Monthly Archives: February 2014
Viral diarrhea or a “stomach bug”?
Meds for viral diarrhea or a “stomach bug”? Not much is safe or helpful. Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) contains aspirin (the “salicylate” ingredient), which can cause liver damage in a child with a viral infection. But the probiotics in Culturelle (10 billion CFU/day) and Florastor (250mg twice daily) may reduce the total days of the diarrheal illness if started within 48hrs.
Meningococcemia
All of us at Chapel Hill Peds are saddened to hear of the tragic death of an Orange County teen from presumed meningococcemia, and we extend our deepest sympathies to all who knew and loved this child. Meningococcemia is a severe infection caused by a bacteria (called meningococcus) that is spread by direct contact with nose or throat secretions (sharing food or drink, kissing, etc). Casual contacts (for example, students in the same school) are not considered to be at increased risk. Antibiotics can prevent disease in patients who have been exposed. The Orange County Health Department is working to identify all close contacts and will contact you if they feel your child may have been exposed.
There is a vaccine that can prevent most strains of meningococcus which we routinely give at the 11-12 year visit with a booster dose at age 16. If your child over age 11 and has not had this vaccine, we encourage you to call our office to set up an appointment to get vaccinated.
Treating Vomiting
Given our recent ‘surge’ in vomiting illnesses, we’d like to share the following page on managing vomiting at home. The main idea is that you have to sneak small volumes of liquid through a sick stomach. If you make it stretch too much, watch out! Thankfully, persistent vomiting rarely lasts more than a day.
14 ways to show your love for your child
The American Academy of Pediatrics shares 14 ways to show your love for your child this Valentine’s Day: