Coughs: Meds or Home Remedies?

Medicines (OTC) Over-the-Counter (OTC) cough and cold medicines can cause side effects. These side effects can be serious in young children. The risks of using these medicines outweigh any benefits. In 2008, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) looked at this issue in children. They recommended these medicines never be used in young children. After […]

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Antibiotics: When Do They Help?

Antibiotics are strong medicines that can kill bacteria. They have saved many lives and prevented bad outcomes. These drugs do not kill viruses. They only work on bacteria. Every day, doctors must decide if a child’s infection is viral or bacterial. Here’s how they do it: Bacterial Infections Much less common than viral infections. Antibiotics […]

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Emergency Symptoms Not to Miss!

Most life-threatening emergencies are easy to recognize. You would not overlook major bleeding, breathing that stops, a seizure or a coma. You would call 911 for help. If you suspected poisoning, you would call the Poison Helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Some emergency symptoms, however, can be missed or ignored. Here’s that important list: If your child has any of […]

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