health, these are not separate, and neither is our care. To mālama (care for and protect) your keiki and to raise them pono (in balance and rightness), we listen to your family’s story, welcome your ʻohana into every visit, and honor the values and traditions that ground you. Offering kōkua (help given freely, with aloha) in a way that respects your family is at the heart of how we practice.

Insurance and how we see your keiki

We accept Medicare and Medicaid, including the Hawaiʻi QUEST Integration plans (AlohaCare, the Hawaiʻi Medical Service Association (HMSA), ʻOhana Health Plan, and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan), along with most commercial insurance, and we are accepting new pediatric patients in Hilo. Your child’s first primary-care visit is in person at our Hilo clinic. We see children in person for well-child exams, vaccines, and hands-on care, and we use telehealth for follow-ups and questions. Pediatric behavioral health with our mental-health providers can begin by video; care from our primary-care team starts with an in-office visit.

Common questions about common childhood illnesses

Do common childhood illnesses need antibiotics?

Usually not. Most are caused by viruses, and antibiotics do not work on viruses. Care focuses on comfort and hydration. Antibiotics are reserved for true bacterial infections like strep throat or some ear infections.

How many colds are normal for a young child?

It is normal for young children, especially those in childcare or school, to get many colds a year. This is part of how their immune system develops. We help you watch for the less common illnesses that need more attention.

When should I bring my sick child in?

Reach out for signs of dehydration, a fever lasting several days, trouble breathing, unusual sleepiness, or an illness that is not improving as expected. We offer same-day sick visits and telehealth guidance.

What insurance do you accept for pediatric care?

We accept Medicare and Medicaid, including the Hawaii QUEST Integration plans (AlohaCare, HMSA, Ohana Health Plan, and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan), along with most commercial insurance. We are accepting new pediatric patients in Hilo.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Managing the common cold. Retrieved June 29, 2026, from https://www.cdc.gov/common-cold/treatment/index.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Antibiotic prescribing and use. Retrieved June 29, 2026, from https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/about/index.html

Papa Ola Lōkahi. (n.d.). Native Hawaiian health. Retrieved June 29, 2026, from https://www.papaolalokahi.org/

This page is general health education from Ohana Care Clinic, reviewed by Donna Leonard, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, and written by George Mackel, MSN, APRN, NP-C, PMHNP-BC, CARN-AP. It is not a substitute for a personal evaluation by a qualified clinician who knows your child’s situation, and reading it does not create a provider–patient relationship. If you are worried about your child’s health, reach out to us or another licensed provider. In an emergency, call 911.

Donna Leonard, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, and George Mackel, MSN, APRN, NP-C, PMHNP-BC, CARN-AP — President & Owner