Vaccine Series
Polio: What is it and why is there a vaccine?
What is polio? Polio (short for poliomyelitis) is an illness caused by polioviruses, which are a member of the broader family of enteroviruses. Enteroviruses can cause a wide spectrum of illnesses. The most common enterovirus-causing illness modern-day parents have heard… Read More ›
Tetanus: What is it and why is there a vaccine?
What is tetanus? Tetanus is a nervous system disorder that results in intense, painful muscle spasms. Clostridium tetani (C.tetani), the responsible bacteria, releases toxins that irreversibly bind to, injure and block the nerves that tell our muscles when/how to relax…. Read More ›
Hepatitis B: What is it and why is there a vaccine?
What is hepatitis B? Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a member of the Hepadnaviridae (hepa – Greek for liver, dna – the type of genetic material it has, viridae – Latin for virus) family. HBV infections can be symptom-free, cause… Read More ›
What is Hib and why is there a vaccine?
What is Hib? Haemophilus influenzae type B, commonly known as Hib, is a polysaccharide (i.e. sugar)-coated strain of a coccobacillus (hybrid of spherical/coccus and rod/bacillus shapes) known as Haemophilus influenzae or H.influenzae. It is a bacterium unlike influenza, which is… Read More ›
What is HPV and why is there a vaccine?
What is HPV? HPV, or human papillomavirus, is a small DNA virus. There are two types of HPV: cutaneous and mucosal. Cutaneous HPV can cause pesky warts on the skin, typically of the extremities. Mucosal HPV can cause warts of the eyes, nose,… Read More ›
What is meningococcus and why is there a vaccine ?
What is meningococcus? The scientific name of meningococcus is Neisseria meningiditis. While meningococcal disease was first described in 1805 during an epidemic in Geneva, Switzerland, it wasn’t until 1882 that the bacteria was isolated and identified for the first time…. Read More ›
What is pertussis and why is there a vaccine?
What is Pertussis or Whooping Cough? Pertussis is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable illness caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It is commonly known as whooping cough because of the distinctive high-pitched gasping sound, a “whoop”, patients make when forced to… Read More ›
What is pneumococcus and why is there a vaccine ?
What is pneumococcus? Streptococcus pneumoniae, also known as pneumococcus, is a bacterium that primarily affects infants, toddlers and the elderly. Pneumococcus can cause several types of infections, the most severe of which are called Invasive Pneumococcal Disease (IPD). IPD includes… Read More ›
Featured Content
Tylenol Dose
Acetaminophen (name brand = Tylenol) is a pain, discomfort and fever reducer commonly used during illnesses and for conditions such as teething. Acetaminophen is broken down (metabolized) by the liver, whereas ibuprofen is cleared from the body by the kidneys…. Read More ›
Ibuprofen Dose
Ibuprofen (name brands = Advil, Motrin) is a NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug). Compared to acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen typically lasts an hour or two longer and has better fever and pain/discomfort reducing properties. However, ibuprofen should NEVER BE GIVEN to infants UNDER 6… Read More ›
Fever
Fever alarms parents more than any other sign of illness. This is understandable since fever usually causes your child to feel bad and could be the early signs of an infection. Often it is difficult to determine the nature and… Read More ›
Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease
What is it? Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a viral syndrome caused by a family of viruses called enteroviruses. The most common enterovirus that causes HFMD is Coxsackie virus. Primary symptoms include rash, sore throat and fever. Other… Read More ›
Is it Seasonal Allergies or a Cold?
March, April and May are riddled with airborne allergens here in the Richmond area. It is primarily tree pollen but others, such as grass pollens, may be present as well. Because this is also the tail-end of cold and flu… Read More ›
Throat Infections
Throat Infections in Children Most throat infections (more than two thirds) are caused by viruses, and are associated with fever, headache, stomachache, and swollen glands under the jaw. The same symptoms can be caused by strep throat (bacterial infection of… Read More ›
Vomiting
Vomiting in Children Nausea and vomiting are symptoms that can be caused by many different illnesses. Usually, it is a stomach or intestinal virus that can produce fever, stomachaches, vomiting and diarrhea. During these symptoms, the most important thing is… Read More ›
Diarrhea
Diarrhea in Children Diarrhea refers to frequent (greater than six per day) loose stools. Gastroenteritis (intestinal infection that causes diarrhea and sometimes belly pain, vomiting and/or fever) is the most common cause of diarrhea and can last between 7 and… Read More ›
Lice
Did you get a letter home from your child’s school about a lice outbreak? Is your child scratching their head more than normal? Unfortunately, your child may have brought more than fun art projects and homework home from school. Infestations… Read More ›
Sleep
Infant Sleep Regressions
In this blog by Dr. Grabill we’ll explore the two most common ages for sleep regression during the first year of your baby’s life. Understanding the developmental stage of your infant informs not only why the sleep regression may be… Read More ›
Sleep for Toddlers
Routine, Routine, Routine As your child grows from infancy to toddlerhood, sleep environment and sleep routines gain increasing importance. Toddlers and school aged children depend on routine. In addition, these routines have the added benefit of helping them learn independence… Read More ›
Sleep for Teenagers
Teenage Zombies Tweens and teens are often the worst sleepers in the family. This may sound counter-intuitive when you are begging your teenager to get out of bed on school mornings, or walking past your still snoozing teen at 10… Read More ›
Nightmares, Night Terrors and Sleepwalking
Nightmares Nightmares and night terrors are different entities that are commonly confused by parents. A nightmare is a scary or disturbing dream that occurs during REM sleep. One out of every four children experiences these at least weekly. Nightmares happen… Read More ›
Sleep Aids
The never-ending pursuit of quality sleep for their children keeps many-a-parent up at night (perhaps both literally and figuratively). There can be challenges in infancy, toddlerhood, childhood and/or adolescence. When parents and their children have done all the “sleep hygiene”… Read More ›
An Interview with Dr. Sullivan: Child Care Q & A
Dr. Sullivan shares insights from her experience navigating child care with her toddler. From challenges to must-pack items, she provides answers to commonly asked questions.
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Crying
As a new parent, your ears are attuned to every sound that your baby makes. The ooos and aaaaas of cooing and the giggles you elicit are so enticing. The crying, however? Few things make new parents feel more helpless… Read More ›
Sleep and Restlessness
Sleep Like a Baby ‘’Sleep like a baby’’. Really? Surely the persons who coined that phrase were never parents, up hours on end trying to sooth a newborn, teething infant or cranky toddler. Night waking and other sleep issues are… Read More ›
Helping Siblings Adjust to a New Baby
“As soon as I saw you, I knew an adventure was going to happen.” -Winnie the Pooh A big event in the life of a family is bringing a new baby home to meet his or her siblings. You… Read More ›
An Interview with Dr. Chiu: Boy Mom Life
From toddler years to tween interests, we covered key topics and fun phases in this video with Dr. Chiu.
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