Children’s Health Topics

Common Cold in Children

Children get up to 8 colds per year. It is more frequent in the winter or rainy season. They get it mostly from other infected children. The common cold usually involves a runny nose, nasal congestion, sore throat, sneezing, cough and a headache. Infected children should get plenty of rest and drink a lot of fluids. Over the counter cough and cold medicines are not advisable for children under the age of six. The symptoms should disappear within a week. If not please consult your doctor. You can also find more information in this website:

Vaccination of Children

The vaccination of children has proven to be highly effective and has finally led to the near elimination of common childhood diseases such as polio, measles and tetanus. Children get the various vaccines at particular ages and the schedule is published by the US Center for Disease Control at this website:

Additional information about vaccines and immunization maybe obtained at:

Ear Infection in Children

An ear infection is usually a bacterial or viral infection of the space behind the eardrum. They can be painful because of inflammation and fluid buildup. It is estimated that three out of four children will have an ear infection by their third birthday. Treatment consists of pain management and antibiotics. Please consult your doctor. More information can be found at:

​Car Seats for Children

In the US, auto accidents are one of the major causes of injury and death in children. In the state of California, the law states that: Children MUST be secured in an appropriate child passenger restraint IN THE REAR SEAT OF A VEHICLE until they are at least 8 years old. Please check for updates and general information on the recommended use of car seat for children can be found at:

Helmets for Children

Many serious head injuries in children can be prevented by helmet use. Under California law, children under the age of 18 need properly fastened helmets for riding bicycles, skateboards and non motorized scooters. I highly recommend helmet use for skiing and snowboarding also (this might become law soon). More information can be found at: