My child has been sneezing more frequently and has had a stuffy nose for several days. How can I tell if it is seasonal allergies or a cold?
When considering the difference between seasonal allergies or a viral infection (common cold), one has to remember to look for other symptoms.
A viral infection will frequently cause a low grade fever or at least a feeling of being mildly ill. This may include generalized muscle aches, headaches, sore throat, stomachaches, and stuffy nose (often times tender to the touch initially with yellow thicker than average discharge that over the next several
Treatment for a Child’s Fever
by Tom Seman MD FAAP April 1st, 2011 | Pediatrician on Call
Is it better to give my child Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen for a fever?
Late fall, winter and spring are key times for a large variety of viral illness that cause a whole range of symptoms, but most concerning to all parents is fever. Fever is the body's response to an infectious agent and the means to start to immobilize the agent and kill it. Therefore, a fever should be treated to control extreme levels of fever and/or for comfort. Most fevers under 102 do not need to be controlled aggressively since at this level it is generally safe and the
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Late fall, winter and spring are key times for a large variety of viral illness that cause a whole range of symptoms, but most concerning to all parents is fever. Fever is the body's response to an infectious agent and the means to start to immobilize the agent and kill it. Therefore, a fever should be treated to control extreme levels of fever and/or for comfort. Most fevers under 102 do not need to be controlled aggressively since at this level it is generally safe and the
Chicken Pox after Vaccination?
by Tom Seman MD FAAP March 4th, 2011 | Pediatrician on Call
Is it possible for my child to develop chicken pox, even if she has been vaccinated?
Vaccines against viral infections are difficult to make to be 100% effective, even after a booster. The Chicken Pox vaccine is no exception. After one immunization, the vaccine confers immunity in approximately 85% of people. So approximately 15% of children and adults who are vaccinated can contract and manifest chicken pox if sufficiently exposed. However, the duration and intensity of the disease is significantly lessened.
Prior to the advent of the Chicken Pox vaccine, the disease was very common, with approximately 80% of children having
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Vaccines against viral infections are difficult to make to be 100% effective, even after a booster. The Chicken Pox vaccine is no exception. After one immunization, the vaccine confers immunity in approximately 85% of people. So approximately 15% of children and adults who are vaccinated can contract and manifest chicken pox if sufficiently exposed. However, the duration and intensity of the disease is significantly lessened.
Prior to the advent of the Chicken Pox vaccine, the disease was very common, with approximately 80% of children having