The illness taking the starring role so far today is the tummy bug.
Lots of kids out there seem to be plagued by it.
This has started with about 12 hours of vomiting. The kids start retaining fluids, but then move along to loose stools. This has been lasting about 3 days.
Bland starchy diets and probiotics are helpful.
If you are lucky enough to have breast milk that is great. Many of the kids have been having trouble with other dairy.
There is a formula that I use for all ages, Similac DF ( diarrhea formula) that is soy based and has been very useful. You should be able to find it at the Noe Valley or Diamond Heights Walgreens in the pharmacy.
Many of the kids have decreased appetites and low grade fevers. The key is their hydration. If they are very low energy and have decreased urine output, then they need to be evaluated.
If your child is still in the vomiting aspect of this, give small amounts of breast milk or clear fluids ( pedialyte, cocunut water etc) every several minutes.
I have lots of kids out there with the cough and cold. More of the kids are getting wheezy this week and the nebulizers are starting to hum here in the office.
If your child has a history of wheezing make sure that you have medication on hand that is not expired.
I am more than happy to phone in refills as needed. While you are checking, let us know if you need a fresh set of tubing for the nebulizer. They should be replaced every 6 months at the very least.
I have a couple of kids out there with slap cheek so I am seeing it out in the neighborhood.
Slap cheek is a viral syndrome that we don't actually treat. Time will fix it. Most kids show up with a really red chappy cheek. Then they get a mottled, lacy rash over the arms and legs. Some kids have very high fevers with it and are quite miserable.
I still want to see anybody out there that has a high fever with a rash, because strep throat can look similar.
My illness class on December 12th will discuss all of the above in much greater detail.
Stay well and stay dry
Judy
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