American Academy of Family Physicians.
American Academy of Family Physicians.
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The Dangers of Secondhand Smoke
Just because you aren’t the person smoking the cigarette doesn’t mean it can’t harm you. Secondhand smoke contains more than… younger your child is when they are exposed to secondhand smoke, the more serious the effects. These can include: Frequent and chronic ear infections. Repeated…
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Viral Infections During Pregnancy
If you are pregnant, it’s important to take precautions against viral infections to protect you and your baby… can get the vaccine in advance if you are not immune. Symptoms of rubella in adults are joint pain and a possible ear infection. The virus can…
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Childhood Vaccines: What They Are and Why Your Child Needs Them
Most schools and daycares require certain childhood vaccines, but they’re also good for your child’s health… is the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine? The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) protects against a type of bacteria that is a common cause of ear infections and pneumonia. This type of bacteria can…
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Hearing Evaluation in Children
Hearing evaluations are key in early diagnosis and intervention of childhood hearing loss. Early intervention will provide you with more… This type of hearing loss is associated with a problem in the middle ear that prevents sound to travel from the outer ear to the…
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Newborn Sleep Routines
Establishing a sleep routine for your newborn will help both the baby and you develop stability and predictability… them. If your baby’s sleep pattern changes suddenly, call your doctor. It could be a sign of illness, such as an ear infection. Questions to ask your doctor…
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Measles
Measles (also called rubeola) is a serious respiratory illness. This means it affects the lungs and breathing tubes. It also… With travel returning to pre-COVID levels and back-to-school season not far off, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is urging parents and…
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Sore Throat
A sore throat can feel irritated or scratchy with mild to burning pain. Most sore throats are caused by viruses,… What is a sore throat? A sore throat means that your throat hurts. It feels irritated or scratchy. You may feel mild discomfort or a…
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Pneumococcal Vaccines for Seniors
Pneumococcal vaccines help to prevent pneumonia. Adults 65 and older, for whom pneumonia can be fatal, should get two different… What is a pneumococcal vaccine? A pneumococcal vaccine is an injected medicine that can protect against and often prevent pneumococcal disease. Pneumococcal disease is…
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Antibiotics: When They Can and Can't Help
Antibiotics are medicines prescribed by your doctor to treat infections. Overuse can lead to antibiotic resistance… Antibiotics are medicines prescribed by your doctor. They treat infections. Don't misuse antibiotics. Antibiotic resistance means that bacteria in your body becomes resistant to antibiotics over time. This…
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Scarlet Fever
Scarlet fever is a bacterial infection that usually effects children between the ages of 5 and 15. It can be… What is scarlet fever? Scarlet fever is a bacterial infection. The disease used to be more common and severe, but now it is treatable…
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Why Should I Breastfeed?
Deciding whether or not to breastfeed is a very personal decision. Learn about the advantages and challenges of breastfeeding… Breast milk is the perfect food for your baby. Many health organizations, including the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), recommend that mothers breastfeed their newborn…
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Ear Problems
Ear problems are often caused by an infection. However, other conditions may also cause ear pain or discomfort. Follow this… Ear problems are often caused by an infection. However, other conditions may also cause ear pain or discomfort. Follow this chart for more information about…
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Meniere’s Disease
Meniere’s disease is an inner ear problem that can cause dizziness and ringing in the ears but is not contagious… What is Meniere’s disease? Meniere’s disease is a problem that occurs in your inner ear. No one knows exactly what causes it, but it…
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Labyrinthitis
Labyrinthitis is a condition that affects a part of the inner ear called the labyrinth. When it is swollen, you… What is labyrinthitis? Labyrinthitis (say: “lab-uh-rinth-eye-tus”) is a condition that affects a part of the inner ear called the labyrinth. Normally, the labyrinth helps…
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Polyps
Polyps are abnormal growths of tissue that can occur in different places including your colon, nose, ear, throat, and stomach… What are polyps? Polyps are abnormal growths of tissue. They are small and can be shaped like a raised bump or a stalk with…
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Flu Myths
The flu is something to take seriously. But it’s important to sort out fact from fiction to stay healthy… The flu, or influenza, is a viral infection. It occurs in your respiratory (breathing) area and affects your throat, lungs, and nose. There are a…
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Colds and the Flu
Learn about the symptoms of and treatments for colds and the flu… What is a cold and what is the flu? A cold and the flu are viral infections. They both affect your respiratory system. This includes your throat, nose, airway and lungs. It…
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Mumps
Learn about mumps and how it can be prevented… What are mumps? Mumps is a virus. It causes the glands around your neck (between your ear and jaw) to swell. These glands make the saliva (spit) that helps you chew and swallow food. Mumps…
