Should I Get a Flu Shot? Can Ear Buds Damage My Kids’ Hearing? Does Low Vitamin D Affect Health?
You no longer need to spend time worrying. Here are the clear answers to your questions.
Q: Does the flu shot work?
A: “The flu vaccine is still the most effective way to prevent the flu and manage large outbreaks,” explains Dr. Leslie Pidgeon, an emergency physician. “Each year, scientists create the influenza vaccine by assessing trends and potential strains for the upcoming season. Although this year’s dominant viral strain has mutated, making the vaccine less effective than hoped, even a vaccine that targets a closely related strain can still reduce the severity of illness and shorten its duration. It’s especially vital for high-risk individuals, as preventing the flu not only protects themselves but also their families and communities.”
Q: How can I tell if it’s the flu or just another virus?
A: “There is a specific test for influenza that can identify whether it’s the flu or a different virus,” says Dr. Pidgeon. “If you exhibit symptoms of influenza, your healthcare provider may begin antiviral treatment, such as Tamiflu, even before a positive test result. This is because antivirals work best within the first 48 hours of symptoms. However, it’s important to note that antiviral medications do not kill the virus; instead, they limit its ability to replicate and can reduce the duration of illness.”
Q: If I catch the flu, how long am I contagious?
A: “This is one of my most common questions,” says Dr. Pidgeon. “It’s hard to stay home when you’re busy, but rest is crucial for recovery and preventing the flu from spreading.” She explains that individuals are contagious from approximately 24 hours before the first symptoms appear and can continue to be contagious for up to seven days after symptoms begin. Coughing or talking can disperse droplets that travel as far as seven feet!
For more information, consult the CDC: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/index.htm
Q: What’s the significance of Vitamin D? Is it necessary?
A: “Vitamin D is incredibly important,” states Dr. Sandy Gluckman, founder of ParentsTakeCharge.com, which focuses on drug-free treatment methods for teen behavior issues. “Interestingly, Vitamin D is not actually a vitamin; it’s a hormone produced in the skin through sun exposure. Understanding it as a hormone is crucial because, like other hormones, maintaining proper Vitamin D levels is essential for bodily and brain function. Vitamin D supports bone, skin, and mental health, helps prevent 17 types of cancer, and is involved in nearly every major disease.”
She adds that Vitamin D deficiency is widespread. “Low levels of Vitamin D have been linked to increased rates of depression and memory issues. An estimated one billion people worldwide are affected by Vitamin D deficiency. The only way to determine whether you or your children have sufficient levels is through a blood test.”
For more information, visit Dr. Sandy at ParentsTakeCharge.com
Q: My 13-year-old is always wearing ear buds. Could this harm their hearing in the long run?
A: “Ear buds are tiny speakers placed directly in the ear canal,” warns Brenda Bliss, MS, CCC-SLP/A, LSLS Cert. AVT, Director of Bliss Speech and Hearing Services. “Loud music in such close proximity to the eardrum can lead to permanent hearing loss. Since ear buds amplify sound, adhere to the 60/60 rule: keep volume at no more than 60% for no longer than 60 minutes.”
Blissspeech.com
Q: My child has never had a cavity. Should I still be concerned?
A: “I frequently see children with no cavities in elementary school develop problems as teens,” says Dr. Terri E. Train, DDS, MS, a pediatric dentist at Children’s Dental Specialists. “As tweens and teens gain the freedom to make dietary choices and take on their own dental hygiene responsibilities, a combination of junk food and sugary beverages can lead to issues. It’s important to maintain regular dental check-ups every six months to reinforce proper brushing techniques and catch potential problems early. Sealants, which protect the chewing surfaces of teeth, can be particularly useful during these years to prevent cavities.”
For more information on sealants or dental care, visit ChildrensDentalSpecialists.com
Q: I regret the tattoo I got when I was younger. Is scar-free removal possible?
A: “Yes, as long as the skin doesn’t keloid or in rare cases,” says Dr. Clay Cessna, a Houston physician who runs a laser and skin clinic called Blank Slate Laser. “Several factors influence the removal process, including skin type, ink application, ink colors, and your skin’s response. Some tattoos can vanish in a few sessions, while others may require 8-10 or more. Black ink is the easiest to remove, followed by reds and browns; blues and greens are more challenging, yet our laser can effectively reduce even those stubborn colors.” The cost for removal can be approximately ten times the original tattoo price, but the procedure itself only takes seconds to a few minutes (depending on size), and a cooling device makes it tolerable for most patients. Dr. Cessna advises waiting six to eight weeks between treatments to allow for proper healing and fading. “Most patients may have temporary redness, swelling, and minor blistering, but these side effects will resolve completely.”
For more information: www.blankslatelaser.com
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