(760) 946-9600 Contact UsPatient Portal

Posts Tagged "Immune System"

6Jul2019

How Concerned Should You Be about Mosquito Bites?

Now that summer is in full swing, you may notice your children coming back indoors with mosquito bite welts on their arms and legs. Although you probably grew up suffering through the same dilemma thanks to your hours of summer play outside, you have probably heard of the variety of diseases that mosquitoes may now carry. It is wise for you to understand more about mosquito bites and how you should care for them to ensure that your child stays healthy during the warm, brilliant days of summer.

Most mosquito bites will appear as small to medium-sized red welts on the skin. They will be raised and quite itchy. Typically, they are nothing to worry about, and they should disappear within a few days. You should instruct your child not to scratch at her bites so that she does not break the skin, and you may want to use an anti-itch ointment made with steroidal cream for a very severe bite or a case of multiple bites.

Of course, there are some times when you should worry about the bug bites on your child’s body. Call us for an appointment immediately or head to an urgent care clinic or a nearby emergency room if your child develops any of the following side effects:

  • An allergic reaction with major swelling at the site or around the face
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Infection due to excessive scratching at the site
  • Increasing redness or red streaks in the area
  • Body aches
  • Fever
  • Diarrhea

If any of the above side effects develop, your child may have been bitten by a different insect, may be allergic to the insect or may have developed a secondary illness or infection from the bite. Getting medical help quickly can help get your child back on her feet again so that she can enjoy the summer.

In the United States, the only disease that mosquitoes carry that could be harmful to humans is West Nile Virus. If your child has recently been out of the country to areas in Africa, South America or Central America, she could also be at risk for yellow fever, malaria or the Zika virus if she has not been properly immunized. 

For more information about how you can protect your child’s health during outdoor play, contact Kids 1st Pediatrics where our goal is happy, healthy children.

Pediatrics
4May2019

All About the Measles Virus

With the recent news about the spread of measles in 22 states, parents may be worried about how this virus could affect them and their little ones. It is important that parents have the facts about measles and about the options for preventing this disease so that they can make the best choices.

What Is Measles?

Measles is a viral disease that quickly spreads. The virus can be passed from person to person through the air, such as when one coughs or sneezes. Because people are contagious days before they notice any symptoms in themselves, measles can spread particularly quickly.

A person who has measles may have some symptoms that appear similar to a common cold, such as a runny nose and cough. However, within the next few days, the individual will develop a low-grade fever along with a smattering of white spots in the mouth. This rash grows across the face, eventually spreading to the rest of the body. This disease can be particularly distressing in children because it can lead to such complications as pneumonia, encephalitis and permanent brain changes that could create permanent hearing loss or learning disabilities.

Why Is Measles Spreading Today?

While measles was once a typical childhood disease, today’s immunizations have made measles quite rare. In fact, most years see fewer than 100 cases in the United States. Sadly, misinformation about and fear over typical childhood immunizations has led to many parents withholding important immunizations from their children, which has led to an outbreak of measles infections in the U.S. Because larger percentages of people are unvaccinated today, measles is quickly spreading. It usually infects 90 percent of unvaccinated people.

How Can Measles Be Prevented?

Thankfully, there is a way for parents to ensure that their children do not get measles. The MMR vaccine is the best prevention because it is 97 percent effective against the virus. This vaccine is usually given at 12 months with a booster shot given around the time that children head to school. However, very young infants, as well as children who are unable to be vaccinated because of certain immune diseases, should stay far away from anyone who has measles.

At Kids 1st Pediatrics, our pediatricians provides vaccinations for children according to the CDC’s immunization schedule. Be sure to schedule an appointment for your children to stay up-to-date with current guidelines.

Pediatrics
Copyright ©2022 Kids1stpediatrics.net