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
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
Croup
by Tom Seman MD FAAP January 31st, 2011 | Children's Health, Pediatrician on Call
Croup is a common viral infection whose season is typically between October/November and April and results in the usual stuffy nose, low-moderate grade fever, hoarse voice and a sore throat. The distinguishing symptom that caracterizes croup is the cough. The cough is described as seal-like or bark-like (sharp, medium-pitched cough in short bursts). The cough generally occurs between 7PM-7AM. Occasionally, the cough can show up during the day after some screaming, crying, or hearty laughing.
Treatment for the cough is to have the child sleep sitting somewhat upright in a cool humidified environment. Should the child have a coughing episode,
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Treatment for the cough is to have the child sleep sitting somewhat upright in a cool humidified environment. Should the child have a coughing episode,