Category Archives: Health & Wellness
5 Myths About Childhood Vaccines
By: Daniel Lamphier, M.D.
Vaccinations have been used safely for decades to protect children from diseases such as smallpox, measles, mumps, diphtheria, tetanus and polio. Even so, misinformation about childhood vaccines is widespread, causing some parents to delay or avoid vaccines out of fear they may harm their children.
Here are five common myths about vaccines for kids and the real story about their safety.
Myth 1: The MMR vaccine causes autism.
Autism is a genetic disorder, and this myth arose from a now infamous study published in 1998. The poorly designed study found that 8 of 12 children studied who had received the MMR vaccine displayed autistic behaviors. As no subsequent studies showed similar results, the study was retracted and the author had his medical license revoked for professional misconduct.
Myth 2: Vaccines can make you sick.
You may hear someone say, “I got the flu shot and I got sick.” No vaccine is perfect, and simply getting the vaccine does not mean you cannot become infected, but simply that your likelihood is reduced. A common analogy is the seat belt in your car; you may still get in an accident, but the best protection is still advisable. Additionally, it is always easier to remember the year that you got the flu after getting the flu shot than the many years you may not have become ill.
Some people think that because vaccinations contain traces of viruses or bacteria they can cause the diseases they’re supposed to prevent. Fortunately, vaccines contain dead or inactivated viruses or bacteria, designed to prompt an immune response without causing illness. Vaccines can’t make you ill, but some people may have mild reactions to them, such as soreness at the injection site or flu-like symptoms after getting a flu shot.
Myth 3: Vaccines contain harmful chemicals.
Many ingredients in vaccines have been pointed to as “toxic,” including mercury, formaldehyde, and aluminum. Mercury is indeed a dangerous substance but is only contained in some multidose influenza vaccines presently. Thimerosal, the source of mercury, is in a miniscule amount and in a form that does not build up in the body. Formaldehyde and aluminum are also contained in very low levels, far less than the body sees through other environmental sources. As an example, there is many times more formaldehyde exposure when eating a single pear than in receiving any vaccine.
Myth 4: You should space out childhood vaccines.
The CDC recommends a vaccination schedule for children (see the end of this article), but some parents worry that having so many vaccines may overwhelm their children’s immune systems. Of course, children and adults are exposed to many more foreign substances through the environment around us, and the immune system does not struggle with these.
The challenge with spacing or delaying vaccines is multifold. First, it prolongs the delay until immunity develops to infections that can affect children of any age. Second, it can cause difficulty with daycare, preschool, or kindergarten entry if vaccines are not given on time. Thirdly, if children must come to the office for vaccine catch-up or spaced-out vaccine schedules, they will receive a painful experience many more times than if they are kept on the recommended schedule.
The schedule recommended by the CDC, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Practice is continually tested and adjusted to best protect children.
Myth 5: Other people have vaccinated their kids, so I don’t have to.
Many people are current on their vaccinations, providing some protection to the people around them, but not everyone is up to date. If there is a disease outbreak, such as the flu, those who aren’t vaccinated are more likely to get sick. So, you can’t count on other people’s immunity to protect your children.
The bottom line is childhood vaccinations have proven to be safe and effective over many years. Don’t listen to misinformed talk; if you have concerns, ask your doctor.
For an easy-to-read schedule of recommended vaccines for children ages 0-6, click here to view the CDC’s guide.
Dr. Daniel Lamphier attended George Washington University, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, and is certified by the American Board of Family Medicine. He sees patients in MPCP’s Queenstown office.
Be Smart About Antibiotics
By: Patricia Chambliss, M.D.
Antibiotics are drugs that fight infections caused by bacteria. The first antibiotic, penicillin, was developed in 1927, and since then antibiotics have transformed medical care, greatly reducing illness and death from infectious diseases.
However, antibiotics don’t work all the time. They can’t be used for some bacterial infections, including most cases of bronchitis, many sinus infections and some ear infections. They also don’t work on viruses, such as colds and flu.
Misusing antibiotics – such as taking them when you don’t need them or not finishing all of your medicine – can lead to the development of bacteria that are immune to antibiotics, so-called “super bugs.” Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are a growing problem, says the CDC, and there is concern that antibiotics may eventually become ineffective.
Does this mean you should stop taking antibiotics? No, but you need to be smart about how you use them. Don’t take antibiotics if your doctor hasn’t prescribed them, and if you are prescribed antibiotics, take the entire prescription, even if you’re feeling better. Also, talk to your doctor about antibiotic use and other ways to feel better when you’re sick.
See the chart below to find out which common illnesses can or can’t be treated by antibiotics. And educate yourself about antibiotics: how they work and when to take them.
| Common Illnesses | Caused by: Bacteria | Caused by: Bacteria or Virus | Caused by: Virus | Will Antibiotics Work? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strep throat | X | Yes | ||
| Whooping cough | X | Yes | ||
| Urinary tract infection | X | Yes | ||
| Sinus infection | X | Maybe | ||
| Middle ear infection | X | Maybe | ||
| Bronchitis/chest cold | X | No | ||
| Common cold | X | No | ||
| Sore throat (not strep) | X | No | ||
| Flu | X | No |
Dr. Patricia Chambliss is certified by the American Board of Family Medicine. She sees patients in MPCP’s Pasadena office.
Poison Ivy, Oak and Sumac
By: Lisa Meade, PA-C
Poison Ivy, Oak and Sumac are toxic plants native to most parts of the United States. The rash is due to the oil urushiol that is in the roots, stems and leaves. Most people are allergic to this oil. After your skin comes in contact with the oil, the reaction can take up to 72 hours to develop. You do not need to touch the plant directly in order to have a reaction. Clothing, shoes, lawn equipment and pets all can transfer the oil to your skin.
The skin reaction, also called Contact Dermatitis, causes redness, swelling, blisters and itching. If you inhale the smoke from the burning of these plants you can develop respiratory symptoms. Scratching the skin can lead to a secondary bacterial infection. The rash can last several weeks even with treatment.
You can reduce your chances of developing a reaction if you rinse your skin with water thoroughly and wash your clothing immediately after known contact. Once the rash has started, taking an antihistamine and using hydrocortisone cream or Calamine lotion can help reduce the symptoms and speed healing. If you have a widespread rash, pus oozing from the blisters or any respiratory symptoms you should seek medical attention.
Finding Help for Depression
I’m Doctor Ariel Warden-Jarrett. I’m one of the board-certified family physicians here at Maryland Primary Care Physicians.
Did you know that by the year 2020 depression is projected to be the number two cause of disability in the U.S.?
You may also be surprised to know that depression is something that your primary care doctor can effectively treat and help you to overcome.
Depression can have many causes. It can begin with a life situation that causes unusual sadness. It can also be a byproduct of hormone imbalances in the brain and other organs. Or it can accompany heart disease and chronic pain.
In fact, many chronic health conditions can put you at higher risk for depression – things like MS, diabetes, or a previous heart attack. And the normal response to trauma or loss can also be a trigger.
But when sadness leads to a loss of normal functioning, depression may be the diagnosis.
You and your doctor can begin to work together to help you restore, what I call, your “joy bubbles.”
And remember, discovering that you might be depressed is not a bad thing. On the contrary, it can be the first step on the path to finding a happier, healthier life for you and your family.
To help make that a reality, your doctor may prescribe medications or refer you for counseling, but these are just part of the treatment story:
- Lifestyle is also important – Regular exercise can make a big difference.
- Getting more exposure to sunlight and fresh air.
- Listening to music that you enjoy – All of these things can help.
- And the right diet can also have a big impact on your mood and outlook on life.
So, talk to your primary care physician. Take that first step. Together, we can get your balance back, and those “joy bubbles” popping again. You’ll find that you can get plenty of help from the doctor you already know and trust.
For more information, contact Maryland Primary Care Physicians.
Dr. Warden-Jarrett is a Maryland Primary Care Physicians, LLC partner and is certified by the American Board of Family Medicine. She sees patients in the Bowie office.
