How to maximize your infant's immunity

This article from TheScientificParent.org does a great job explaining how maternal vaccinations during pregnancy, infant vaccinations and breastfeeding all play important roles in optimizing a baby's immune system. 

http://thescientificparent.org/passive-immunity-101-will-breast-milk-protect-my-baby-from-getting-sick/

Early introduction of peanut protein probably reduces peanut allergy risk

Does eating peanut protein in infancy reduce peanut allergy risk later?

This New England Journal of Medicine article published online today seems to indicate yes.  As the NYT article below explains, there has been mounting published data over the last decade to support this theory.

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/02/23/feeding-infants-peanut-products-could-prevent-allergies-study-suggests/?smprod=nytcore-iphone&smid=nytcore-iphone-share

Why you should still get the flu vaccine if you haven't already

Flu activity is still high across most of the country with flu illnesses, hospitalizations and deaths elevated. Flu season will probably continue for at least several more weeks to months. While the flu vaccine may not work as well as usual against some H3N2 viruses, vaccination can still protect some people and reduce hospitalizations and deaths, and will protect against other flu viruses. 6 months old is the minimum age for the first dose of the flu vaccine. Don't forget that, in order to be well-protected, children under 9 years old are supposed to get 2 doses of the flu vaccine at least 28 days apart. Influenza antiviral drugs (Tamiflu) can treat flu illness. The CDC recommends these drugs be used to treat people who are very sick or who are at high risk of serious flu complications (for instance all children under 2 years old) who have flu symptoms, even with a negative flu test. Early antiviral treatment works best. Take a look at this great blog post written by the mother of two of my former patients in Houston. The embedded video is particularly moving. www.texaschildrensblog.org/2015/01/its-that-time-of-year-why-getting-your-flu-shot-is-still-important/

Consider adding Forest Lane Pediatrics to your Facebook News Feed

Over the last several months I have posted topics on the Forest Lane Pediatrics Facebook page that I would have posted on this blog in the past. "Liking" the Forest Lane Pediatrics Facebook page at www.facebook.com/forestlanepedi is an easy way to get pediatric health suggestions and articles sent to you on your FaceBook News Feed that were selected by me and my colleagues. 

Thanks to all who have continued to follow my blog.  My current plan is to continue to post in both places when I can. 

-Dr. Clarke

Preparing for the 2014-15 Respiratory Virus Season

Here is a good blog post from Texas Children's Hospital that summarizes how you can prepare your children for the next few months of respiratory viruses. 

Take home message:

-Keep hands clean

-Get the flu vaccine

-Monitor for more serious symptoms

-Cold medicines are largely ineffective and potentially dangerous. 

http://www.texaschildrensblog.org/2014/10/get-ready-for-cold-and-flu-season/

Relocating to Dallas

Written by: Dr. Adrian Clarke

Dear Patient Families,

As many of you already have already read or heard, I am relocating to Dallas and will no longer be practicing at Blue Fish Pediatrics, effective December 21, 2013. All of my patients should receive a letter of notification via US mail in the next few weeks.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my three years at Blue Fish and, although it will be difficult to leave my practice, patients and colleagues, I am confident that your child will continue to receive the highest level of care at Blue Fish Pediatrics.

As part of the effort to ensure a smooth transition for your family, Blue Fish is pleased to announce that Dr. Eric Lindsay will be joining the Memorial office in January 2014. For a complete bio please click on this link: http://bit.ly/1bZAS2N. I am thrilled that such an outstanding pediatrician has been lined up to accept any of my patients who wish to continue at Blue Fish. Dr. Lindsay will be available to accept my patients to the extent that his schedule allows.

I will honor all of my visits scheduled through December 20, 2013. All visits currently scheduled after December 20, 2013 will be receiving a phone call to either reschedule or to keep your appointment and be seen by Dr. Lindsay.

If you have any questions please contact Denny Yu, Practice Manager, by phone at 713-467-1741 or by email at bluefish@bluefishmd.com.

If you would like access to your medical records, please contact Blue Fish Pediatrics for forms and instructions.

I would like to thank you for your continued support and confidence. This is a bittersweet transition for me since I have been in practice in the Houston area for over 11 years. Serving as your family's pediatrician has been a privilege, an honor and a distinct pleasure.

In January 2014, I will be joining Forest Lane Pediatrics at their Medical City location in Dallas. You may contact at:

Forest Lane Pediatrics
7777 Forest Lane,
Building B, Suite 445
Dallas TX, 75230
Phone: 972-284-7770
Fax: 972-284-7780
www.forestlanepediatrics.com

Very truly yours,
R. Adrian Clarke, MD

Avoid codeine after tonsillectomy surgery

Written by: Dr. Adrian Clarke

Earlier this year the FDA issued a warning and changed the label on pain medications that contain codeine because of unpredictable serious adverse effects including death in children.

Codeine is metabolized into morphine and some children are genetically predisposed to be "ultra-rapid  metabolizers". Some of these children have had fatal or life-threatening morphine overdoses after taking typically safe codeine doses for post-op pain management after tonsillectomy. 

The most common codeine-containing medication is acetaminophen with codeine (aka Tylenol #3). 

The FDA now "strongly recommends" against codeine use in post-op tonsillectomy pain management. 

http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm315497.htm