Illness of the Week

Success of the Rotavirus Vaccine

Blog Author — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 18:45:33 GMT

In the 2007-2008 winter season, Medical City Dallas Hospital saw a reduction in hospitalization due to Rotavirus by approximately 85% compared to the prior season. There has always been some variability from year to year in the rates of many infectious illnesses, but this is most likely due to the widespread use of the Rotavirus Vaccine over the past 2 years. I expect that the rate of illness and hospitalization from Rotavirus will continue to decline over the next few years as we achieve better "herd immunity" in the community. The rate of RSV infection was almost double that of last year, however, so this was still a bad RSV season.

Illnesses of the Week

Blog Author — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 13:56:48 GMT

Influenza - We have seen a major spike in Flu activity within the past 2 weeks. Early diagnosis within the first 48 hours of fever allows treatment with Tamiflu, an anti-viral agent that can decrease the severity and duration of the illness. Symptoms of influenza include rapid onset of high fever, chills, body aches, red bloodshot eyes, sore throat, cough, and congestion. We are seeing other illnesses with similar symptoms, so if your child develops this type of illness, come in early for proper diagnosis and treatment. With most viral illnesses, it is best to wait several days, so influenza is the exception where it is best to come in right away. Also, it appears that this year's vaccine does not cover 2 out of the 3 prevalent strains, according to this CIDRAP report. For more detailed info, see the CDC's Weekly Influenza Report.

Gastroenteritis - Vomiting and diarrhea. Call for advice on this one. Sometimes we can coach you through this over the phone to prevent dehydration.

RSV - We are still seeing some episodes, but RSV activity seems to be slowing down a little bit.

Illness of the Week

Blog Author — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 22:57:06 GMT

It is definitely cold and flu season. Lots of things going around:

1.) RSV is very prevalent. For older kids and adults, this can look like a common cold. For babies and younger children, RSV can be much more severe, causing wheezing and breathing difficulty.

2. ) There is a stomach virus causing lots of vomiting and diarrhea. Call if you are concerned that your child could be getting dehydrated.

3.) We have not seen much influenza activity yet. Historically, the flu peaks in January or February. It is not too late to get your flu vaccine.

4.) I am seeing tons of ear infections -- this typically develops after a common cold or upper respiratory tract infection causes congestion in the nasal passages. If your child starts out with just a cold, but then develops fever, fussiness, sleep disturbance, or tugs on the ears, we would need to examine him to confirm the diagnosis and determine the best treatment.

Stay healthy out there! The holidays are coming soon!

Illness of the Week - pre-Thanksgiving cornucopia

Blog Author — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 19:33:36 GMT

1.) I have seen a few cases of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease this week. This is an illness caused by Coxsackie virus that causes ulcers in the the mouth and throat and blisters on the palms, soles, legs, and diaper area. In spite of its funny name, this is a fairly innocent illness that goes away on its own. The sores in the mouth are the most uncomfortable aspect of the illness.

2.) We are definitely seeing a lot of RSV activity. Call if your young child has a bad cough, wheezing, or other concerning symptoms.

3.) In older kids, we are seeing a bad cough that lingers for as much as 3-4 weeks. There are several important diagnostic and treatment considerations with this problem, so we should see such kids in the office to help.

Illness of the Week - Halloween edition

Blog Author — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 15:12:43 GMT

We are starting to see more tricks than treats with the common illnesses going around.

1. RSV is here -- scattered cases.

2. Croup -- sudden onset of severe, barky cough.

3. Strep throat and viral throat infections -- both are causing high fever and sore throat. We can test here in the office to distinguish between bacterial and viral throat infections.

4. We have not seen any influenza (The Flu) yet, but this is the perfect time to get your flu vaccine.

Illness of the Week

Blog Author — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 17:20:00 GMT

Lots of things going around -- we have seen:

Croup -- bad barky cough
Gastroenteritis -- vomiting/diarrhea
Fever/Viral Rash consistent with roseola
Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease -- virus causing spots on hands, feet, and in throat

Call if you are concerned about your child's symptoms!

Illness of the Week

Blog Author — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 17:57:32 GMT

We are seeing the following illnesses with high frequency right now:

1. High fever/sore throat/rash

2. Croup

3. Bad cough/wheezing

Summer Illnesses

Blog Author — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 18:04:49 GMT

No major outbreaks right now, but we are seeing kids with a few specific illnesses:

1. fever and sore throat

2. bad cough/wheezing

3. insect bites

Call if you are concerned about your child's symptoms.