Protect Your Baby with a Flu Shot During Pregnancy

This week I was completely knocked out by the flu. I was plastered to my bed for almost two full days while my lovely husband cared for our son all by himself. Looking back I wonder if I could have avoided it altogether had I gotten a flu shot. Flu shots are taken for granted by some and hated by others. It’s a very controversial subject. A recent study, however, presents findings that are hard to refute. Yale compared the medical records of infants who had the flu with those who did not. An overwhelming number of infants who did … Continue reading

Flu Shots for Babies

I took my six-month-old to his pediatrician this morning for his checkup. As soon as all the vitals were checked we got onto the topic of vaccines. More specifically, the pediatrician wanted to debunk some common misconceptions about the flu vaccine, especially the H1N1. If you’ve watched the news lately, you know there is a lot of controversy surrounding the H1N1 vaccine. Many people are concerned that they will get sick from the vaccine. Others are concerned that it is “too new.” My pediatrician told me why both of these claims are false. Flu vaccinations only contain a “dead” form … Continue reading

Preparing for Shots

No one thinks going to the pediatrician is fun, whether it is for a sick visit or a well visit. If you are prepared, though, things can go a bit more smoothly, especially when it comes to your child getting shots. You’ll also be able to bring up topics of concern and get your questions answered, despite holding on to a squirming baby, toddler or preschooler. Here are some ways to be prepared for the pediatrician when it comes to shots. Dress your child appropriately. This will make the visit so much easier. Forget about impressing the staff or the … Continue reading

Should I Get a Flu Shot?

Flu shots are a hot topic. Some people firmly believe that a flu shot is necessary, while others either don’t trust them or don’t think they are needed. Personally, I don’t get a flu shot. I don’t think I ever have. I have also never had the flu. Whether or not you should get the shot is between you and your health care provider. Here, I will give some information and leave the decision to you. The flu season lasts from November through April. Your doctor may offer the shot in early Fall to protect you throughout flu season. I … Continue reading

All About the Flu Shot

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention says that about 90 children under the age of 5 die of influenza each year in the United States. However, more and more pediatricians are now recommending that your little ones get the vaccine. If you’re concerned that the flu shot may have negative side effects, rest assured that they are safe for babies and toddlers. According to the biggest study ever, following 45,000 children, researchers found virtually no side effects that required medical treatment in the children during the first 6 weeks after vaccination. They also noted that flu vaccines have a … Continue reading

Flu Shots For Toddlers

With the approach of winter many people are lining up to get flu shots. Just last week I was in Sears and they had a table set up where you could get shots. I’m a big baby. I hate needles so I’ve never gotten a flu shot. I figure I’ll just have to struggle through the season. I have considered getting one for Tyler but I had concerns about their safety. A new study released from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention finds that flu shots are safe for babies and toddlers. I’m still not sure I will get … Continue reading

Babies & Vaccines

Here’s a little breakdown on the information associated with each time of vaccination your baby will receive. While the vaccinations are broken out over the first two years of life, there are so many of them that keeping them straight can be difficult. Here’s a way to keep them all straight: DTaP is designed to protect your baby against diphtheria, tetanus (lockjaw) and pertussis (whooping cough). HepA protects against the viral hepatitis A that can cause jaundice, stomach pain and diarrhea HepB protects against hepatitis B that is a viral illness potentially passed from mother to child Hib is vaccination … Continue reading

When Mom Is Sick

I’m holed up in my room with a laptop, a 32 ounce bottle of orange Gatorade, and a body full of aches. It’s flu season and I have not escaped its wrath. Unfortunately, having the flu also means I’m quarantined from my toddler, which has been harder for me than battling this nasty bug. For the past two days, my husband has become our son’s primary care giver, giving me the chance to recuperate. I find myself torn between appreciation for the rest I’m getting and missing my little guy. Last night, my husband brought him into our bedroom to … Continue reading

Are You In Line for the H1N1 Vaccine?

I’ll be the first one to admit I was initially skeptical of the severity of the H1N1 virus when it first hit the media this past summer. When the controversy over the vaccine surfaced, I leaned towards not getting it, but now that we know a lot more about the virus and the effects it has had on our country, I am much more likely to get the vaccine if I can even get on the list. Because I am over 25 and my son is older than 6 months, I just missed the requirements for being in the high … Continue reading

Playing the Blame Game: Jessica Simpson’s Parents and Grandmother of Octuplets

Jessica Simpson’s parents say they know who’s responsible for making their daughter “look” fat: Her stylist. According to reports, the singer’s parents are “extremely upset” about the vicious skewering their precious daughter has endured since unflattering shots taken of her at a recent concert surfaced. Jessica’s dad Joe has nothing but praise for the way his daughter has handled the fat jokes hurled in her direction. Conversely, he has nothing but ire for Jessica’s stylist. According to Joe Simpson, Jessica’s alleged “weight gain” has more to do with bad styling and poor photography than a purported relationship with Ronald McDonald. … Continue reading