Published Articles
 
 
 
For parents who are concerned about vaccines and are considering alternative schedules, please refer to the article recently published by the AAP which questions the validity of Dr. Sears Book. (See Link Below). This article also has many safety references for parents.
 
SWINE FLU VACCINES
We have received our first doses of the H1N1 live nasal flu vaccine (H1N1 Flumist) in our office. Please schedule an appointment for this vaccine ASAP because it is in high demand.
Who should get the H1N1 live nasal spray vaccine?
  • It is approved for people 2 to 49 years of age.
  • Should particularly be given to those who live with or care for infants under 6 months of age (parents, slblings, daycare providers).
  • Should also be particularly given to Children 2 to 5 years of age.
The H1N1 nasal spray vaccine CAN NOT be given to some groups of children, so they will have to wait until we receive the injectable inactivated H1N1 flu shot.
 
People who cannot get the live nasal spray vaccine include:
 
  • Those with severe allergy to eggs.
  • Children younger than 2 years of age (and older than 50 years).
  • Pregnant women.
  • Those with weakened immune system.
  • Anyone with long-term health problems such as: heart disease, lung disease, asthma, kidney or liver disease, metabolic disease (such as diabetes), anemia or other blood disorders.
  • Children younger than 5 years who have frequent or recent wheezing episodes.
  • Anyone with muscle or nerve disorders (such as cerebral palsy).
  • Anyone in close contact with a person with a severely weakened immune system.
  • Children on long-term aspirin treatment.
In addition, please note that if your child has received another live viral vaccine in the last 4 weeks such as Varivax (chickenpox), MMR or the seasonal nasal spray vaccine (seasonal Flumist), they will have to wait 4 weeks before getting the H1N1 live nasal spray vaccine. Also, children 2 to 9 years who receive their first H1N1 vaccine will need a second H1N1 vaccine in 4 weeks later. Older children and adults only need one dose.
 
Please see the CDC H1N1 website for more information and you can read the complete Vaccine Information Sheet from the CDC on the H1N1 nasal flu vaccine. We will be getting the injectable H1N1 vaccine for those who are not eligible for the nasal spray vaccine, but do not have an estimated shipment date at this time. We are also expecting to get more of our seasonal flu vaccine and will keep you posted.
 
We are keeping our website updated with the status of our flu vaccine supplies, so we suggest you check this page often.
 
 
Types of Flu
The "seasonal" flu refers to the usual influenza we see every season. There are two types, influenza A and influenza B. We offer a rapid flu test in our office that can test for type A and type B. This is done with a nasal swab and takes a few minutes to run. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all children ages 6 months to 19 years receive a flu vaccine. It is particularly important for children with underlying chronic diseases such as asthma and diabetes.
The other flu is the "swine flu" or "H1N1" flu. This is a highly contagious flu because humans have not been exposed to this strain prior to this year, and therefore, we have no resistance to it.
 
 
How does 2009 H1N1 virus spread?
Spread of 2009 H1N1 virus is thought to occur in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something – such as a surface or object – with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose
 
 
What are the signs and symptoms of this virus in people?
The symptoms of 2009 H1N1 flu virus in people include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with this virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting. Severe illnesses and death has occurred as a result of illness associated with this virus.
 
 
How long can an infected person spread this virus to others?
People infected with seasonal and 2009 H1N1 flu shed virus and may be able to infect others from 1 day before getting sick to 5 to 7 days after. This can be longer in some people, especially children and people with weakened immune systems and in people infected with the new H1N1 virus.
 
 
Prevention & Treatment
 
What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
A vaccine is available right now to protect against seasonal influenza. We offer both the vaccine and FluMist in our office. The injectable flu vaccine is in inactivated vaccine with killed virus that is given as a shot. Side effects from this vaccine can include: soreness, redness or swelling where the shot was given as well as fever or aches. Flumist is given in the nose. This vaccine is made with live weakened flu viruses that do not casue the flu. Flumist is preservative-free and given to healthy people between 2 and 49 years old. Side effects for children can include: runny nose, cough, fever, headache, muscle aches and wheezing.
 
 
Take these everyday steps to protect your health:
  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
  • Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
  • If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.) Keep away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Put your used tissue in the waste basket. Then, clean your hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze.
 
Other important actions that you can take are:
  • Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
  • Be prepared in case you get sick and need to stay home for a week or so; a supply of over-the-counter medicines, alcohol-based hand rubs, tissues and other related items might could be useful and help avoid the need to make trips out in public while you are sick and contagious.
 
In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
  • Fast breathing or trouble breathing
  • Bluish or gray skin color
  • Not drinking enough fluids
  • Severe or persistent vomiting
  • Not waking up or not interacting
  • Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
  • Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough.
 
How long can influenza virus remain viable on objects (such as books and doorknobs)?
Studies have shown that influenza virus can survive on environmental surfaces and can infect a person for 2 to 8 hours after being deposited on the surface.
 
 
What kills influenza virus?
Influenza virus is destroyed by heat (167-212°F [75-100°C]). In addition, several chemical germicides, including chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, detergents (soap), iodophors (iodine-based antiseptics), and alcohols are effective against human influenza viruses if used in proper concentration for a sufficient length of time. For example, wipes or gels with alcohol in them can be used to clean hands. The gels should be rubbed into hands until they are dry.
 
 
WHO Should receive the H1N1 Vaccine?
CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has recommended that certain groups of the population receive the 2009 H1N1 vaccine when it first becomes available. These target groups include pregnant women, people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age, healthcare and emergency medical services personnel, persons between the ages of 6 months and 24 years old, and people ages of 25 through 64 years of age who are at higher risk for 2009 H1N1 because of chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems.
 
 
We expect to offer this vaccine in our office. Please keep informed of the vaccines availability on this website.
 
 
 
Keep your sick kids home from school. Visit www.cdc.gov/h1n1 for more information.
Keep your sick kids home from school!
For More info, visit the CDC Website!
 
 
Vaccines for parents!
 
If you are a parent or you care for newborns and young infants, pay attention - you might need a vaccination!

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is advising these groups of people to make sure they have a current Tdap (diptheria-tetanus-pertussis) booster. This vaccine is licensed for patients 10-64 years old and can be given to any family member or caregiver (except pregnant women) at any time. It is recommended that pregnant women receive it at the time of hospital discharge or as soon as possible after leaving the hospital. These recommendations are to protect infants during the first moneths of life when they haven't received their first pertussis vaccine. In the past few months, RADY Children's Hospital has seen several infants less than 2 months of age admitted to the NICU and PICU with pertussis. Many of these newborns experienced respiratory failure. In most cases the source of pertussis is one of the parents. If you haven't had a Dtap booster in 10 years, it's time to get one! Contact our office for more information.

 
 
PINK EYE STUDY
 
Our offices are participating in a FDA study for a new pink eye medication.
To be eligible, participants must have pink eye and symptoms must be within the past 4 days ( no longer than 4 days) and must be 1 month of age or older. Patients will have 3 scheduled office visits, 2 with the physician and the final one with a Board Certified Ophthalmologist. All study -related medication and physician evaluations will be provided at no cost. Patient will be reimbursed for time and travel. The trial will involve 3 scheduled office visits over 4 to 5 days. The best days to enroll subjects are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday as it does not require a weekend visit.
 
 
THANK YOU PATIENTS!
Dr. Hitchcock is honored to receive the 2008 Patients' Choice Award. This award is voted on by patients across the U.S. who provide feedback about their experiences with doctors. Of the nation's 720,000 active physicians, less than 5% were awarded this honor. The providers and staff at La Jolla Pediatrics/La Costa Pediatrics look forward to providing the best possible care to our patients in 2009 and beyond.
 
 
PEDIATRIC SPECIALISTS NOW IN NORTH COUNTY!
Several of the pediatric specialists, including those from Rady Children's Hospital of San Diego, have satellite offices in the North County Area. Our office continues to support them, however, at times it is difficult for our patients to be seen in a timely manner by these specialists. In an effort to provide these services to our patients, several new specialists have been recruited to have office hours available at 477 N. El Camino Real, Suite C300 and Suite C204. While these offices are adjacent to El Camino Pediatrics, these specialists are part of a separate practice and are available to La Costa Pediatric patients as well.
 
 
SUITE C300
Pediatric Cardiology Drs. Berjis and Chu (714) 547-0900 Monday afternoons
Pediatric Endocrinology Dr. Sherry Franklin (858) 715-0465 Thursday all day
Pediatric Neurology Dr. Andrew McIntosh (949) 249-3780 Tuesday morning
Orthopedics Dr. Robert Clifford (760) 942-0565 Tues-Fri afternoons
SUITE C204
Pediatric Dermatology Dr. Bari Cunningham (760) 634-DERM Mon-Fri all day
 
 
FLU SEASON
For specific information about swine flu updates in our county, please go to the following website: www.sdcounty.ca.gov/hhsa/
 
The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) website has the latest information about swine flu (or any potential flu pandemic).
Please refer to: www.cdc.gov
 
Flu Vaccination is now recommended for ALL patients six months of age and older (up to 18 years) as well as for parents of infants who are under the age of six months during the flu season (November – March). Children who have asthma or weakened immune systems should absolutely receive a flu vaccine.
 
 
FluMist
FluMist is an alternative to the flu shot. It is a gentle mist that is sprayed into the nose. It can be given to children ages 2 or older. FluMist is not given to children who are allergic to eggs, or have asthma or weakened immune systems. Most PPO insurance plans cover the cost of this vaccine. If you are unsure whether your plan covers FluMist, please call your insurance company.
 
 
Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
Parents of newborns are also recommended to receive a pertussis booster. In the first few months of life, infants are particularly vulnerable to pertussis infection. This is because newborns don’t receive a pertussis vaccine until two months of age and don’t develop adequate levels of immunity until they receive their 3rd immunization at six months of age. This disease can be deadly in a newborn. It is also highly contagious. The majority of children who get pertussis are exposed at home by a family member or other caregiver. Adults who had routine immunizations in childhood can become vulnerable to pertussis infection. This is because the effectiveness of a vaccination can fade over time. If parents are unable to receive the pertussis booster through their physician’s office, contact us.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
La Costa Pediatrics - Comprehensive healthcare for your Child
Call us today for a consultation at: (760) 633-3640
We are open Monday through Friday. . Click Here for our office hours!
We look forward to meeting you.
 
 
 
© Copyright 2009. All Rights Reserved . La Jolla Pediatrics . |. .Webmaster . | . Disclaimer
Best viewed with Internet Explorer, version 4+, with a monitor resolution of 800x600, 16 to 32 bit color depth.