Gain Knowledge About Common Childhood Illnesses and Threats

Our Lubbock, TX office has access to the resources and information to keep your child safe

At West Texas Pediatrics, we understand that you'd do anything to keep your children safe and healthy. Here is some helpful info for parents and guardians on common childhood illnesses and dangers:

• RSV symptoms: Peaks in fall/winter and affects the lungs, especially in infants. Early symptoms resemble a cold but worsen by days 3-5. Children showing symptoms should seek medical evaluation.
• Molluscum Contagiosum: Skin lesions from a poxvirus, self-resolving in months to years. Avoid squeezing lesions and schedule an evaluation.
• Hand, Foot, Mouth Disease: A highly contagious virus causing fever, sore throat, blisters, and rash. You should treat symptoms promptly to prevent dehydration.
• Strep Throat: Bacterial infection requiring antibiotics if positive. Common symptoms include a sore throat, nausea and rashes. Supportive care includes hydration, pain relief, and saltwater gargles.
• Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888, text 233733. Involves forced labor/sex trafficking.
• Screen Time: The recommended limit is 2 hours per day. Monitor exposure to social media, gaming, and online interactions.
• Headaches: Common in kids, often due to illness, stress, or dehydration. Seek care if severe, frequent, or associated with vision changes or vomiting.
• Adolescent Protein Needs: Girls should consume 46g/day, and boys should consume 52g/day for boys.

If your child is showing RSV symptoms or signs of another common childhood illness, call us at 806-780-6868 to schedule an appointment in Lubbock, TX.

Stay summer safe and aware

Do your children spend significant amounts of time in the sun every summer? Here are some ways to keep them safe:

• Sunscreen: Use SPF 15-30+, broad-spectrum. Avoid oxybenzone/PABA. Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours.
• Swimming: Drowning accidents are the leading cause of death in young kids. Use barriers, supervision, swim lessons, life jackets, and CPR training.
• Tanning: There are no safe tanning beds, and each exposure increases the risk of skin cancer. Self-tanners are a safer option.
• Insect Bites: Use EPA-approved repellents like DEET (10-30%) and avoid the hands and face. You should wash repellents off daily.

Get in touch for more information on any of the above topics.