The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (and our doctors!) recommend that all children ages 6 months and older receive this vaccine. They advise also that doctors give the vaccine as soon as it becomes available, even though the "flu season" in Illinois does not usually start until December. We have an excellent supply of the vaccine this year. We will continue to give this to patients throughout the flu season
We administer the vaccines to our patients Monday through Friday during regular business hours. Call for an appointment on the day that you would like to have your child get the vaccine.
Fever is a very common sign of illness, especially in the winter. In spite of this, many parents worry—often unnecessarily—when a child’s temperature rises. We want you to have accurate information about fever so that you can make the best decisions regarding your child’s health. See what pediatric medicine expert, Dr. Barton Schmitt, has to say.
For more information, click here.
What is the flu?
The “flu” is a respiratory illness (not vomiting and diarrhea) caused by three related viruses, types A, B and C. Flu usually strikes between December and early April. Because each of the types of flu virus has different strains, every year the flu is slightly different. It can infect people several times during their lifetimes.
To read more about influenza, click here ...
What is broncholiolitis?
Bronchiolitis is an infection of the small breathing tubes (bronchioles) of the lungs. It occurs most often in infants. Bronchiolitis is sometimes confused with bronchitis, which is an infection of the larger, more central airways. Bronchiolitis is almost always caused by a virus. The infection causes the small airways in the lungs to swell. This blocks the flow of air through the lungs and makes it hard for affected babies to breathe. From October through March, bronchiolitis is often caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. During other months, the illness is usually caused by other viruses.
Most adults and many children with RSV infections get only a cold. In infants the infection is more likely to lead to bronchiolitis. This is because their airways are smaller and are more easily blocked. Infants who develop bronchiolitis may develop asthma later in life. It is possible that RSV infection is the first trigger for the asthma.
To read more about bronchiolitis, click here ...
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