Dr. Emad Kaldas, M.D. is an American Academy of Pediatrics Board Certified Pediatrician. Dr. Kaldas received his M.D. from Ain Shams School of Medicine in Cairo Egypt in 1982. Shortly thereafter, Dr. Kaldas relocated to Lubbock , Texas to complete his residency in pediatrics at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. During his residency, Dr. Kaldas served as the Chief Resident of Education. He was also awarded the “Outstanding Resident of the Year” award by his faculty and peers.
The Flu
- Flu season starts in the fall and ends in late spring
- Signs and symptoms of the flu include fever, chills, headache, body ache, cough, sore throat, runny nose, vomiting, diarrhea
- Children with the flu typically appear fatigued and ill
- Please consult with your pediatrician to see if your child needs to be seen right away
The Flu Vaccine
- The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends influenza vaccination for all children older than 6 months
- Live nasal vaccine is no longer recommended due to decreased protection against the flu virus and will not be administered during this flu season
- It is recommended to get vaccinated as early as possible during the fall
- Side effects of the flu vaccine are mild compared to the flu illness
- Moms who are pregnant or breastfeeding should receive the influenza vaccine to protect their unborn or infant children
- Immunizing your children is the best way to prevent influenza infection and its associated potentially life threatening complications
The Common Cold
- Cold season is also from the fall to the spring
- Signs and symptoms include runny nose, mild fever, sore throat, cough, decreased appetite
- Cold symptoms are typically milder than flu symptoms
- Spread through contact with another person with the virus
Treatment
- Be sure your child stays hydrated with frequent small sips of fluids
- If your child is running a fever, you can treat at home with Tylenol or Ibuprofen as recommended by your pediatrician (please note that children less than 6 months old should not receive Ibuprofen)
- If your child is diagnosed with the flu, your pediatrician may prescribe a prescription medicine
- Avoid over the counter cold medicines without first talking to your pediatrician
Prevention
- Good hand washing
- Avoid contact with people who are ill with the cold or flu
- We can’t stress this enough, get your child vaccinated with the flu vaccine!
Please call us at Alpha Pediatrics with any further concerns or questions!
Sources:
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/chest-lungs/Pages/The-Flu.aspx