Autism and vaccines
March 14, 2008 by Kenneth Carlson, MD
There has been increasing press about a possible link between autism and vaccines due to a family recently being awarded monetary damages from a vaccine court. At this time there is no medical evidence of any link between autism and vaccines. The details of the recent case, including the reason for the payment has not yet been made public. What makes the case unique is the patient had a rare mitochondrial disorder that was causing autistic features. At this time the cause of autism is not known for most kids but there are many known underlying disorders that have autistic features, including some mitochondrial disorders and congenital rubella (to name a few). Childhood Health Associates of Salem strongly supports the use of vaccines in all kids as the best method of prevention for many serious infectious diseases. Please check out the links below for people from various sources who are more eloquent than I on this very important topic.
- Autism and Vaccine Safety from the AAP
- Vaccines are Safe from Newsmax.com
- Transcript from recent discussion at the CDC with the media
- CDC page on autism
- What if we stopped vaccinating?
- San Diego Measles outbreak update
- NYT opinion piece written by Paul Offitt
Influenza has come to Oregon
March 1, 2008 by Kenneth Carlson, MD
As you’ve probably heard in the news, influenza has come to town. We have noticed increasing cases beginninng in mid-February. This has placed an increased strain on our clinic limiting our same day availability. If you want your child seen, be sure to call early in the day. Read on to learn more about influenza disease and how to take care of it.
Influenza is a respiratory virus that follows a seasonal pattern of infection, typically peaking January to March. It is characterized by prolonged fever (often up to 5 days), combined with headache, sore throat, muscle aches, congestion and cough. Treatment is supportive including rest, fluids, and ibuprofen. Read more
Honey for coughs
February 6, 2008 by Kenneth Carlson, MD
A recent study comparing honey to cough syrup showed that honey worked BETTER. The timing of this study couldn’t be better with increasing concern from the FDA regarding the safety of cough and cold medications for young children. I have been recommending to families for several months now and most families seem to be excited about the idea. Cough relief seems to come from the honey “coating” the throat. Dose can be repeated as often as needed.
The main precaution is for children under one year old when honey and corn syrup is NOT recommended due to concerns about botulism infection. If using corn syrup only use pasteurized or “botulism-free” corn syrup for infants.
More information:
* Prescribing Honey for Coughs
* Honey, corn syrup in Infants from drpaul.coml
Flu shot supply dwindling
January 23, 2008 by Kenneth Carlson, MD
While influenza has not yet come to Oregon in any great numbers we are getting down to our last few dosages of influenza vaccine. We are no longer having walk-in Saturday flu shot clinics. If your child is scheduled to come in for a shot be sure to call first to check on availability.
Every influenza season is different but most often the disease incidence peaks in February. For the latest monitoring check out CDC Flu Activity Read more
Study finds no link with vaccine preservative and autism
January 8, 2008 by Kenneth Carlson, MD
The New York Times is quoting a recent study in California that monitored the rate of autism before and after the removal of thimerisol from childhood vaccines. The rate continued to increase well after the preservative was removed. Read more
Last flu shot clinic for season 12/1
November 27, 2007 by Kenneth Carlson, MD
We are getting low on our inventory and planning to have our last walk-in Saturday flu shot clinic for our patients on 12/1. We will have some doses remaining available by appointment. If your child is in a high risk group we strongly coming in this Saturday for an influenza vaccines. See previous post for more information about current recommendations regarding influenza vaccination.
Croup has come to town
October 22, 2007 by Kenneth Carlson, MD
As we often see this time of year there has been an increase in cases of croup.
Croup is when a viral cold causes swelling near and just below a child’s voice box. If a child is older they will have cold symptoms, harsh cough and a hoarse voice. If a child is younger (typically less than 5 years old) they more often can have some breathing problems from croup. The narrowing near the voice box can lead to stridor. This is a harsh and sometimes musical sound loudest when a child is breathing in. Symptoms are often worse at night and often come on suddenly. Read more
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