1-23-13: What’s Going Around?

The poor children of Southwest Florida are being hit hard by Strep Throat, Influenza and a host of other illnesses!  Try to keep healthy by good handwashing, getting at least 10 hours of sleep per night, take your vitamins daily, and brush twice a day / floss daily / and rinse with mouthwash twice a day.  Cover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing.

10-21-12: What’s Going Around?

It continues to be a busy ‘sick’ season.  Even I caught something this week!  I tried to get in with my doctor on Friday morning, but he was out sick!

We’ve had 6 cases of the flu already this season – all have been influenza type B except for one patient.  I’ve seen about 50/50 for viral sore throats vs. strep throat.  Also, there has been quite a bit of vomiting and diarrhea.  Don’t forget to check out the website for information on how to handle all of these symptoms and ‘fever reducing dose charts.’

What’s Going Around this Week?

School’s been in session for about a month and we are in full blown respiratory and gastrointestinal illness.  We are seeing lots of sore throats but about 50% strep throat infections.  Also seeing many children with vomiting and diarrhea.  There is so much that you can do at home to make your child comfortable.  This is key to getting through most illnesses.

For most colds, you can see full instructions here:

https://mackoulpediatrics-fortmyers.com/pa/pa_colds_hhg.htm

For vomiting, here are the instructions:

https://mackoulpediatrics-fortmyers.com/pa/pa_vomiting_hhg.htm

For diarrhea, here are the helpful suggestions:

https://mackoulpediatrics-fortmyers.com/pa/pa_svdiarrh_hhg.htm

Most illnesses are also associated with fever;  here’s the advice for fever:

https://mackoulpediatrics-fortmyers.com/pa/pa_fever_hhg.htm

If you need more assistance, please don’t hesitate to call for our nurses.  Good luck!

3-21-12: What’s Going Around?

Busy week so far … I am continueing to see Strep Throat, Vomiting and Diarrhea, and Ear Infections.
I am also seeing quite a few viral infections consisting of low grade fevers ( <102), aches and pains, headaches. Flu tests have been negative, but the kids are bouncing back within 3 - 4 days. Watch me on WINK-TV's CW 6 tomorrow morning for current pediatric topics and Q & A time. 7:40 am!

9-2-11: What’s Going Around?

Well back to school has brought lots of illness to our children. Yesterday and today, we had record numbers of ill children. Most of what we are seeing involves sore throats, aches and pains, stomach pains, some vomiting and diarrhea, headaches and dizziness. Some have been Strep Throat and most have been viral.

Doesn’t happen often, but one of my friends must have shared with me. I started feeling very dizzy – almost vertigo – around noon today. Followed up with stomach upset … but nothing that some ibuprofen didn’t fix. Able to finish the day seeing all my little friends. I’m taking it easy tonight, even gave up the gym, to rest up. Don’t have a day off till next Saturday.

Have a great Labor Day Weekend to all my patients and their families! Please be safe and healthy!

8-31-11: What’s Going Around?

Full day in the office today brought many injuries.  From thumbs to ankles to knees, I saw just about every injury there could be.  Remember for any injury:

R = Rest, I = Ice, C = Compression, and E = Elevation.  RICE.  For the older kids, an aleve twice a day for seven days works great as well.

Some developmental issues came up.  Stuttering was a big discussion.  Stuttering is pretty common among children.  It is only concerning when it lasts for more than 6 weeks.  Be patient with your child;  don’t try to finish their words for them;  don’t tell them to relax.  Allow them to have their thoughts and contact your doctor if it goes on for more than 6 weeks.

Also with lots of calls from parents about various topics.  Remember that you, your child and your doctor are a team.  We need to communicate and discuss options and possibilities. 

Tomorrow I’m on WINK-TV’s CW 6 at 7:40 discussing two articles published today about brain development in children.  See you then.