Q: My child has a fever and/or a cough. Should I use Tylenol or Motrin, Benadryl or Triaminic?

A: See Cold Remedies Form.

Q:What are the symptoms of an ear infection and how are they treated?

A: Most ear infections are associated with colds. Typically after several days of a cold the child develops ear pain, fever, and often increasing cough and congestion. Generally ear infections are treated with oral antibiotics and pain medications.

A: Asthma is characterized by recurrent coughing and wheezing. Some asthmatics never wheeze, but they all cough and have shortness of breath which may be brought on by exercise or occur at night.

Q: What are the signs my child has allergies?

A: Common Allergies Diagram

Q: Can children get high blood pressure and diabetes?

A: Increasingly children are developing high blood pressure and diabetes as complications of being over weight. Usually there are no symptoms, but children should be screened at regular checkups to prevent future complications.

A: Car Seat diagram.

Q: When should I switch my infant to solid foods?

A: ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) is characterized by impulsivity, short attention span, and poor concentration. ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is similar to ADD, but includes hyper activity. For more information, visit the Attention Deficit Disorder Association or CHADD (Children with ADD).

A: There is an age range in which your child should be vaccinated with certain vaccines. To view a set diagram of this made by the Department of Health and Human Services, visit Vaccines.

Q: Can children who are sick receive vaccines?

A: Most vaccines are safe when given during mild illness. The exceptions are live virus vaccines, such as the MMR and chicken pox. While not harmful these vaccines may not be as effective if given during a viral illness. We also do not recommend flu shots while you are sick.

Q: Why does my child need to be immunized?

A: There are several serious or lethal infectious diseases that have been nearly eradicated by the use of vaccines which, when administered on schedule, are both safe and effective. For more info, visit the Center for Disease Control website.

Q: Are vaccines safe? What are the signs my child is having a reaction to the vaccine?

A: There is extensive scientific evidence that vaccines are safe and effective. In contrast, we have no evidence of any link between Autism and childhood immunizations. For current and accurate information on vaccine safety, refer to the American Academy of Pediatrics website.

Q: Once my child misses the suggested years to be vaccinated, is it too late to catch-up?

A: No. It is never too late to start or catch up with shots. We can design as schedule to fit your particular situation.

Q: What is the HPV vaccine? When should my daughter begin the HPV series of vaccinations?

A: Gardasil is the only cervical cancer vaccine that helps protect against 4 types of human papillomavirus (HPV): 2 types that cause 70% of cervical cancer cases, and 2 more types that cause 90% of genital warts cases. Gardasil is for girls and young women ages 9 to 26. For more information about Gardasil, visit the Gardasil website.

Q: We are going to a foreign country for vacation. What vaccines are required and/or recommended for my child?

A: There are a few vaccines required and many recommended by the Center of Disease Control and Prevention, depending on the location. Although we may not offer all of these vaccinations at our office, we highly recommend, as does the CDC, that you consult our office 4-6 weeks before you travel in order to allow enough time for the vaccine to become effective. For more information and to look up your specific destination, visit The Center of Disease Control and Prevention.