The importance of immunizations

Childhood immunizations are one of the most important safeguards against communicable diseases and their serious, long-term complications. Your pediatrician closely adheres to the vaccination schedules published by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Why? Well, there's nothing more important than your youngster's health and well-being, and immunizations effectively guard them.

Just what is an immunization?

Most immunizations are given as "shots," or injections, but some, such as the Rotavirus vaccine, are oral medications. However administered, vaccines boost your child's immune system in its battle against diseases which easily spread from person to person.

Each vaccine contains a small amount of a killed or weakened micro-organisms. These altered viruses or bacteria raise the body's defenses against a particular illness such as chicken pox. pneumonia, polio, tetanus, and more...up to 14 in all by time your child is two years old, says the CDC.

Are immunizations necessary?

Your pediatrician, his or her colleagues and decades of research prove that vaccines protect the health of individual children and of the community at large. Also called herd immunity, community immunity works best when as many babies and youngsters receive all their "shots" on schedule. Community immunity protects youngsters who cannot receive vaccines because of cancer treatment, HIV infection or other serious reason. It also shields the general population when people travel from countries which cannot provide access to these important medications.

Both the AAP and the CDC publish and recommend set vaccine schedules carried out at well-baby and well-child visits at the doctor's office. In addition, there is a "catch-up" schedule for children who have begun their immunizations late or had them interrupted by illness or other serious concern.

Your pediatrician's services

They're so important. Your child's doctor keeps your child's immunization records and can distribute them to schools, camps, college, sports, daycare and other organizations who require proof of up-to-date vaccines. The doctor also monitors your child for any adverse reactions, although typically, vaccines produce no more than:

• Localized redness and soreness at the injection site
• Low grade fever
• Pain and swelling
• Fussiness

Cold Vs. Flu

Is it a cold or the flu? When it comes to your child's health, your pediatrician provides great information and guidance on the most common illnesses plaguing families. If you are wondering about the exact nature of your child's illness and how to treat it, learn the differences between a cold and the flu and how to treat and prevent them.

What is a cold?

A cold is an upper respiratory viral infection lasting 5 to 7 days in both adults and children alike. Generally milder in intensity and shorter in duration than influenza, a cold causes:

• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Watery eyes
• A runny nose
• Tiredness
• Low-grade fever

Could your child’s interruptive and hyperactive behaviors be the result of ADHD?

It’s normal for children to daydream, become restless, or to interrupt adults while they are having a conversation. However, if your child is dealing with ADHD then these behaviors may occur more regularly and consequently hold a higher possibility of negatively impacting your child’s daily life. Read below to learn more about the warning signs of ADHD and whether it might be the right time to visit our pediatricians at Children's Clinic La Jolla.

What is ADHD?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common childhood problem that can manifest itself in three different ways: inattentiveness, hyperactivity/impulsivity, or a combination of the two.

• Inattentiveness: A child who is inattentive will often have trouble concentrating. Children with these symptoms will often lose belongings and may have trouble completing tasks. These children will also often seem like they aren’t paying attention or like they are daydreaming.
• Hyperactivity/Impulsiveness: While a child that is hyperactive won’t display symptoms of inattentiveness, it will be impossible for them to sit still. These are the children that often cause the most disruption to classrooms, as they need to fidget or move around and often have trouble sitting in a chair. These children are also more likely to cut in lines, disrupt others while they are talking, talk excessively, and yell out an answer rather than waiting to be called on by the teacher.
• Combination: In some cases, children may also have both inattentive and hyperactive symptoms. These symptoms will vary from child to child and most symptoms appear before age 12. These symptoms will also occur in more than one environment, meaning that these behaviors and attitudes may affect everything from their schooling to their home and social environments.

When to See a Pediatrician

It’s important to be able to spot the warning signs of ADHD in your child as soon as possible so that our La Jolla, CA, children’s doctors can work with you to create an effective treatment plan and strategy. If your child is experiencing any of the above symptoms and it’s affecting their daily life, it’s time to schedule an evaluation.

There are several ways to help your child manage their symptoms, and the sooner we begin implementing certain lifestyle modifications and other treatment options into their life, the better.

Concerned? Contact Us Today!

Are you a parent whose child is displaying symptoms of ADHD? If so, it might be time to schedule a consultation with a pediatrician to find out what is going on. Let the compassionate, caring medical team at Children’s Clinic La Jolla in La Jolla, San Diego, CA help you. Call us today at (858) 459-KIDS!