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What You Need to Know About This Season’s Flu

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Let’s be honest: I’ve been missing MY friends at school pick up because of the nasty flu this year that many of the kids and moms I know are catching. Even worse, they have been vaccinated, so what gives? A Breezy Mama Go-to favorite pediatrician Dr. Gillin answers this question, plus the symptoms to look out for with this year’s strain, how to treat it and more.

Seriously, what is up with the flu that is going around!? Why are kids who have had the flu shot catching it?

Yes- you may have noticed that the flu is here! And although you do not see it on the news every time you turn on the TV this year, it is definitely present and active. There are multiple illnesses circulating though (as with every winter). We are seeing kids with Influenza, but also with different stomach “flu’s” (not Influenza but stomach viruses such as rotavirus- that just took on the name “flu” to confuse everyone), parainfluenza (can cause similar symptoms, as well as croup), and common colds.

The flu shot is actually [Read more…] about What You Need to Know About This Season’s Flu

Uh-oh: Strep Throat is Making the Rounds

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A favorite go-to pediatrician Dr. Gillin gave Breezy Mama the head’s up that strep throat is making the rounds. From what symptoms to look out for, how to treat it and more, she fill us in.

Why is strep throat going around right now? Is it seasonal?

Strep throat is ubiquitous (around all the time). It is more common during late autumn, winter and spring- probably because of close contacts in the schools (the kids spread it to each other).

What are the symptoms?

The most common symptoms are [Read more…] about Uh-oh: Strep Throat is Making the Rounds

My Son Had the Swine Flu: Learn from My Experience & Advice from a Pediatrician

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Kieran on his first big outing after recovring from the Swine Flu. Can you say happy?
Kieran on his first big outing after recovering from the Swine Flu. Can you say happy?

My Story:

Yes, it’s true; we were able to celebrate summer with my son coming down with the Swine Flu. This past July, Kieran woke up one morning with a runny nose. It was clear, so I didn’t think much about it and we went to our scheduled playdate. At it, he was acting tired, and would rather sit in my lap than play with his friends. When he opted to not have cake I knew something was up. That night, I put him to bed early figuring he just needed a good night’s sleep. The next day we headed up to Santa Barbara to see some family—it was a big trip, I hadn’t seen them in years so I didn’t think about canceling. Besides, Kieran seemed fine—he did just need a good night’s sleep.

After running around on the beach all day, Kieran started to [Read more…] about My Son Had the Swine Flu: Learn from My Experience & Advice from a Pediatrician

Swine Flu: What the Pediatrician Community is Saying Today (4/29) and More

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Dr. Gillin answered our questions on whether she’s treated patients with Swine Flu, what concerns she has been hearing from parents, the measures being taken in California and more. 

Now that California Governor Schwarzenegger has declared a state of emergency, what can we expect as far as a vaccine in California? When do you guess pediatrician offices will offer them?

It takes time to develop a vaccine to any virus. It will take some time to develop and manufacture and test a vaccine. Although the U.S. is prepared to develop [Read more…] about Swine Flu: What the Pediatrician Community is Saying Today (4/29) and More

Swine Flu: First Death in U.S. is a Toddler — Deaths Due to Influenza Happen Every Year

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Federal officials said it may take until January to get a vaccine.

As a follow up to Monday night’s post on Swine Flu, Dr. Gillin said this morning, “As you know, there has been the first death- in a toddler. Again, time will tell. Every year we have deaths of infants, children, and adults due to influenza. Time will tell whether this flu is acting like a typical flu in the U.S., or anything more.”

According to the Associated Press, the U.S.’s first death due to Swine Flu was a 23-month-old who had recently travelled from Mexico to Texas. Read more here.

Google is tracking Swine Flu outbreaks. Click here to see the map.

Please remember Dr. Gillin’s advice, “Use good hygiene and [Read more…] about Swine Flu: First Death in U.S. is a Toddler — Deaths Due to Influenza Happen Every Year