Ask the Doctor: What is croup?

Question: What is croup? Answer: We have found that many parents are confused about croup. Croup is a viral illness caused by many of the same viruses that cause the common cold; including parainfluenza viruses, RSV, and adenovirus, among others. Even influenza or “the flu” can cause croup. The key difference is where the infection … Continue reading “Ask the Doctor: What is croup?”

Ask the Nurse: When Should I Be Concerned About My Child’s Fever?

Question: When Should I Be Concerned About My Child’s Fever? Answer: First it is important to know what a true fever is. A child 0 to 3 months old: A true fever for this age is 100.4˚F. If your infant does have a fever of 100.4˚F or above they should be taken to the ER … Continue reading “Ask the Nurse: When Should I Be Concerned About My Child’s Fever?”

Seasonal Allergies: Getting Relief is as Easy as ABC
Seasonal Allergies: Getting Relief is as Easy as ABC

Article at a Glance

  • A runny nose, itchy eyes, dark circles under the eyes, and sneezing lasting more than 10 days are all symptoms of a possible allergy.
  • Reduce allergy symptoms by trying to stay indoors, cleaning often, and keeping pollen out of your home.
  • Medications such as antihistamines or nasal spray steroids can help control allergy symptoms.
Report Cautions Doctors About Prescribing Antibiotics for Children
Report Cautions Doctors About Prescribing Antibiotics for Children

Article at a Glance Report finds that antibiotics are being over prescribed for upper respiratory infections in children. Overusing antibiotics creates infectious organisms that are resistant to antibiotics. Antibiotics only work on bacteria, not viruses. Using an antibiotic on a virus is not only unhelpful but can cause harmful side effects. Whether or not an … Continue reading “Report Cautions Doctors About Prescribing Antibiotics for Children”

Too Sick For School?
Too Sick For School?

Article at a Glance If your child has diarrhea, a fever, a rash, pink eye, or the stomach flu, you should keep him or her home. The first question you should ask yourself is if your child’s symptoms will prevent your child from participating in school activities. If your child is just experiencing mild cold … Continue reading “Too Sick For School?”

Strep Throat Q&A
Strep Throat Q&A

Article at a Glance Most sore throats are part of a viral cold, but strep throat is caused by bacteria. Sore throats caused by strep generally last longer and aren’t accompanied by other cold symptoms. Most colds can be treated at home, but strep throat will need to be treated by your pediatrician. What is … Continue reading “Strep Throat Q&A”

The Ultimate Cold and Flu Survival Guide
The Ultimate Cold and Flu Survival Guide

Article at a Glance Flu shots and hand washing are two of the best ways to protect your family against viral illnesses. Antibiotics only work on bacterial infections, not on viral infections like the cold or flu. If you need help determining how sick your child is, use our “Is Your Child Sick?” tool. It … Continue reading “The Ultimate Cold and Flu Survival Guide”

Colds: When Should You Call Your Doctor?
Colds: When Should You Call Your Doctor?

Article at a Glance • Most colds are not serious and only last seven to ten days. • There is no cure for the cold. Antibiotics only work on bacteria, not viruses. But there are many things you can do to relieve the symptoms. • If your child is younger than three months old, be … Continue reading “Colds: When Should You Call Your Doctor?”

Things You Can Do To Prevent the Flu

Article at a Glance • Make sure you get a flu vaccine every year. • Wash your hands regularly and use a tissue when you cough or sneeze. • If you get sick, try to avoid contact with others. Getting the flu isn’t any fun, but it can also be serious. Each year, 5 to … Continue reading “Things You Can Do To Prevent the Flu”

How to Fight Germs When You’re Not There
How to Fight Germs When You’re Not There

Article at a Glance • Contact your school or childcare provider to learn about policies concerning sick children and hygiene. • Ask questions about immunizations, how they prevent the spread of illness, and what they do to promote good hygiene. Childcare, school, sports, parks, toddler classes, and after-school activities place our children in contact with … Continue reading “How to Fight Germs When You’re Not There”

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