Measles, also known as rubeola, is an infection caused by a virus. The measles was once very common all over North America, but since the introduction of the measles vaccine in 1968, the number of measles cases and deaths has reduced drastically. Measles occurs most often in the winter months, and is very contagious to others around you. Measles can cause a mild infection, or can be severe causing death. What are the signs and symptoms of measles? The following are some of the signs and symptoms that your child may show if infected with the measles: Fever – this[Read more...]
Roseola is a common, but mild, infection that is caused by the herpes virus, specifically human herpes virus 6 and 7. This herpes virus that causes roseola is different from the one that causes genital herpes, although they are part of the same family of viruses. Roseola is spread from person to person by oral and respiratory sections. It is spread into the air when an infected person sneezes, talks, laughs, coughs, by sharing utensils or cups, or by touching someone who may have wiped their noses, coughed into their hands, touched their mouths or noses. Even if an infected[Read more...]
Infant reflux, also referred to as “spitting up” or gastroesophagel reflux, is a common thing that every parent experiences with their new baby, especially in the first few months of age. What is reflux? Reflux occurs when contents of the stomach flow backwards from the stomach into the esophagus causing the baby to spit up. But why does this happen? There is a valve between the esophagus (the long tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach) and the stomach. This valve is called the lower esophageal spincter. In infants this is not fully developed, and reflux can[Read more...]
Rashes in children are very common. Most are not a big deal, but can be concerning to parents who notice a new rash, welt or bump on their child’s skin. But most rashes are harmless and go away on their own. Here is a list of some of the most common rashes pediatricians see. Chickenpox: The dreadful chickenpox! Although this is becoming less frequent since the development of the chickenpox vaccine, this viral illness is something that many kids will still catch. This one is very contagious, and spreads rather quickly. It’s an itchy rash with red spots that turn[Read more...]
There’s no doubt about it: autumn marks more than just a new school year – it also means the beginning of the autumn cold and flu season. The month isn’t even half over and we’re already seeing lots of patients with cold symptoms, not to mention all the tweets and Facebook comments that pop up every time someone gets blind-sided by the sniffles. But colds and flu aren’t the only seasonal illnesses that thrive at this time of year. As we ease our way into autumn we also get closer and closer to RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) season and for[Read more...]
