Dr. Gwenn’s Huffington Post Blog
Whenever news hits of co-eds at local colleges getting diagnosed with bacterial meningitis, people understandably become alarmed in the community. While a very contagious illness if you have contact with an infected person, this is not contagious like the flu. [...]
With the news in Boston recently of two co-eds at a local college getting diagnosed with bacterial meningitis, many people are alarmed. While a very contagious illness if you have contact with an infected person, this is not contagious like [...]
With all the press about MRSA, the “superbug”, it is important to have the facts and know what to do if you find a skin infection on you or a family member that concerns you. Keep in mind that there [...]
Norovirus is a virus that causes the stomach flu and food poisoning. It is one of the 24 hour stomach bugs that spreads like wildfire through communities, daycare centers, schools and college campuses. Because there are many strains, people can get this [...]
The Update: Pertussis out breaks(i.e. whooping cough) have been occuring more frequently over the past few years prompting changes in our immunization booster recommendations for pertussies. Because this is a major publich health issue, it is important to have an [...]
Technical Names: Pneumonitis NickNames: Pneumonia, Lung Infection What it is: infection of the lung Typical Ages for Illness: Any Typical Symptoms: cough, fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue, decreased activity level and appetite, respiratory symptoms including shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, [...]
Norman Rockwell’s Freedom From Want picture embodies the nostalgia so many of us feel each holiday season. Every time I see that picture, images flash quickly between that image to my own grandparents’ kitchens. Indeed, my grandparents played a huge role [...]
By the time we become adults, our bodies are old pros at battling the most common of pathogens we face, viruses. Our kids, however, are still developing. Their immune systems are still gaining experience with the world so they get many more illnesses than we do each cold and flu season, 6-12 a year on average. That’s a lot of missed school and work days each year, especially when you consider a typical virus lasts 10-14 days. It’s no wonder parents hear “virus” and begin to panic.
Dear Dr. Gwenn:
My question is regarding children’s illnesses. I am not a parent but I work with 60 elementary school children. I have completed a senior first aid course so I am capable of assessing and treating severe illness when it comes up but I’m not particularly comfortable what to do when a child complains of illness yet shows little if any symptoms.
We’re all connected by our family tree. It’s uncanny how traits in families get passed on. Passions for cooking, sports, fashion, music all show up in varying degrees in different family members through the generations.
On the outside, we all have some understanding of these similarities and accept them. We even joke and talk about them in family gatherings. “She has my knack for clumsiness.” “Look at his cooking talents – he’s a chip off the old block.”
