Measles, measles, and more measles. I know, it seems like all I’m writing about. I’ve been doing media interviews for weeks now on measles infections and there doesn’t seem to be a slowdown yet. As it stands, there are currently 839 measles cases in the U.S. and children under age 5 years old account for […]
Vaccines
Measles, MMR Vaccine, Immunity, & Breastmilk
So much in the news lately about measles. A bit disappointing considering we sincerely thought it was “eliminated” in 2000. As you’ve heard, in the New York City area, there have been 285 confirmed cases since their outbreak began in the fall. Mayor Bill de Blasio declared a public health emergency that would require unvaccinated […]
Washington State Measles Outbreak: What To Do For Infants And Children
There is a measles outbreak unfolding in Washington. Unfortunately, there have been multiple outbreaks across the US in the past few months. Here’s info about outbreaks in 2018, as well. The MMR vaccine is safe and effective. If you’ve hesitated or declined the vaccine in the past, please reconsider the science and risk to your […]
Which Flu Vaccine Is Best For Children?
Injected flu shots or nasal flu spray? The short answer, like so many things in life: it depends. Data out this week summarizing the effectiveness of influenza vaccination for children over the past few seasons. The study published online was a meta-analysis –meaning it was a study of previously published studies — looking for the […]
Flu Doctor: New Alexa Skill To Support Families
Last year 180 children died in the United States from influenza infections or complications from the infection. And like many seasons before, about 80% of those children who died didn’t get a flu shot. As many pediatricians and parents remember, the influenza (“flu”) season was robust last year, coming on earlier than we expected, driving […]
Is It The Flu Or A Cold?
First off, in my mind, the goal this winter for your children, and your family, and your community isn’t perfect attendance at school or work. In fact, I’d suggest schools and families and principals who currently celebrate and reward perfect attendance may provide a disservice, especially when having a flu season like we are. The […]
Widespread Influenza in US: Ways To Protect Your Family
It’s flu season, no doubt about it, with widespread influenza infections all over the United States (see the CDC updated maps with high-levels of ILI [Influenza-like illness]). Influenza is a virus (there are many types or “strains”) that cause terrible fever, cough, respiratory distress, pneumonia, ear infections, and sometimes hospitalization and death. As you’ve likely […]
Online Interventions Improve Vaccination Rates
The flu season is upon us and I hate to be so prescriptive, but when it comes to avoiding influenza, I feel like I have to be. I get the flu vaccine each year as does my entire family — I think you should, too. I’m passionate about vaccines and have had the luxury of […]
10 Things To Know About 2017-2018 Flu Shots
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IsCrVQtnTS4 The flu season is soon to be upon us and I hate to be so prescriptive but when it comes to influenza I feel like I have to be. I immunize my entire family and I think you should, too. Hard to believe, but with our children going back to school and swapping snot […]