John M. Young, MD

Pediatrician In Amarillo, Texas

Best of Amarillo - Pediatrician

Flu

Signs Of The Flu Vs. The Cold In Children

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It’s cold and flu season once again! We’re stuck between the two overlapping seasons, and both viruses are running rampant. School attendance rates are plummeting due to the spread of illness, and some have even closed their campuses to help prevent it from spreading. Even so, both viruses are highly contagious. It is likely your child will catch at least one of them sometime in the year. So, how do you know whether your child has the flu or a cold? Here’s a quick guide to help you identify symptoms and find the best course of action.

Know the difference between the flu and cold

The flu and the cold share similar symptoms, so it can be difficult to determine which one your child may have. Both are viral infections that affect the upper respiratory system, but their effects differ slightly. Keep a close eye on your children and track their symptoms.

Flu symptoms

The flu tends to hit quickly and strongly. The symptoms pile on all at once and generally feel like an amplified version of a cold. People with the flu experience fevers of 101° or higher, have chills, and will often have sore, aching muscles. If your child has a runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, dry coughs, nausea, vomiting, and seems lethargic or tired, chances are it’s the flu. This viral infection usually lasts anywhere between 7 to 14 days, and symptoms can linger for much longer. It’s highly contagious and there isn’t anything gradual about it.

Cold symptoms

Colds like to take their time with their symptoms. Your child may complain about a sore throat one day, then two days later they have a runny nose and a cough. These viral infections cause mild fevers, coughing, sneezing, sore throats, and runny noses. If all these symptoms are present, but your child still has the energy to run and play, it’s most likely just a cold. Colds usually only last for 3 to 10 days.

Treatments for the cold and flu

There is no direct cure, but if your child has come down with a cold, there are a few remedies to help them feel better. First of all, keep them hydrated! Water, natural juice, and warm lemon water with honey are great to prevent dehydration. Make sure they get a lot of rest, make them warm soup, and have a humidifier nearby to help with congestion. To reduce pain, ask your doctor about the appropriate dosage of acetaminophen to give your child.

Remedies for the flu are more or less the same. Make sure your child drinks a lot of water. Avoid any kind of soda or sugary drinks, as they can make sore throats worse. Warm soup, lots of rest, and occasional pain medicine will help make the symptoms more bearable. Your doctor may even prescribe some antiviral medication that could reduce the amount of time needed for recovery.

Even if you’re fairly certain you know which virus may be making your kid sick, it’s still a good idea to contact your doctor. There are several different strains of both the flu and cold, and it can be easy to overlook certain symptoms. Other illnesses also share the same symptoms as these two, such as strep throat or pneumonia. If you have any doubts at all, call your child’s doctor to be sure. This is especially important for higher-risk children. The flu can be dangerous and even deadly to kids with asthma, heart conditions, or weak immune systems.

Stop the flu before it happens

The best way to keep your child from catching any strain of the flu is to have them vaccinated. The vaccine is available for all children over 6 months old and can save your child’s life. The flu can lead to more serious issues further down the road, like pneumonia and encephalitis. The CDC has reported 28 flu-related pediatric deaths over the 2018-19 flu season. Don’t take the risk of leaving your child or yourself unprotected.

Looking for a pediatrician in Amarillo, Tx?

Do you need more information about the flu or vaccination to protect your child? Dr. John Young is an experienced pediatrician that is more than willing to answer any questions you may have. Dr. Young and his friendly staff will do everything they can to keep your child happy and healthy. Call us at (806) 354-0404 ext. 3330 or send us an email to learn more about what we can do for you. You can also visit us in person at 1500 S. Coulter St., Suite #3 in Amarillo, Texas.

The Importance Of Scheduling A Prenatal Visit With A Pediatrician

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It may not be the best idea to wait until you leave the hospital with your baby in your arms to start thinking about a pediatrician. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests that expectant mothers and their families schedule a pediatrician visit before the baby is born. This is an opportunity to address common concerns and questions, such as a concern about immunizations or your own health.

Benefits of visiting with a pediatrician before giving birth

There are many benefits to setting up a pediatrician visit before your baby’s due date. You can concentrate on talking with the doctor about concerns and questions without having to watch your baby at the same time. This type of doctor visit allows the pediatrician to form a picture of the whole family as well. They will ask about medical histories, lifestyles, mental health, high-risk complications, and current medical conditions.

The AAP says that scheduling a prenatal pediatrician visit is especially helpful to first-time parents, new patients, and single parents. Families who have experienced a perinatal death and those who have high-risk pregnancies, multiple gestations, or pregnancy complications can also benefit from early pediatrician visits. Families who are adopting a child may also benefit from this type of doctor visit.

The expectation is that this visit will lay the foundation for a long relationship between your family and the pediatrician. It helps establish trust and address issues that could arise in the future. A pediatrician can also become a needed part of a support network for you and your family.

Considering vaccines

Immunizations are a common concern for expecting mothers, so they should be a subject that you discuss with a pediatrician. Visiting the doctor early gives you time to ask questions and think about the immunizations your child may need. There is much research about vaccines and the protection they offer. All pediatricians follow a standard schedule for immunizations. This was designed to provide the best and safest vaccines at the right time for the most protection.

Immunizations are designed to be spaced out on a specific schedule to make the most of the immunologic response in your child. The guidelines for delivering these vaccines are based on intense study and the best medical research and opinions.

Newborn children only receive one vaccine, so do not get overwhelmed thinking about what he or she will need. Hepatitis B is the only one delivered at the newborn stage. It is often given to your baby before they go home from the hospital or it will be given by your pediatrician soon after birth. Your child will be two months of age before another vaccine is needed.

You and others who will be caring for your baby will need to make sure that you all are up to date on your own vaccines. A pediatrician can help with this step. Caregivers and pregnant women should get the Tdap vaccine to prevent pertussis (whooping cough) and the influenza vaccine (flu).

Preparing for a pediatrician visit

Come to your pediatrician visit ready with questions about any concerns you have. The doctor will gather information about your health history, past pregnancies, your plans for delivery, and how prepared you are to take care of a baby. They may also ask about feeding plans, your support system, how you feel about parenthood, childcare and work schedules, mental health, and lifestyle risk factors.

An issue that has received attention in recent years is the experience that some new mothers have with postpartum mental health complications. A prenatal visit with the pediatrician can give you the opportunity to plan ahead for dealing with this condition if it should trouble you. Being prepared helps you identify your needs and get help from your own doctor or mental health professional when your baby arrives.

Looking for a pediatrician in Amarillo, Texas

Whether it is the issue of vaccines, wellness care, or postpartum depression, a visit to a pediatrician before you give birth is a good choice. Preparing yourself for your new baby is a great way to give both of you a happy start in your new life.

Dr. John M. Young and his team are committed to providing the best clinical experience for you and your child. Contact Us by email or call our office at (806) 354-0404 ext. 3330 to find out more about vaccinations, prenatal and postpartum care, and to schedule an appointment. You can also visit us in person at 1500 S. Coulter St. Suite #3 in Amarillo, Texas to learn more about our Services, including recommended and required vaccines.

What You Should Know About Your Child’s First Vaccines

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Diseases have decreased substantially since the introduction of vaccines. The threat of disease has not been entirely eliminated, but thanks to vaccines, occurrences are much less frequent. One reason the risk remains is that not all parents vaccinate their children. When fewer babies receive their vaccines, more children can become sick. The following are seven diseases parents can help reduce by their having children vaccinated.

Pertussis

Pertussis, also known as “whooping cough”, is an infection of your child’s respiratory tract and is highly contagious. This disease is severe for babies, toddlers, teens, and even adults, but is entirely preventable with a vaccine. Once you’ve been exposed to Pertussis (and are not vaccinated), you can expect symptoms to develop within five to ten days.

Symptoms begin with a runny nose, low fever, and mild cough. Infants with the disease may experience pauses in their breathing patterns. These symptoms can easily be mistaken for the beginnings of the common cold. Over a short time, the cough becomes more severe and sounds like a deep and harsh “whoop” that can lead to vomiting. If your child contracts Pertussis, the cough could become severe enough to cause exhaustion. This disease can lead to pneumonia, brain damage, seizures, or even death. With the DTaP vaccine, you can prevent your child from contracting this dangerous illness.

Polio

Polio is a severe disease that can lead to paralysis. This virus may be transmitted by water and then spread from person to person. Polio attacks the nervous system and once contracted, it cannot be cured. Polio has not come from the United States since 1979, but it was brought into the US in 1993 by someone who was not vaccinated. It only takes one person with polio to bring this disease back. After the vaccine was created in the 1950s, polio cases have mostly been eliminated. The only way to continue keeping Polio out of the country is to get the vaccine.

Diphtheria

Diphtheria causes inflammation of the mucous membranes and is considered highly contagious. This disease can hinder your child’s breathing and ability to swallow. The disease can also cause nerve damage or fatally damage to your child’s heart. The DTaP vaccine is able to prevent your child from catching this potentially fatal disease.

Haemophilus influenzae b (Hib)

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is another disease your child is at risk of without a vaccine. It can cause lifelong disability and in some cases even death. This disease is caused by bacteria and is especially dangerous for children under the age of five. Meningitis is the most common disease caused by Hib. It can cover your child’s spinal cord and brain, causing severe damage. Symptoms of meningitis include confusion, high fever, pain from bright lights, poor appetite, vomiting, reduced alertness, a stiff neck, and headaches. The Hib vaccine is the best option to prevent this disease.

Tetanus

Your child’s best defense against this infection is to receive the DTaP vaccine. Tetanus is a severe infection caused by bacterium that can affect your child’s nervous system and brain. This infection can cause stiffness in the muscles, serious breathing problems, and muscle spasms, and even become fatal.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B infects the liver and often only affects adults for a short time before they recover. This disease can sometimes occur without symptoms and when they do appear, they resemble the flu. It can lead to more serious conditions such as liver damage or even liver cancer. Hepatitis B is a virus that spreads through blood contact and body fluids. A vaccine is necessary to prevent the risk of contracting this disease.

Pneumococcal disease

The pneumococcal disease, also called pneumococcus, is an infection caused by bacterium. This disease can result in an infection of the blood, infection of the middle ear, bacterial meningitis, or pneumonia. Invasive pneumococcal can cause shock and has a risk of death. It can also lead to meningitis or pneumonia, which inflames one or both lungs. Pneumococcus is one of the biggest causes of pneumonia. A vaccine against this disease is the only way to prevent contracting these severe health risks.

Vaccine safety

Some children should not be given vaccines, like those that are mild to severely sick at the time of vaccination. Children who have shown signs of allergies to vaccines in the past, or who are allergic to substances in any vaccine, should not be given certain shots.

Speak with your pediatrician before your child receives their DTaP vaccine and ask about reactions to ensure your child will not have one. The doctor should be able to tell you the risks involved with vaccines, how to spot serious reactions, and what to do if your child is allergic to a vaccine.

Vaccinations in Amarillo, Texas

Dr. John M. Young and his team are committed to providing the best clinical experience for you and your child. Contact Us by email or call our office at (806) 354-0404 ext. 3330 to learn more about vaccinations and to schedule an appointment with us. You can also visit us in person at 1500 S. Coulter St. Suite #3 in Amarillo, Texas to learn more about our Services, including recommended and required Vaccines.

Understanding Vaccines For Your Teenage Or College-Age Child

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Teenage and college-age children have usually had several vaccines by this time in their lives. You are probably still not comfortable watching them get more, even though you have experienced vaccinations with them before. If your teen had no negative reaction from past vaccines, they are unlikely to have them in current and future vaccinations. If they did have a negative reaction to one or more shots, be sure to discuss this with their doctor before they receive any more. It is important to show your teen that you think getting vaccines is an important thing to do. They follow directions from you and need to see that this course of action is necessary.

Some teens have a tendency to faint after a shot or vaccination. It is recommended that they lie down or sit during the administration of a vaccine. Your doctor or the office staff may keep your teen there for about 15 minutes after the vaccination to make sure everything is okay. Knowing the information listed above can help you prepare your teenager or college-age child for their vaccines. The following can also help you know what to do for their next set of shots.

Preparing yourself for your child’s shots

Be sure to bring records of your teen’s past vaccinations with you to the doctor’s office. Usually, vaccines are given after a physical exam and a visit or discussion with the doctor. Ask any questions you have about the vaccines before the office personnel comes in to give the shots. You should also carefully read any paperwork that has been given to you that concerns the vaccines.

Preparing your child for their vaccines

Hopefully, your child does not have any undue stress at this point about vaccines. If your teen is scared of needles, you can try some of the soothing techniques used for younger children. Try blowing on the arm or hand that has been cleaned with rubbing alcohol. Reminding them to relax their muscles may also help.

A child of this age may be more cooperative if you give permission for the vaccine to be administered and then leave the room. Nervous teens may be encouraged to play an electronic game device, listen to music, or have a conversation to help distract them from the vaccination.

After the vaccines have been given

Vaccines might tire your teen out at home after they have been given. The spot on their body where they received the vaccine might be sore as well. If the doctor directed you to give them pain medicine, this might be a good time to give it to them. Try to be understanding and patient if your child is upset. Giving them a cool, moist cloth to hold on the injection site may bring relief. Your teen may be less interested in food over the next 24 hours, so make sure they get plenty of fluids.

Be aware of any reactions that appear after the vaccinations, including rash, unusual behavior, or prolonged fever. If any of these symptoms cause you concern, call the doctor’s office to get information about what to do.

Vaccines that your college-age child might need

Meningococcal vaccines are particularly important for college-age students. This age group has been found to be particularly vulnerable to this illness. A booster dose of tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis vaccine should also be given to protect against each of these serious illnesses. Some believe that your teen should be caught up with all human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccines for the protection against genital warts, cervical, and other cancers. Check with your doctor before your child goes off to college to make sure they are current on all recommended vaccines.

Travel related vaccinations

If your child plans to travel outside the US for any period of time, they should visit a travel clinic before they leave. This type of clinic advises and administers any vaccines needed for the part of the world where they will be visiting.

Find the best pediatrician for vaccinations in Amarillo, Texas

Vaccines are an important part of your child’s health. Just as you monitor their medicines, nutrition, and sleep, make sure they are protected from preventable diseases through timely vaccinations. Your teen’s pediatrician will advise you in this area and can help prepare your college-age child for vaccinations as well.

Dr. John M. Young and his team are committed to providing the best clinical experience for you and your child. Contact Us by email or call our office at (806) 354-0404 ext. 3330 to schedule a vaccination appointment with us today. You can also visit us in person at 1500 S. Coulter St. Suite #3 in Amarillo, Texas to learn more about our Services, including recommended and required vaccinations.

What To Expect At A Well-Baby Exam

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Well-baby exams are an important way to check on your baby’s growth and development. These visits also offer you an opportunity to develop a relationship with your child’s pediatrician. The pediatrician might recommend your first well-baby exam to be scheduled for five days after birth. Additional exams will be scheduled every few weeks or months for the first year of your child’s life. The following are some of the things you should expect to be on the agenda during a well-baby exam.

Your baby’s measurements

The well-baby exam will likely begin with measurements. You will need to undress your baby so they can be accurately weighed on a scale. Your child will also be placed on a flat surface to measure their length and their head circumference. These measurements will be placed on a growth chart to determine your child’s growth curve. This practice is done to determine if your baby is growing normally.

Head-to-toe physical exam

You should expect your pediatrician to conduct a thorough physical exam during the visit. The doctor will inspect your child’s head, ears, eyes, mouth, skin, heart, lungs, abdomen, legs, and genitalia. The doctor will check the soft spots on your baby’s head as well to ensure they are not abnormal. The pediatrician will then check for fluid or infection in your baby’s ears.

The mouth examination is another area of importance. Your pediatrician will look inside your child’s mouth to check for signs of oral thrush. As your baby grows, the pediatrician may ask if they are drooling or chewing more than usual. These are typically signs of teething. The doctor will also listen to your baby’s heart and lungs to make sure everything is clear. Finally, your pediatrician will inspect your baby’s abdomen and genitalia for lumps, tenderness, or signs of infection.

Your baby’s development

Your pediatrician will discuss several things with you related to your baby’s development at the well-baby exam. Be prepared to answer questions about your baby’s motor skills and development. The doctor may ask about whether or not your child can roll over, sit with support, or pull themselves into a standing position. These questions will help your pediatrician gauge whether or not your baby is developing at a relatively normal pace.

Professional pediatrics in Amarillo, Texas

Well-baby exams are a great opportunity to ask questions about anything that may be worrying you. If you are a new parent, it might be hard to tell what is normal for your child and what is not. Frequent well-baby exams will give you peace of mind as your child grows and develops.

Dr. John Young and his team are committed to providing the best experience for you and your child. Call our office at (806) 354-0404 ext. 3330 to schedule an appointment with us today. You can also Contact Us by email or visit our office in person at 1500 S. Coulter St. Suite #3 in Amarillo, Texas to learn more about our services.

How A Pediatrician Evaluates The Growth Of Your Child

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As a new parent, it is important for you to observe your child’s physical growth and behavior. You may attempt to track your child’s growth at home using some of the same techniques that a pediatrician would use in an office. If he or she is content, curious, active, alert, and eating well, then you most likely have a healthy and well-developing child.

Keeping track of growth charts at home and weighing your child frequently is not actually necessary unless recommended by your pediatrician. However, letting the pediatrician’s medical staff complete their job by taking and assessing detailed measurements and observations at regularly scheduled appointments is highly recommended. The following will discuss the measuring and physical exam processes, and what to expect at your next visit to the pediatrician.

Measuring height and weight to evaluate growth

When the pediatrician enters the examination room, they will interact with your child to see that he or she is alert and responsive. Then, the professional will weigh and measure your child’s height. This information will be recorded on a graph that will show the percentile that your child fits into. For example, your child’s height and weight may show that they are in the 70th percentile. This means that your child weighs more and measures taller than 70 percent of the children in his or her age group.

Some parents like to ask their pediatrician about how tall their child will be when they are an adult. There are so many factors that will influence this outcome that some professionals do not feel comfortable giving a definite answer to this question. Some people think the child’s height will be influenced by the average height of their parents. Others mention folk wisdom that states that a child will be twice their height as measured at the end of their second year. However, a child may be taller or shorter than these estimates.

Discussing a physical exam to help evaluate growth

After taking height and weight measurements, the pediatrician may start a physical exam of the joints, skin, eyes, ears, and other major areas of the body. The pediatrician may use tools to look into the child’s eyes and ears. The stethoscope may be used to listen to breathing and heartbeats. They may also gently press on the child’s abdomen to check internal organs.

It may be helpful for you to bring along a favorite doll or stuffed toy to the appointment. The pediatrician can use the toy to show the child how the exam will go. This can get rid of any worries that you or your child may have about the physical exam. The pediatrician should begin a discussion with you about your child’s motor skills, speech, and eating habits and address any questions you have. Safety tips or other suggestions may also be given to you by the pediatrician or their staff.

What to expect from Dr. John Young and his staff

Dr. John Young is a pediatrician located in the Amarillo area who strives to provide the best service possible for children and their parents. We provide the highest quality care and want both you and your child to have a positive experience at our office. Please give us a call today at (806) 354-0404 EXT. 3330 or Contact Us by email to learn more about our services. You can also visit our office in person at 1500 S. Coulter St., Suite #3 in Amarillo, Texas.

Flu Vaccine Update

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We have received our first shipment of influenza vaccine.  Unfortunately, there will be no FluMist available this year — due to concerns that it was not effective last year, the manufacturer has suspended production.

Visit the CDC website (CDC 2016-2017 Flu Season) to gain further information on why the FluMist is unavailable and how you can protect your child from the virus this flu season.

We will have our first influenza clinic on October 1st, 2016.  Please call the office to schedule a specific time to come to the office.  We will have more weekend days, during the month of October, but they have not yet been scheduled.  It is also possible to have influenza vaccination done on many office visits, including those for well checkups, injuries, and viral infections.

– Dr. Young

Flu Clinic – November 8th – Call Now for Appointments!

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We will be having a flu clinic on Saturday, November 8, 2014.  We will be open for this clinic from 9 am to 12 pm. Please contact our office (806) 354-0404 [ext 3330] to schedule an appointment. You can check our Facebook Page as well for current events and updates on when we will be working weekend hours!  From everyone here at Dr. Young’s Office, we wish you happy and healthy days to come!

Flu Season – What to Expect – How to prevent

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The flu causes individuals to experience overall weakness/fatigue, headaches, fever, chills, cough, and runny nose.  There are some precautions that you can take to prevent the flu this season.  The three most important to remember other than vaccination, including #1: remember to always keep hands clean; soap and warm-water with plenty of friction; #2: Always try to carry facial tissue and cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing; #3: maintain healthy eating habits; healthy/balanced diets supply the body with vitamins and nutrients that our natural defense mechanisms need to ward off the bad germs.

If you or your loved ones have any questions don’t hesitate to call 806-354-0404 ext. 3330!
Also, we will be open this weekend December 13th, and 14th at 9:00 am on Saturday, and 12:00pm on Sunday to provide care for your loved ones!

For more information check out our Facebook Page.
You can also click here for more information from the CDC regarding the flu.

From everyone here at Dr. Young’s Office, we wish you a happy and healthy Holiday Season!

Flu Clinic

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Did you miss out on our last flu clinic? No worries! We are having another Flu Clinic, Saturday, October 19th! Give our front desk a call now to get your names on our schedule! (806) 354-0404 ext. 3330.

From all of us at Dr. Young’s Office, have a great and healthy week!!!