All children need to get a tetanus shot. When we think of tetanus we often think of rusty nails; however, this bacterium isn’t just found on rusty metal items, it also lives in soil and dirt. If bacteria come in contact with a wound or opening in the skin this can lead to a serious infection. If your child, like many, enjoys running around outside barefoot, they must be keeping up with their tetanus shots.

• Painful and severe muscle spasms
• Shoulder, jaw, and neck stiffness
• Difficulty breathing and swallowing
• Rapid heart rate
• Fever

Do your part to stop the spread of coronavirus among children and teens.

With COVID-19 cases on the rise across the country, it’s important that we make our best efforts to keep our families safe and reduce the spread of the virus in our communities.  The hardest part is knowing when one might be exposed, especially when children may be asymptomatic yet capable of sharing the infection.  We are providing testing for our patients, using both a quick antigen test performed on-site with results within a few hours, and the more sensitive PCR test which is sent to the reference lab and may take a few days to get a result.  However, prevention is the best medicine and there are familiar routines we advocate that can help.

Wash Your Hands

Nothing works better than hand washing.  It is most effective when using soap, washing the front and back of the hands, and doing it for 20 seconds (the time it takes to sing the Happy Birthday song twice).  If there isn’t soap and water available, make sure that your child has access to hand sanitizer that has at least 60 percent alcohol. Then have them wash their hands properly when possible.

Wear a Mask

Wearing a face mask over your nose and mouth dramatically reduces the spread of the virus.  Wearing a mask when out in public or in any group setting outside of your home down to age 5, and younger if they are willing and able.  This is a big commitment and, for some, an inconvenience, but even if it reduces the likelihood of spread by 10%, it can save lives.  Help your kids get used to and feel good about wearing a mask.  Put one on their favorite stuffed animal.  Praise them for their good behavior.  Find fun and interesting masks that they can choose and feel good about wearing.

Keep Your Distance

There is no more effective way to prevent infection or spread of the virus than social distancing.  That starts with staying at home more, at least until we see this pandemic recede.  If you are in a group setting, the common advice of a 6-foot perimeter and limited numbers of people in gatherings is the smart way to go.  If you are not in contact with infected people-and many do not know they are infected and spreading the virus because they are asymptomatic-you will not get it!

When to get tested

There are many situations where testing for COVID-19 is appropriate and even required.  If you are notified that someone you or your child was around has tested positive, testing should be considered.  It is important to know who in your household is at high risk for severe disease and to understand how to deal with a positive test.  Our offices are available for telemedicine visits (virtual visits from your home or other location) and we can provide testing in the offices and offer “curbside” services at our Fairfax, Herndon, and Aldie locations.  Please call the office to arrange an appointment and we will accommodate your needs as quickly and conveniently as possible.

If you have questions about COVID testing or any of the other services we offer, simply call us at (703) 573-2432.

Accidents happen. Perhaps your child hurt themselves falling off their bike or taking a rough tumble down the stairs. In these instances, the first thing you’ll probably do is check your child over for bumps, bruises, and possibly broken bones. It’s important to recognize whether your child could be dealing with a broken bone so that you can bring them in to see their pediatrician right away.

• Pain
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Tenderness
• A popping or snapping sound at the moment of impact or injury
• Trouble straightening out the limb or affected area
• Unable to put weight on the area
• Limited range of motion or unable to move normally

A urinary tract infection isn’t just something that happens to adults. Children can also develop UTIs. Since children are more likely to suffer from kidney damage as a result of a UTI you must see your pediatric doctor right away if you suspect that your child may be dealing with a urinary tract infection. Signs and symptoms include,

• Increased urgency to urinate, even if there is no output
• Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
• A decreased output of urine
• Children may complain of a burning sensation when urinating
• Older children may complain of lower stomach or back pain
• Younger children may cry when urinating
• Wetting the bed