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What is the recommended
childhood immunization schedule?
Hepatitis B: 1 month, 2 mos,
6 mos.
Diphtheria, Tetanus,
Pertussis (DTAP): 2 mos, 4 mos, 6 mos, 15-18 mos, 4-6 yrs.
Haemophilis Influenza Type
b (HIB): 2 mos, 4 mos, 6 mos, 12-15 mos.
Inactivated Polio (IPV): 2
mos, 4 mos, 6-18 mos, 4-6 yrs.
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR):
12-15 mos and 4-6 years.
Varicella (Chickenpox): 12
mos.
Pneumoocal (Prevnar): 2 mos,
4 mos, 6 mos, 12-15 mos.
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My child has a sore
throat, what should I do?
You can administer Tylenol
and Motrin for the pain. If it persists for longer than 2 – 3 days,
your should
contact us for further evaluation.
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My child has diarrhea,
what should I do?
If your child has diarrhea
a bland diet should be tried for a few days. Something very helpful is
called the BRATT diet. This stands for: bananas, rice, applesauce, tea
and toast. Peanut butter is also okay. Clear liquids like Gatorade,
Pedialyte or water is good. NO JUICE OR MILK!
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How do I know if my
child has an ear infection?
Middle ear infections are
common in small children and usually follow a cold or congestion. They
may tug at their ears or complain of ear pain and may also have a fever.
An emergency treatment would be to put 4 drops of olive oil or baby oil
in the ear and make an appointment to see the doctor.
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What is considered
a “high fever”?
High fevers are more common
in children than in adults, but will usually respond to Tylenol or
Motrin. A lukewarm bath may also be used if the temperature does not go
down. Much more important than the height of the temperature, though, is
how the child is acting. (Treat the child, not the fever). Even if the
fever is not very high, but the child is lethargic or “out of it”, this
is a cause for concern. By the same token, if the temperature is a high
104 degrees but the child is playing and active, one can treat the fever
without being too concerned.
We do not want a
temperature of less than 101 degrees to be treated since an elevated
temperature does serve a purpose in fighting infection. Fever starts at
101.4 degrees and below that is normal.
We do take seriously a
fever in an infant up to 4 months. The doctor should be called if there
is a temperature of 101 degrees or higher in a young baby.
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My child is vomiting,
what should I do?
Treat it the same way as
you would diarrhea, only go slowly at first with clear fluids. (Ice
popsicles, Jell-O, ginger ale, 7-Up, etc.)
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My child’s eyes are
pink, red and itchy, what should I do?
An immediate measure would
be to use Collyrium Fresh. If it is not doing better in a day or so,
please call for an
appointment.
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My child has a rash,
what should I do?
Assuming that the child is
not very ill, start by treating the symptoms. If it is itchy you
may give Aveeno baths and give Benadryl by mouth. If it persists, please
contact us so your child may be treated as
soon as possible.
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My child has diaper
rash, what should I do?
Often times babies develop
a rash caused by a yeast infection. You may use Lotrimin or Micatin for
a five day period. If there is no improvement,
contact River's Edge Pediatrics.
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My child is wheezing,
what should I do?
If your child has a history
of asthma, administer a fast acting inhaler as prescribed. If this does
not help and the child has difficulty breathing or is gasping for air, of
course proceed to the emergency room.
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What if my child
complains of burning on urination?
Urinary infections are
quite common in children, due to soapy bath water and sometimes not
rinsing properly. You can push fluids such as cranberry juice and water. If it persists for a few days, the urine will need to be
checked for infection.
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When should I take my
child to the Emergency Room?
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If your child is having
difficulty breathing.
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If your child’s temperature
is above 104 degrees and won’t come down with Tylenol or Motrin.
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If your child has severe
abdominal pain.
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Deep lacerations
or possible fractures.
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Severe burns.
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Chest pain.
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