Everyone who live with or care for children should also be vaccinated in order to prevent hospitalization or death.

According to the CDC, the flu is a contagious disease that can cause symptoms such as a high fever, sore throat, coughing, extreme tiredness, runny or stuffy nose, and even nausea and diarrhea in children. Each year in the US, an average of 20,000 children under the age of five are hospitalized because of flu related complications.

Children who are getting the flu vaccine for the first time need two doses of the vaccine the first year. The second dose should be given 28 days (or more) after the first dose.

www.HealthNewsDigest.com

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Flu Vaccines

This is your friendly reminder to schedule your family’s flu shots, now.

The cold and flu season are about to begin, and I’m all about protecting your family against influenza and its complication.

Should your family member get vaccinated? 

Yes, if he is high risk for complications of the flu. No, if he falls under this category of people.

• Children up to 9 years old who are getting the shots for the first time should receive two shots, and one shot every year thereafter.
• Household contacts and out-of-home caregivers of children need to be vaccinated as well. Yes, that means up parents, grandparents, teachers and baby sitters in regular contact with children.
• Flu Mists are OK for healthy toddlers.
• Flu vaccine is now recommended for older children and teens too.

Pregnant? Consult your doctor.

Remember, vaccines do not cause autism. Studies have shown no scientific evidence that autism is caused by vaccine or thimerosal itself. But if you’re concered about this, talk to your doctor about getting a “preservative-free” vaccine.

source: Flickr

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Have you scheduled flu shots yet?

Now, almost 20 studies later, the research consistently shows – the MMR vaccine is not linked, nor does it cause autism. The supposed link is simply an unfortunate coincidence. Autism usually develops between the first and second birthday, at the same period that children are administered MMR shots. The latest study to publish in PLos ONE shows that there is just no link whatsoever.

Will these results close the book on this myth? Not likely. The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program is still hearing over 4,900 legal cases related to the vaccine-autism controversy. In fact, today and tomorrow September 4 and 5, the Advisory Commission on Childhood Vaccines is having a public meeting and interested persons can join the meeting via audio conference. Details provided here.

image:flickr

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Autism-MMR link and a public hearing

Well, now the FDA has approved a vaccine (Pantacel) against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis, and Haemophilus influenzae type b.

The vaccine was approved for four-dose administration at two, four, six, and 15-18 months, but the initial dose may be given as early as six weeks. Full administration should be completed before the child’s fifth birthday.

It’s well tolerated in the clinical trial and the most frequently reported serious adverse events were bronchiolitis, dehydration, and gastroenteritis.

I guess it’s biggest pro is fewer number of shots per visit. I’m not sure if this vaccine is available to the medical community but I’m gonna ask the pediatrician about this. I’m not recommending this either, but I do want the word out.

Post from: Blisstree

Five-in-one vaccine for children now OK – FDA

Duh. Placebos do not solve the problem of minor or make-believe illnesses.

Children sometimes complain that there is something wrong with them. In most instances, they have a legitimate reason to. In some, their pain is make-believe. In this instance, you get the child to realize he has anxiety, not a serious physical disease. That’s how hypochondria is treated. Giving the placebo only fuels the fear. It does not solve the problem. And God forbid that you brush off what you think is “minor”, give placebo pills, and it turns out to something more serious.

Duh. Placebos do not solve the problem of over-medication.

What does a parent or caregiver do for children’s real but minor illnesses? If there is no legitimate need to medication or antibiotics, then don’t give them. Ask your pediatrician for other alternative ways to treating the illness. Sometimes, tender loving care and rest are all a child needs.

Duh. Placebos do not solve the problem of frazzled parents.

Ms. Buettner thought the placebos would “empower parents to do something tangible for minor ills”.  There are so many legit ways that parents can be empowered to do something about their children’s minor illnesses. Really now, are the placebos for the child, or the parent?

Duh.

Now that I got that off my chest… Experts have weighed in on the efficacy of placebos. Kristina of Autism Vox also wrote about this issue, in context of her son’s condition. But Marijke of Help My Hurt has a poll – would you give, or have you given your child placebo? Share your opinions.

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Sometimes, an "AHA!" moment is really a "DUH!"

Most students I know have been drinking lots of coffee and energy drinks with their late night studying. But a growing number of students – 50 to 35 per cent college / 8 to 10 per cent high school students – are using stimulants like ADHD drugs to keep up with the stress, particularly during exam time. What’s more alarming from these findings is that 25 percent of high school and grade school students are approached by friends to use their medication.

Specialists at the University of Michigan Health System warn that misuse of stimulants can lead to depression, irritability, stomachaches and headaches. Serious abuse of these drugs can lead to very dangerous side effects, including hypertension and stroke. Too much caffeine from coffee or energy drinks can cause harm too – jitters, anxiety, increased heart rate, high blood pressure or even hyperthermia and stoke.

What can students do to cope with academic pressure? Don’t cram. Now of course that’s easier said than done. How can parents help? Teach children what to say if they are being offered medication by their friends. Ask children how they are especially as exam time approaches. Talking may help to relieve the tension they’re feeling, and give a parent clues to signs of depression or stimulant abuse. Other than doing their homework for them, parents can do a lot to help – research in the library or gather materials for projects, practice with them, establish an study-for-exams schedules in the weekends, make their favorite comfort food, go out and breathe an hour of fresh air and sunshine, or massage their backs.

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More students misusing stimulants during stress

Last week, makers of Tussionex Pennkinetic Extended-Release Suspension, the Belgian pharmaceutical group UCB SA, revealed the deaths of five children under six who had taken the medicine. The prescription cough medicine is approved only for adults and children age six and older. The Federal Drug Authority issued a warning that improper prescription for children under six and/or a dosing frequency of less than 12 hours in adults, adolescents or older children can lead to life-threatening breathing problems and death.

With this revelation, a revised drug label will now contain stronger warning and the need for accurate measurement and dosing. In light of this tragedy, the professions who handle our health must be more vigilant to follow prescription labels and warnings. And, I must add, no less than parents must read the accompanying labels as well.

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Prescription cough medicine linked to deaths in young children

It’s exactly this kind of anxiety by moms like me that prompted Linda Hatfield and her group to conduct a study in an effort to minimize pain from vaccinations. So this is useful information to have, especially with babies, who need 24 shots before their second birthday!

The Pediatrics study showed that giving infants a spoonful of sugar eases the pain brought from vaccination. Just “2 milliliters of 24% oral sugar solution 2 minutes before a routine immunizations” help alleviate the pain and shorten the crying fit associated with the injury.

Now, a word of caution about the “2 ml of 24% sugar solution”. The study was conducted in a controlled setting, and the dose that was administered to the study participants were calculated based on weight and consistent with guidelines for administering to infants. So if you are interested in giving sugar solution to your child prior to a vaccination, please consult with your pediatrician about this. I would not recommend just giving your infant some home-made solution of sugar and water.

source: Pediatrics 2008. 121;e327-e334

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Sugar soothes vaccination pain

What’s all the fuss about?

The American Academy of Pediatrics is asking ABC to cancel the show’s premiere because it might mislead viewers into thinking that vaccines cause autism, when there are no scientific evidence to prove this.

So, should the “Eli Stone” premiere be canceled?

I don’t think so. The show is FICTION, and though it uses real-life cases and issues, it would be absurd for someone to say “I know this vaccine caused my child’s autism because Eli Stone said so.”

Second, I am guessing the episode’s writer had researched about autism and vaccines, and have a good reason for using it on the show. Good reason? Yeah, controversy sparks viewership. In fact, we’re already talking about the show and it hasn’t even premiered yet. That’s why, I am actually going to watch the premiere, for this reason. I want to know their spin on it, and if the episode has potential for misleading viewers, as the AAP feared.

Third, the vaccine-autism link has been around for sometime, but although proven by science to be a myth, the issue sticks. Maybe this episode is another way of generating discussions again over it (or are you tired of it already?).

Post from: Blisstree

Should ABC’s "Eli Stone" premiere be canceled?

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent this illness is by getting a flu vaccination each fall.

Every year in the United States, on average:

• 5% to 20% of the population gets the flu;
• more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications, and;
• about 36,000 people die from flu.

Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications.

Symptoms of Flu

Symptoms of flu include:

• fever (usually high)
• headache
• extreme tiredness
• dry cough
• sore throat
• runny or stuffy nose
• muscle aches
• Stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, also can occur but are more common in children than adults

Complications of Flu

Complications of flu can include bacterial pneumonia, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes. Children may get sinus problems and ear infections.

How Flu Spreads

Flu viruses spread in respiratory droplets caused by coughing and sneezing. They usually spread from person to person, though sometimes people become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 days after becoming sick. That means that you can pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.

Preventing the Flu: Get Vaccinated

The single best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccination each fall. There are two types of vaccines:

• The “flu shot” – an inactivated vaccine (containing killed virus) that is given with a needle. The flu shot is approved for use in people older than 6 months, including healthy people and people with chronic medical conditions.
• The nasal-spray flu vaccine – a vaccine made with live, weakened flu viruses that do not cause the flu (sometimes called LAIV for “Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine”). LAIV is approved for use in healthy people 5 years to 49 years of age who are not pregnant.

About two weeks after vaccination, antibodies develop that protect against influenza virus infection. Flu vaccines will not protect against Influenza-like illnesses caused by other viruses.

When to Get Vaccinated

October or November is the best time to get vaccinated, but getting vaccinated in December or even later can still be beneficial. Flu season can begin as early as October and last as late as May.

Source: CDC

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Fact Sheet: Seasonal Flu