News You Need To Know

When you are sneezing, coughing and your entire body is hurting, it can be a challenge to distinguish between a cold or the flu. A cold is a milder respiratory illness than the flu and comes with different symptoms. On average cold symptoms last for a few days while flu symptoms can linger from days to weeks. Cold Symptoms: In most cases, a cold starts with a sore throat, but can also include a runny nose, sneezing, congestion, a cough and possibly a low grade fever. These symptoms last approximately a week. A cold is caused by a virus. During the first 3 days your child is sick, they are cont......

We all know the dangers of not giving your children the correct amount of medication. In addition to giving them the proper dosage, it can also be a challenge to keep those curious hands away from potentially harmful medicines. The leading source of poisoning in children is medication. A survey from 2011 stated that almost 68,000 children were brought to the emergency room as a result of medication poisoning. It is important to keep all medications out of sight and reach from children. Also, be sure to store vitamins, medicated creams and drops out of reach as well. Safely using medication als......

The holidays are a magical time of year, especially for families with children. The smiles and joy of the season spread alongside Christmas cheer. Along with the decorations and celebrations come potential dangers. Take the hazards out of the holly jolly season with these tips. Decorating the Christmas Trees Filled with shiny ornaments and fun characters, Christmas trees become magnets for tiny hands. Keep your tree intact and child friendly by hanging breakable ornaments and metal hooks out of reach from curious toddlers. The bottom of the tree should be filled with child safe ornaments. Keep......

There is no shortage of holiday activities for the young and young at heart this holiday season. From light looking to train riding, take advantage of all the seasonal specials happening throughout Chattanooga. Rock City’s Enchanted Garden of Lights The lights are strung and Lookout Mountain’s Rock City is hosting their 21st annual Enchanted Garden of Lights. With more than 30 holiday scenes and thousands of lights, the magic of Christmas comes alive as the lights are turned on. Enjoy pictures with Santa, entertainment, hot cocoa, and decorate gingerbread cookies. Holiday Lights at the Chattan......

Antibiotics are not the cure all for everything that aches. Antibiotics are used to treat infections and bacteria. They will not help in the treatment of viruses. Taking antibiotics when they are not suited for your illness can cause potential harm to your children. Before prescribing any medication, it is important that your child’s pediatrician understands their symptoms. Here are a few of the most frequent questions we are asked about antibiotics: Q: Why will the pediatrician not prescribe antibiotics when my child has a cold? A: Antibiotics are prescribed for the treatment of bacteria. A d......

Sniffly, achy, flu season is upon us. Keep your family healthy and flu free this winter with the 2015-2016 influenza vaccine. The American Academy of Pediatrics along with the Centers for Disease Control recommend that children 6 months and older receive the influenza immunization. Here’s everything you need to know about the 2015 flu and vaccine. It’s Essential The influenza vaccine is the best way to protect children against the flu. While the flu is common throughout the winter, it can be unpredictable and have numerous complications in children. Choosing not to vaccinate your child doesn’t......

Having a sick baby at home can be a stressful situation and lead to sleepless nights. When your baby is suffering from a cold, a few simple remedies in addition to a little extra love can have them feeling better in no time. If your baby’s stuffy head, runny nose and cough are keeping them awake at night, try using a humidifier. A humidifier will add moisture to the air which will help to keep nasal passages moist and allow for a better night’s rest. This moist environment can cause mold growth, so be sure to clean the device regularly. Lifting your baby’s head while they sleep can also aid in......

Sore throats are common in children and can be caused by a variety of factors. They can be caused by either a virus or bacteria, but in the majority of cases a virus is the source. Viral infections, colds, allergies, post nasal drip, reflux and strep throat can all be to blame for the condition. It can be difficult for even pediatricians to determine the cause of a sore throat. Typically, your pediatrician will perform a strep test. It this procedure, a special Q-tip will be used to swab the throat. The strep test is simple and reliable in detecting the illness. If your child does test positiv......

Having a sick child at home can be unsettling and, at times, stressful for many parents. When your child begins to run a fever, the root of the problem and course of action can be uncertain. Many parents become anxious when it comes to determining how to treat the problem. A fever is the body’s first reaction to an infection. When the body has realized there is an infection, the immune system begins taking steps to combat the problem. Running a fever is a sign that the body is already hard at work fighting the infection. When you are not quite sure what to do, consider this advice. Determining......

Influenza, or the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness that impacts the lungs, throat and nose. The flu can be very dangerous for children. Since their immune systems are not fully developed, children are at a higher risk for contracting the flu. The Centers for Disease Control recommend that children six months and older receive a flu vaccine. Here are all the flu facts you need to know: When It Occurs: Flu season occurs primarily in the fall and winter months and typically peaks in January and February. Signs and Symptoms: There are a variety of signs and symptoms associated with the flu......