Deciding about circumcision for your newborn son
If you and your family are undecided on the best choice for your newborn son, this article provides some basic information. You can also talk with your doctor. In the end, this is a personal decision, and we will respect your choice. Please remember to check with your insurance carrier before scheduling your child’s circumcision as this type of procedure is sometimes considered elective.
What is a circumcision?
When a baby boy is born, the penis has a tube-shaped, double-layered fold of skin at the end. This is called the foreskin. A circumcision (or “circ”) is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of this skin. The desired result of a circumcision is to have the tip of the penis fully exposed and not covered by the foreskin.
With a young, healthy infant, a circumcision can be done safely in the doctor’s office or at the birthing hospital. In either setting, your baby boy will not be unconscious. He will be given medication to help with localized pain and discomfort.
The procedure itself usually takes 30 minutes or less—but be sure to plan for a longer visit because your son will be examined for ongoing signs of bleeding.
Is a circumcision painful?
Yes. Like any surgical procedure that involves cutting the skin, there can be pain. There are several ways to help decrease pain during the procedure and during the healing period:
- During the procedure, a numbing medication will be used to reduce pain.
- At the end of the procedure, a gauze with petroleum jelly will be used to help reduce irritation from the diaper.
- After the procedure, you can help sooth your son by swaddling, comforting, feeding, and talking with him.
- Lastly, oral pain medications can be given after the procedure to help control pain.
Are there benefits to a circumcision?
Yes. In September 2012, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) reported a decrease in the risk of urinary tract infections during the first two years of life. The AAP also said that later in life, a man with a circumcision has a lower risk of getting HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases. Here’s a quote from that report:
“Benefits include significant reductions in the risk of urinary tract infection in the first year of life and, subsequently, in the risk of heterosexual acquisition of HIV and the transmission of other sexually transmitted infections.”*
Further benefits may include:
- Preventing phimosis. In this condition at a later age, the foreskin cannot retract back from the head of the penis.
- Reduction in the risk of cervical cancer to future female sexual partners.
- Reduction in the risk for cancer of the penis. But this is a rare form of cancer (about 10 cases per year per 1 million American men).
Are there risks to a circumcision?
Yes. Like most surgical procedure, there are risks. These include excessive bleeding, infection, injury to the penis or urethra, and removable of excessive foreskin. The AAP notes that such complications are infrequent and most are minor.
The same AAP policy statement states:
“The procedure is well tolerated when performed by trained professionals under sterile conditions with appropriate pain management. Complications are infrequent; most are minor, and severe complications are rare. Male circumcision performed during the newborn period has considerably lower complication rates than when performed later in life.”
Your PacMed provider is professionally trained. Our care team will provide appropriate pain management.
Is circumcision the right choice for me and my family?
This is a personal decision. You and your family will need to make this decision for your newborn son.
In summary, the AAP says that circumcision should be offered as an option:
“Although health benefits are not great enough to recommend routine circumcision for all male newborns, the benefits of circumcision are sufficient to justify access to this procedure for families choosing it…”
We believe that you, the parents, ultimately should decide whether circumcision is in the best interest for your son. If you have further questions or concerns, please discuss them with your physician.
*All excerpts are from the AAP Policy Statement on Circumcision and/or the AAP Technical Report on Male Circumcision. Both were published in the September 1, 2012, edition of the AAP journal, Pediatrics.
Prevent injury this ski season
With winter fast upon us and snow falling in the mountains, here are some facts I tell my patients about common skiing and snowboarding injuries, tips on recognizing them and, most importantly, how to use common sense to minimize your risk of getting injured.
Concussions
Head injuries remain one of the most common injuries of skiing and snowboarding. While wearing a helmet can help to minimize risk and reduce the number of minor head injuries like scalp lacerations, helmets do not prevent more serious injuries such as concussions and traumatic brain injuries.
A concussion is a process affecting the brain after a traumatic blow to the head or the body that transmits force to the head. On the ski slopes, this can be due to falls or crashes with other skiers, trees, chairlift poles or rocks. Some of the warning signs of concussions include headache, amnesia, unusual fatigue, slurred speech or nausea.
If you suspect a person has a concussion, it is important to ensure that a responsible adult is with the concussed skier for at least 24 hours after the event to monitor for any worsening. Symptoms for serious head injuries that warrant emergency care include loss of consciousness for more than a minute, repeat vomiting, persistent confusion or a worsening headache.
Any child or adult who sustains a concussion should not go out on the slopes again, as they are more likely to get re-injured. It is a good idea to see a doctor within one to two days after a concussion, even if emergency care is not required.
Other injuries
In addition to head injuries, skiers should be aware of these other common injuries:
- Knee damage to the medial collateral ligament (MCL), which occurs with slow, twisting falls or when beginners maintain a snowplow position for lengthy periods and stress the ligament;
- Knee injury when the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is ruptured, which can be caused by the lower leg suddenly twisting away for the upper leg, as in “catching an edge”;
- Fractures of both the femur and tibia occur more commonly with hard, twisting falls or collisions;
- Injury to the thumb, which occurs when a skier falls on an outstretched arm that is still gripping the pole; and
- Shoulder dislocations from a fall or collision.
For minor knee injuries, I recommend rest, icing and reassessing the knee in a few days. A more serious knee injury requiring immediate attention will be quite obvious: lack of ability to walk or bear weight, massive pain or swelling.
With any injury, if you are unsure if immediate medical attention is needed, call your local health-care provider or visit an emergency room to be sure.
Good conditioning, equipment
Although injuries can occur while skiing and snowboarding, the more physically conditioned you are and the more you are aware of scenarios that lead to crashes, the safer you should be. Attention to preseason conditioning with an emphasis on sport-specific exercises will help delay muscle fatigue, which often contributes to an injury.
I recommend trying the following exercises for at least 30 minutes four times a week for a month before hitting the slopes:
- Core conditioning — Abdominal and core workouts;
- Lower body — Focus on strength, endurance and plyometrics (muscular power and explosiveness) of quadriceps, gluteus and hamstrings;
- Balance training — Yoga poses and single-leg exercises support balance; and
- Upper-extremity conditioning — Pushups are a great exercise when done correctly.
You can find these types of exercises in ski-conditioning classes, books or online, or make an appointment with a physical therapist or a fitness trainer who can show you.
In addition to conditioning, good equipment that is properly fitted and maintained by a certified ski shop will help minimize risks. Taking lessons can also help skiers improve technique and better understand ski conditions. Skiers and riders who understand the risks and attempt to control as many variables as possible can avoid many serious injuries.
So whether you are a novice or seasoned mountain ripper, pay attention to your surroundings and have a blast. Let it snow!
Tips for getting a good night’s sleep
Colleges and schools around Seattle are back in session now, and as schedules become increasingly busy, getting enough sleep is critical. When our lives become hectic, compromising on sleep is what we tend to do, but it can have negative effects on our overall health and our daily lives. More than 50 million Americans have a sleep disorder or trouble sleeping that significantly affects their work, schooling or driving.
Sleep is a very important part of our overall health, affecting your mood, memory, stress level and weight. Getting enough sleep can significantly improve energy levels and reduce stress, but most people don’t realize how important sleep is to their health. Not getting enough sleep can lead to difficulties in concentration and memory issues. Symptoms may also include irritability, anxiety, agitation and decreased interest in activities. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or are feeling tired during the day, it may be time to look at your sleep schedule and ensure you’re getting a sufficient amount of sleep each night.
How much sleep you need varies by the individual. Most adults require 6–8 hours of sleep per night, and teens need 9–11 hours. If you wake up feeling refreshed, then you know you’re getting enough sleep. However, if you feel tired during the day, or experience other symptoms mentioned above, you may not be getting sufficient sleep. Here are a few tips I suggest to my patients who have trouble getting enough sleep.
Choose a bedtime and stick to it. Sleep is regulated by the body’s 24-hour biological clock—or circadian rhythm—which influences sleep-wake cycles. If the circadian rhythm is disrupted, it can leave you feeling lethargic and cause you to have trouble with concentration. This is why it’s important to keep a regular sleep schedule and allow enough time for quality sleep. That means going to sleep and waking up at about the same time each day.
Practice good sleep hygiene. In addition to developing a regular sleep schedule, try to avoid:
- Eating or exercising right before bedtime.
- Drinking caffeinated beverages in the late afternoon or evening.
- Daytime naps as much as possible.
- Using electronics within 90 minutes of bedtime.
Recent research from Harvard University shows that the blue light emitted by some electronics (cell phones, computers, tablets, TVs) boosts attention, reaction times and mood. While this may sound like a great side effect, it can be very disruptive to your sleep. Instead of using electronics before bedtime, try reading a book or magazine or listening to calming music. Restrict activities in bed to sleeping and intimacy only.
Eat right and exercise. Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, grains and lean meats (which are easier on your digestive system than high-fat meats) make it easier for your body to relax and sleep. You can also improve sleep by exercising as little as 20 to 30 minutes daily. Try a brisk walk, riding your bike or even housework. Activities such as yoga or gentle stretching also promote good sleep and help relieve stress.
If you are sleeping enough and still feel unrefreshed, you may need an evaluation for sleep disorders, which could be disrupting your sleep. While over-the-counter sleep medication may seem to help for a few nights, it isn’t a long-term solution. If you show symptoms of poor sleep, talk with your doctor who can help you identify the problem and evaluate you for common sleep disorders such as insomnia or sleep apnea.
Better awareness to prevent prostate cancer
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men with more than 2.5 million men currently living with the disease. Prostate cancer is also the second leading cause of death from cancer for men. It is important to raise awareness of prostate cancer, especially since it can be an uncomfortable topic. September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, so here are steps you can take to identify your risk of prostate cancer.
The first step to better awareness is to know the symptoms of prostate cancer. Patients may experience urinary changes, including increased frequency, weak stream or urgency, pain with urinating, erectile issues, blood in the urine or semen or hip or back pain. However, prostate cancer may also present no symptoms, so it is important to know your risk. Age, race or ethnicity, a family history of prostate cancer, diet, obesity and smoking can all affect the risk of prostate cancer. In particular, prostate cancer risk rises after the age of 50, but prostate cancer is extremely rare for men under the age of 40. In addition, African-American men have a higher risk of prostate cancer than men of other races. It is important to know your risk factors and talk with your doctor about the right time to have a prostate cancer screening.
A prostate cancer screening includes a complete history and physical exam to feel the prostate. It also includes questionnaires about urinary and sexual function as well as urinalysis and PSA (prostate specific antigen) tests. PSA is an enzyme made by the prostate and can be elevated with cancer, urinary symptoms, infection or enlarged prostate. A biopsy may be conducted if the prostate exam shows irregularities or PSA is elevated.
According to the American Urological Association, screening is recommended once every two years for men ages 55 to 70. However, based on your health history and risk factors, your doctor may recommend a screening earlier than age 55. Discuss with your doctor if screening is right for you, as there are risks associated with screening, especially if a biopsy is needed.
There is currently a lot of research underway in the field to improve prostate cancer screenings, improve our ability to determine which cancers will spread and which ones won’t, and better use of technologies like MRIs to both identify and help biopsy cancerous areas of the prostate. However, there is still much work to be done in the fight against prostate cancer.
While prostate cancer remains all too common, knowing you risk factors, the symptoms of the disease and the screening procedures can help you identify your risk. Schedule a visit with your local doctor who can help you develop a screening plan that is right for you.
School nutrition
It may seem like summer just started, but back-to-school is just a couple weeks away. Transitioning back to a school schedule — such as getting back on a regular sleep cycle and doing nightly homework — can take weeks.
Packing healthy lunches is one area parents often don’t think through until just days before the first day of school. During the school year, it’s all-too-common for children to consume more than half their daily calories and meals away from home.
Here are some helpful tips to get a head start, be creative and provide healthy school lunch options.
Choose colors
Planning a school lunch when school is not in session may sound counterintuitive, but everyone gains. Parents will have time to talk with their children about healthy food choices. Kids get to give feedback on items they enjoy eating and, once school begins, will be empowered to choose healthy options that will make a well-balanced school lunch.
Remind your child that the great thing about preparing his/her own school lunch is getting to be a chef each and every time. That means that, with a little parental input, your child decides on what to cook, which ingredients to use and how the different menu items complement one another.
The American Academy of Pediatrics’ “Energy In, Energy Out: Finding the Right Balance for Your Children” encourages families to make smart diet and physical activities choices. The backbone of the program is to encourage families to consume at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day. If your child is a picky eater, challenge him/her to think of different-colored vegetables, and see how many different colors you can combine in your child’s lunch.
Ideally, throughout the day, you and your family should consume one yellow or green leafy vegetable for a good source of vitamin A. Vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, kale, squash and carrots meet this color choice requirement.
Your family should also consume a fruit or vegetable high in vitamin C. Good choices include oranges, grapefruit, strawberries, tomatoes and broccoli.
Making it fun
While meal planning is not always the most exciting chore, there are a few ways to make it fun and engage your child. One idea is to visit your local weekly farmers market with your child and choose a seasonal fruit or vegetable to include in your child’s lunch. Talk about the area that the produce was grown and how it was transported to the market.
You can also take your child to the grocery store and tour the produce section. Help your child select a rainbow array of fruits and vegetables or an item he/she has never tried before.
At home, let your child look at your recipe books and select items to try in his/her lunchbox. Of course, some parental guidance — and help from a new, kid-friendly cookbook — can be useful here. Seattle’s new and used bookstores, as well as the public libraries, have a great selection of cookbooks geared toward children.
Making a game of meal preparation can also be a fun way to engage your child. Let your child be the chef, while the sous-chef (you) provides age-appropriate guidance. Your child can be proud of his/her creation and will also start to learn his/her way around a kitchen.
Healthier drinks
Now that you’ve planned a fun food portion of the school lunch, it is also important to pay attention to the drink and avoid excessive intake of sugar.
Drinks such as soda, lemonade, sports drinks and energy drinks offer little or no nutritional value. Even drinks labeled as “100-percent fruit juice” should be consumed in moderation because fruit juice contains an excessive amount of sugar.
Better choices include low-fat milk during meal times and water throughout the day. If your child purchases milk at school, talk to him/her about choosing the low-fat option over the chocolate one.
Remember, when children eat or drink more calories than their bodies use, this can cause an energy imbalance and they can gain weight. Children in the overweight or obese categories are at much higher risk for developing lifelong diseases, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes and depression.
With a little practice, you can help shape your child’s important meal choices, turn meal planning into a fun and rewarding activity and pack healthy school lunches that your child will enjoy eating.
Dr. Hamling on Seasonal Allergies
Spring has arrived in Seattle! Birds are chirping, bugs are crawling, flowers are blooming, mold spores are floating…and for upward of 40 percent of children and their families, noses are running and eyes are tearing.
Yes, it’s now prime time for symptoms of seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis.
After spending a year working in Japan, which is known to have the highest concentration of seasonal-allergy sufferers, I, too, began to feel the effects of a scratchy throat, itchy eyes and intermittent cough.
Seasonal allergies are the result of the body’s immune system overreacting to allergens in our environment, such as pollens, molds, pet dander or dust mites. Once these allergens have made contact with the mucus membranes in our nose, eyes or mouth, the immune system releases a surge of antibodies and a protein called histamine. The body’s response to histamine is what is responsible for the symptoms of seasonal allergies.
As the weather gets warmer, children (and parents) want to spend more time outdoors, but it can be very frustrating for seasonal allergy sufferers. Any allergy sufferers who visited the University of Washington quad in the last couple weeks to see the cherry blossoms know exactly how this feels.
Simple solutions
Most health-care professionals diagnose seasonal allergies based on common symptoms and the time of the year that they occur. Symptoms can include a stuffy or runny nose, bouts of sneezing, itchy or watery eyes and occasionally a sore throat or cough.
Seasonal allergy symptoms can last six to eight weeks (usually beginning around early spring) and will self-resolve after the allergens in the environment have subsided. Once the spring pollen and ground molds have settled back into the ground, seasonal allergy symptoms usually dissipate quickly.
Symptoms may reoccur after a strong windstorm or if the patient is around freshly cut grass or tilled soil, as these processes tend to re-scatter pollen and mold spores.
If you believe you or your child suffers from seasonal allergies, the first line of defense is to try to avoid, block or filter those allergens that may trigger symptoms. Avoid playing or being outside during the early morning daylight hours, as this is prime time for newly dispersed pollen and mold spores. Instead, delay outdoor playtime until closer to lunch.
In addition, keep windows in your house closed at night, as open windows may introduce allergens while you sleep.
If you have a pet, consider that allergens may have latched onto your pet’s fur, so not sleeping in the same room with your pet may help to keep unwanted allergens away.
At home and in the car, you can use the air conditioner — not to cool the air but to send it through a filter.
Finally, daily showers or baths for you and your children will also help to rinse allergens off of skin and hair.
Medications
There are several medicinal treatments for children and adults who suffer from mild to moderate symptoms. The most common treatments start with over-the-counter anti-histamine medications such as Benadryl or Claritin. These drugs come in both liquid and pill forms and target the effects of your body’s histamine release.
Be sure to follow dosage instructions carefully, as dosages may differ for children and adults. Your provider can help you choose a medication that best meets your needs.
For those whose seasonal allergy symptoms are more moderate to severe, the next stage of treatment may include nasal steroid treatment. These medications, which help to reduce the overall inflammatory response, are available by prescription. Your pediatrician or family medicine physician can help you determine if this is an appropriate treatment for you or your child.
Allergy shots and other immunotherapy treatments are available for severe cases, but only after extensive testing and if avoidance of allergens and other treatments have failed. These treatments are not routinely recommended for young children.
A few simple home and environmental changes can provide a majority of relief for some suffers. If environmental changes do not provide relief from seasonal-allergy symptoms, then seeking medical attention may be the right course for you.
For myself this allergy season, I may follow the Japanese method: blocking pollens and allergens with a simple disposable surgical mask. While not yet popular in the United States, roughly 50 percent (or more) of Japanese people bring out their masks during spring allergy season.
How well do you know your vitamins
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) currently recommends eating nine servings of fruits and vegetables every day. On average however, we are usually eating closer to two servings per day. Given the reality of our ever growing to-do lists and busy schedules; well-rounded, home-cooked meals aren’t always an option. Additionally, our weather in the Pacific Northwest is filled with gloomy, rain-stricken days making vitamin deficiency a hot topic at any primary care clinic.
So where do you begin? Here are some tips on identifying which foods are rich in these nutrients and how to incorporate these foods into your meal and snack times to reach your daily needs.
Calcium
A major player in skeletal health, calcium also helps out in the circulatory system and with cell signaling. Calcium is found in dairy products (i.e. milk, yogurts and cheese) fortified juices, canned salmon and some plant sources such as tofu. Try making tuna melts with salmon instead of tuna or enjoy plain-low fat yogurt with fresh fruit for a mid-morning snack.
Vitamin D
This vitamin, like calcium plays a key role in bone health. There is also growing evidence supporting vitamin D’s role in preventing cancer, cardiovascular disease and other chronic diseases. Vitamin D is in milk and some yogurt and can also be found in eggs, mushrooms, and some fortified foods. While Vitamin D can also be synthesized from exposure to sunlight, don’t count on getting much from our cloud-stricken Seattle weather. Starting your day with a hard-boiled egg or having a glass of milk instead of your midday soda can help.
Potassium
Potassium helps to regulate blood pressure and is crucial in muscle and cardiac function. Bananas usually come to mind when we think of potassium but many people don’t realize that lots of other nutritious foods are also rich in potassium. These include beans, potatoes, plain yogurt, and fruits and vegetables.
Fiber
Fiber is a non-digestible nutrient found mostly in plant sources including whole grains, legumes, nuts, fruits and vegetables. Fiber can be thought of as a “Renaissance Man” as it has a vast number of health benefits. Fiber can also help support colon health, blood sugar balance, decrease the risk of coronary heart disease, and help to support a healthy weight. Next time you’re at the Wedgwood Ale House, try switching your favorite sandwich bread or wrap from refined bread to whole grain! Quinoa is a particularly high fiber grain which can be used in exchange for rice. Snacking on fruits and vegetables in between meals can also help to bump up the fiber. Bonus? Fiber helps you to feel full longer, so you may be able to resist that mid-afternoon candy bar.
Multi-vitamins
Taking a multivitamin can always help to increase nutrient intake as well. However, most dietitians recommend trying to get these nutrients from your foods versus from a supplement. If you do choose to take a multivitamin be cautious so as to avoid potential vitamin toxicities, particularly from vitamins, A, D, E, and K. These vitamins are fat-soluble meaning that your body can not easily excrete excess amounts thus increasing the risk to potentially overdo it.
At the end of the day following a balanced diet, complete with all the necessary nutrients will help you to feel your best. If you eat a varied diet, you do not need to stress about filling your vitamin quota but each of the above suggestions can be found at the Wedgwood QFC or other local grocers. If you’re interested in learning more about proper nutrients, make an appointment with a dietitian, nutritionist or your primary care provider to see which vitamins are right for you and your lifestyle.
10 things you may not know about flu shots
SEATTLE – The message is out in full force: You need to get a flu shot! But when should you get it? And which vaccine is best?
We spoke with Dr. Ari Gilmore from PacMed’s Beacon Hill Clinic about some of the most common questions patients ask about the flu vaccine.
1. Can I skip the shot and get the nasal spray?
The biggest selling point for the nasal spray vaccine has always been the fact that it does not require a needle poke, but it turns out some patients may develop better flu resistance with the nasal spray as well.
Research has suggested that the FluMist nasal spray live-attenuated influenza vaccine by Medimmune is more effective than the inactivated vaccine for children between 2 and 7 years old.
Still, the Washington State Department of Health does not recommend vaccination be delayed for children if FluMist is not available.
Gilmore cautions that the nasal spray may be less effective for adults over 50. It is also not recommended for pregnant women or people with immune disorders, emphysema or asthma.
2. I got a flu shot last year; do I really need another one?
Gilmore explains that each year the flu viruses change quite a bit, so last year’s shot may no longer be effective in preventing against future infection.
For those who become infected with a flu virus after being vaccinated, research shows their symptoms are far less serious than those who are not vaccinated.
3. How many flu strains should I be vaccinated for?
For the first time ever, patients will be able to get quadrivalent vaccines during the 2013-2014 flu season. While flu vaccines were previously designed to protect against three flu strains (trivalent), a new kind protects against four.
Both vaccines protect against H1N1, H2N3 and one type B virus – which are predicted to cover 80 percent of flu cases this season – but the quadrivalent also protects against a second type B.
While it might seem best to be vaccinated against as many flu strains as possible, Gilmore says more research is needed to know whether the quadrivalent is actually better. At this time, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is not recommending the quadrivalent vaccine over the trivalent for the general population.
The quadrivalent vaccine is expected to be in short supply this season, and Gilmore says people should not delay getting vaccinated in search of the newest option.
“I would recommend people get whatever is available in their clinic,” he says. “There’s not enough data supporting the quadrivalent to go out searching for it.”
4. Can people with an egg allergy get the flu vaccine?
For those with egg allergies, there are two new cell-based vaccines this season that do not use the standard egg-based production method.
Flucelvax (by Novartis) uses antigens derived from influenza virus that is grown from mammalian cells instead of chicken eggs. Flubok (by protein Sciences) uses recombinant DNA technology and insect cells.
5. Does the vaccine give me an excuse to skip my workout?
On the contrary, Gilmore says exercising after receiving your flu shot should get your blood flowing and may ease arm soreness the next day.
6. Do I need a high-potency vaccine?
Clinical trials comparing standard and high-dose flu vaccines among people over 65 years old have shown that patients have greater immune response (more antibodies) after being given the high-dose vaccine. Still, further research is needed to know whether this leads to greater protection against influenza, DOH reports.
“There is some evidence people over 60 don’t get a strong immune response to the normal vaccine,” Gilmore says.
He especially recommends the high-dose vaccine to adults over 65 who have multiple health conditions.
Those getting the high-dose vaccine may experience increased site tenderness, but should not experience any other side effects, Gilmore says.
7. Why can’t I get vaccinated while I’m sick?
People with cold symptoms or a fever may be asked to wait to get a flu vaccine because their immune system is already working to address an existing virus. To get the best immune response, Gilmore recommends people wait until they feel healthy again to get a vaccine.
8. I’m expecting, is a flu shot safe for my baby?
The CDC recommends all women who are pregnant, or trying to get pregnant, be vaccinated against the flu. Pregnant women who get influenza vaccine pass their immunity to their babies in the form of flu antibodies which can last for several months after birth.
Gilmore says women who become infected with a flu virus while pregnant are more likely to experience serious symptoms and may even have an increased risk of miscarriage.
Pregnant women get an inactivated vaccine shot, according to the CDC. Postpartum women can receive a live vaccine, and pregnant women do not need to avoid contact with persons recently vaccinated with the live vaccine.
9. Celebrity science has me wondering, is the flu vaccine safe?
Despite endlessly circulating hype, a 2004 comprehensive review by the Institute of Medicine found that there is no relationship between certain vaccine types and autism.
Additionally, Gilmore says this year’s vaccines contain no preservatives or mercury.
10. When is the best time to get a flu shot?
To stay ahead of flu season, Gilmore recommends people get their vaccine in October or early November.
“Some people will wait for the outbreak, but earlier is better,” he says. “Occasionally, places will run out of the vaccine so you want to get yours soon.
Making the Back-to-School Process Easier
Dr. Gilmore appeared on Q13 to talk about how to make your children’s back to school process easier:
Growing Use of E-cigarettes
Dr. Gilmore appeared on Q13 Fox News to discuss the growing use of electronic cigarettes among teens and how parents can have this new conversation with their kids.