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Navigating Common Respiratory Illnesses in Children

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Children are resilient, but when it comes to respiratory illnesses, their vulnerable immune systems can make them more susceptible to infections. In South Texas, where the climate often contributes to respiratory challenges, it’s important for parents to be informed about common illnesses affecting children.

 One respiratory illness that has gained prominence, especially among babies, is Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). In this article, we explore common respiratory illnesses in children, with a special focus on RSV, highlighting the pediatric care expertise offered by Victoria ER.

 Understanding Common Respiratory Illnesses

Several respiratory illnesses can affect children, ranging from mild infections to more severe conditions. Common culprits include the flu, colds, bronchiolitis, and pneumonia. These illnesses often share similar symptoms, such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and congestion.

 When parents recognize the signs early on, it’s best to promptly seek medical attention. 

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

RSV has been particularly prevalent in South Texas, causing concern among parents and healthcare providers. RSV is a viral infection that primarily affects the respiratory tract, leading to symptoms like coughing, sneezing, and difficulty breathing. In babies, RSV can be more severe, causing bronchiolitis or pneumonia. 

Pediatric Care at Victoria ER

For parents in South Texas, seeking specialized pediatric care is crucial in managing respiratory illnesses in children. Victoria ER  stands out as a healthcare facility dedicated to providing exceptional pediatric care. With a team of experienced ER Physicians and a state-of-the-art facility, Victoria ER ensures that children receive the best possible care. 

Pediatric Room at Victoria ER

One notable feature at Victoria ER is the dedicated pediatric room designed to cater specifically to the needs of young patients. This child-friendly environment aims to make medical visits less intimidating for children, fostering a positive and comforting experience. The pediatric room is equipped with specialized equipment suitable for pediatric care, ensuring accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. 

RSV and Pediatric Care at Victoria ER

Given the increased prevalence of RSV in babies in South Texas, Victoria ER has been actively involved in addressing this concern. Our Experienced ER Physicians at Victoria ER are well-versed in diagnosing and managing RSV cases, offering personalized treatment plans tailored to each child’s needs. The pediatric room at Victoria ER becomes a haven for families dealing with RSV, providing a supportive space for children to receive the care they require. 

Preventing Respiratory Illnesses in Children

While pediatric care is essential, preventive measures play a crucial role in protecting children from respiratory illnesses. Regular handwashing, maintaining a clean environment, and ensuring that children are up-to-date on vaccinations can significantly reduce the risk of infections. 

Navigating common respiratory illnesses in children, especially with the prevalence of RSV in South Texas, requires a combination of awareness, timely medical intervention, and access to specialized pediatric care. Victoria ER’s commitment to pediatric medicine, exemplified by its dedicated pediatric room and experienced healthcare professionals, ensures that parents in South Texas have a reliable partner in safeguarding their children’s respiratory health. As we continue to prioritize the well-being of our youngest community members, understanding and addressing respiratory illnesses in children becomes paramount for a healthier future.

 You and your family can rely on the team at Victoria ER 24/7, and without the stress of waiting or scheduling an appointment. Please visit us whenever you need us!

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Girl Scouts Tour Facility to Learn More About First Aid

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There are nearly 2.7 million girl scouts, and a few of our own here in Victoria came to our facility to learn more about first aid and proper sanitation.

Troop #9556, led by Ashley Reyes and Tiffany Lindsey, toured the facility and learned more about handwashing, an essential part in staying healthy and warding off harmful germs. While the girl scouts were there to earn a badge, proper hand washing is something anyone can benefit from, especially during flu and cold season. Keep reading for pictures and some helpful tips from the girl scouts’ trip to Victoria ER.

Washing hands isn’t a difficult task, but it is an important one. You come into contact with thousands of germs every day and while most of these germs are harmless, some can make you sick. More serious infections, like pneumonia, influenza, and strep throat, can land you in the hospital if it’s serious enough.

Try these easy 5 steps to make sure your hands are squeaky clean, demonstrated by our own nurse, Jenette Hill.

    1. • Wet your hands with warm or cool water. No need for very hot water – the soap does most of the work.
    1. • Use one pump of soap and lather.
    1. • Scrub in hard to reach areas, like under your nails and in between fingers. These places are havens for nasty, even harmful germs.
    1. • Rinse completely clean. If you leave any soapy residue, it could cause slight skin irritation or redness.
    1. • Dry with towel. Studies have shown that wiping hands dry afterwards helps with germ removal.
    1. The girls also learned about basic first aid, and broken bones with our lead radiologist, Ashton Lassmann.

As the girl scouts say, “be prepared,” and take the opportunity to learn more about first aid and proper sanitation. Check out where you can become certified in first aid here. 

      1. Victoria ER is committed to the education of our community. If you’d like to partner with our facility in an educational initiative, contact our Director of Marketing,

Sheila Kilgore 

    1. .Have you been to our facility yet? Let us know about your experience.

Nutex Health, Inc. supports you and your family’s health. Come visit Victoria Emergency Center or any one of our concierge-level freestanding facilities for the emergency care you deserve, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

 

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5 Disease-Fighting Tips for the New School Year

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From the moment they can move on their own, children are taking risks. As parents, we become experts at anticipating their next move, whether it be jumping off a counter top or reaching for a hot pan.

But what about the dangers we can’t see?

With the start of the new school year, your child will be exposed to a whole host of unfamiliar germs. Most of these germs will help to build your child’s immune system through exposure, but some others may lead to more serious diseases. Keep reading to learn more about germs, the spread of disease and what you can do to prevent your child from catching some of these illnesses.

Wash your hands
As all parents can attest, getting your child to keep up with basic hygiene can be a struggle. It’s crucial to teach children early on how important washing hands is in the prevention of disease. The CDC recommends that children wash their hands regularly when well and often when sick. Run your hands under warm water with soap and lather for at least 20 seconds before rinsing off. We suggest setting up a reward system, like a chart with stickers, building to a certain goal.

 

Get vaccinated
The prevention of disease begins with protecting ourselves. Since their inception, immunizations have saved hundreds of thousands of lives and eradicated numerous diseases from many countries. Vaccines don’t just protect your child from disease, they also protect all other children your child may come into contact with and infants too young to be vaccinated.

Additionally, the less days they’re home sick, means the more days they’re in school, learning important social skills and building their knowledge.

Visit here to find a physician or clinic that distributes vaccines or here to learn more about the benefits of immunizations.

Cover your cough 
Diseases, like flu, are spread most commonly through the air after someone coughs or sneezes. Remind your child to cover their mouth when they cough with a tissue. Visit here for more information on covering your cough.

 

Stay home
If your little one does catch something, it’s in their best interest, and the best interests of their classmates, to stay home. This ensures your child recovers as quickly as possible and doesn’t spread germs to other children.

As tempting as it may be to give in to their earnest pleas to attend a birthday party or soccer game, keeping them home while they heal ensures they’re back to all the activities they love faster and safer.

Fuel your body nutritiously 
Protect your child from disease by fortifying their immune systems with nutritious foods. We’ve listed some foods that are packed full of disease-fighting vitamins.

    • Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons and grapefruit
    • Ginger
    • Honey, which is a natural antiseptic
    • Garlic
    • Dark, leafy greens

 

If your child is a picky eater, trying making a smoothie or juice with some of these foods and subtler flavors, like apple or grape juice.

We can’t protect our children from everything, but we can help them to learn habits that will protect their health. For more information about preventing the spread of germs and disease, visit the CDC’s guide on their webpage.

From our team to your family, Victoria ER wishes you and your loved ones a great start to the new school year. Let us know any tips you have for getting your child to practice some of these disease-fighting tricks!

Nutex Health, Inc supports you and your family’s health. You can depend on our trusted brand to deliver the emergency care you deserve at any one of our concierge-level, freestanding emergency facilities 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

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How to Cool Down & Stay Safe at the Pool

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Warm weather and swimming go hand in hand. When the heat of summer finally rolls in, don’t let an injury hold you back from perfecting your cannonball.

Whether you’ve got a backyard oasis or you’re visiting the neighborhood pool, aquatic safety is a must for fun in the sun. Learn more about pool safety and sanitation to ensure you and your loved ones have a fun and safe summer.

Carefully monitor chlorine levels 
Chlorine levels in your pool must be monitored to ensure that they’re not too low or too high. If they’re too low, the pool may have dangerous germs and infections lurking in the depths. If they’re too high, swimming in the pool can cause painful burns and rashes. The CDC recommends pH 7.2–7.8 and a free chlorine concentration of at least 1 ppm in pools and at least 3 ppm in hot tubs/spas for private pool owners. Some diseases spread by unsanitary pool conditions are listed below.

      • Diarrheal infections
      • Rashes
      • Ear, respiratory and skin infections

 

Be careful – public pools and waterparks are more likely to be over-chlorinated and you won’t be able to personally monitor levels. As an adult, it will be easier for you to quickly identify symptoms of chlorine burn on yourself before they become serious. It’s often more difficult to do the same for your child. Instead, watch for the warning signs, including itching skin or rubbing eyes excessively, red, tender rashes and an overwhelming smell of chlorine. After prolonged exposure, even 30 minutes, serious symptoms may develop. Some of these are listed below.

    • Skin redness, tenderness or itchiness at sight of contact
    • Skin lesions, which may blister or even bleed in severe cases
    • Scales, crust or scabs on the skin

 

 

Treat mild to moderate chlorine burns by flushing the affected area with cool water for 10-15 minutes.

In extreme cases, the skin may develop bulbous-looking blisters, filled with fluids, and the skin may begin to turn white and peel. If you or a loved one experience these symptoms after swimming in a chlorinated pool, you should seek immediate medical care as ruptured blisters can lead to scarring and even infection. To learn more about keeping your pool safe and sanitary, go to the CDC’s informational page.

Keep a very close eye on children 
Many children who drown are missing for only a few minutes and under the supervision of both parents. Here are some quick tips to ensure your child’s safety.

 

Proper barriers around pools protect children from injury and drowning.

 

      • Put up appropriate barriers around the pool to keep children from falling in
      • Teach children to ask permission to go swimming
      • Remind children to always swim with buddies and make sure they know where their friends are at all times
      • Limit the amount of time they’re under direct sun from 10:00 a.m. to 4 p.m.
      • If a child is missing, check the water first – seconds are often the difference in death and disability

 

You can also enroll children in swimming classes from an early age. Some classes even teach toddlers how to float on their backs if they fall into water. Visit the Red Cross website to find classes near you.

Proper drain covers
Ensure that any pool you visit – whether it’s public or in someone’s yard – has proper drain covers and teach children to not swim near or play with and remove them. As harmless as they may seem, uncovered drains can cause serious injuries. This is especially true for public pools that need stronger drainage and suction. A large drain can trap an adult, sucking in a limb or your hair, and cause drowning. If you’re visiting a public pool, or even a spa, and see that a drain cover is damaged or missing, immediately alert staff.

Victoria ER wants to help you enjoy summers with your family while staying safe, whether you’re diving into the deep end or tubing at a waterpark. Visit poolsafely.gov for more information and let us know your favorite spots to cool down in the summer!

 Nutex Health, Inc supports you and your family’s health. You can depend on Victoria ER or any one of our concierge-level, freestanding emergency facilities to deliver the emergency care you deserve, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

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Symptoms in Your Child that You Can’t Ignore

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Runny noses, stomachaches, rashes and minor cuts are only few of the ailments that occur in all children from time to time. Just as the times have changed, so have health issues. Parents need to understand what signs and symptoms should be taken seriously, and when they can be handled at home. Here are a few symptoms that you shouldn’t ignore in your child:

High Fever

Is your child’s skin flushed and hot? If the answer is yes, your usual reaction will be to grab a thermometer. Grabbing a thermometer is appropriate but it is not the only thing to do in this situation. It is always recommended that you look at the child’s condition instead of relying on the readings of the thermometer. If your child looks weak and sick – regardless of the temperature – you should consult your doctor immediately or visit an ER in case your doctor isn’t available.

Severe Headache

Just before going to school, your child complains of a bad headache. How do you decide if you should let her skip school or not? Minor headaches do not require skipping school and can be treated with over the counter medicines. However, if the headache is severe and the child complains frequently of it, there is good reason to visit your doctor. If your child’s appetite exhibits sudden changes or he/she does not show interest in playing because of the headache, visit your doctor.

Abdominal pain

Sometimes abdominal pain can be taken very casually and parents do not pay much attention to it when their child complains of it. However, abdominal pain can be serious and should be given medical attention as soon as it occurs. If your child develops associated fever, vomiting or decrease in appetite, make sure that you consult your doctor right away.

Stiff Neck

If your child wakes up in the morning and is unable to turn his head without feeling pain, then it might be because he/she slept wrong. But if the same symptoms occur with a fever – then his or her condition might be serious. Even if the pain is due to an injury, see your doctor or the nearest emergency care service. If your child is suffering from any of these symptoms and you aren’t sure of its severity, don’t take a chance. Visit an emergency center immediately. If you’re looking for the best option in Victoria,TX, contact Victoria ER! The center offers quality emergency service along with excellent patient care.

 Nutex Health, Inc supports you and your family’s health. You can depend on Victoria ER or any one of our concierge-level, freestanding emergency facilities to deliver the emergency care you deserve, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

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How to Protect Your Children from Accidental Overdoes

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Your child needs medicine when sick. But these medicines can sometimes be too dangerous for children if an accidental medication overdose occurs! When your doctor prescribes medicines for your children, be very careful and keep them out of reach of your children. Here are few ways how you can avoid accidental medication overdose and make sure that your child only consumes the exact amount prescribed by the doctor:

Read the Label

Over the counter as well as prescription drugs come with safety information. These labels provide information on how the drug should be administered and what its side effects are, if any. Make sure that you read this information carefully and most importantly, follow it. Pay attention to the amount that is mentioned on the label and give the same amount to your child. The label also mentions information regarding when it should be given and what should be done if the condition persists. Follow those instructions.

Two Prescriptions for Two Kids

Take note of this – never give your child medicine which has been prescribed for another child as it may harm your kid. Medicines differ on the basis of body conditions, age and other factors. In order for your child to be effectively treated, the doctor needs to examine him thoroughly before prescribing a medicine. Also, make sure that you not only contact your doctor by phone, but also visit his office. Take your child to the doctor so that he can examine him properly and then prescribe a medicine.

Be Careful with Infants

Many emergency care centers record huge occurrences of overdose cases in infants. One mistake that parents make is that they do not consult their doctor before giving their infants medicines for flu or cold. Children under four should not be given any medicine without the doctor’s approval. Also, no child should be given any medicine packaged for adults.

Appropriate Dosing Device

If the medicine prescribed by the doctor comes with a measuring cup, use it every time you provide your child with medication. Also make sure that the cup contains clear indications so that you can follow them accurately. If you lose this cup, you can always purchase a new one from the pharmacy. If your child suffers from medication overdose, you should rush to the nearest emergency room! We, at Victoria ER provide emergency services for children too. Our qualified professionals make sure that patients are provided with the highest care standards! Click here for more information about our services.

 Nutex Health, Inc supports you and your family’s health. You can depend on Victoria ER or any one of our concierge-level, freestanding emergency facilities to deliver the emergency care you deserve, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

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How To Prepare Your Children for an Emergency

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Have you ever thought of facing a situation where your child is alone and in need of immediate medical help? Wouldn’t you blame yourself if your child’s condition worsens because he is not aware of the steps he should take in an emergency situation? You surely will! So avoid all blames and regrets and get your child prepared for emergency medical care when alone. Here are a few ways you can teach your child to act in medical emergency conditions:

Teach your Children to Use 911

Ensure that your child is aware of the 911 service. Create a very comfortable environment when teaching your child about 911. Always refer to the number as nine-one-one and not nine-eleven, or else during an emergency; your child will look for number eleven on the dial pad. Inform your child what 911 is, why it exists and what its purpose is. Your child will retain this information, if provided correctly. Teach him how to dial 911 and most importantly, emphasize that this number should only be dialed during emergencies and not otherwise.

What Information to Give

Teach your children to memorize your address. . Inform him what information the 911 personnel may require and will inquire when he calls them. Make sure you make a note of this information and keep it in a diary so that your child has easy access to it. Questions such as where are you calling from, what is your address, and contact number are asked by the 911 personnel. Confirm your child has answers to all these important questions by practicing these with them.

Listing Emergency Phone Numbers

Prepare a list of emergency phone numbers and give it your child or to the baby sitter so that they can call you or any other person whenever a medical emergency situation arises. Placing the same list in a usual and common place at home will also help in times of emergencies. This will help in reducing chaos as an important person will have information of what is going on at home. Looking for the best Emergency Care Center in Victoria? We, at Victoria ER provide unmatched emergency medical care services and make sure that you get the right care at the right time. Click here to find out more about us.

What to do if Your Child Swallows Medication

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Medications are meant to treat illnesses, but they can cause a lot of harm in some unfortunate cases, especially in households with children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 60,000 young children go to the emergency room each year as a result of swallowing medications. In fact, several cases have been reported where toddlers have died as a result of swallowing their parents’ pills. It is a commonly known fact that all types of medications should be kept out of children’s reach to ensure their safety. But in many instances, parents who keep medications out of their children’s reach are at a risk of such an emergency. All types of medications are dangerous to children, especially the ones mentioned below:

Antidepressants

Antidepressants have accounted for almost 17 percent of child poisonings in recent years. All types of allergy pills and antidepressants must be kept away from children. After taking these pills, a child may experience seizures or even go into a state of coma.

Heart medications

Swallowing a heart medication can cause a child’s heart rate and blood pressure to drop and result in cardiac arrest.

Pain relievers

Aspirin poses significant risks to children as it can lead to a fatal illness known as Reye’s syndrome.  As little as 4 adult extra-strength acetaminophen tablets can be toxic to an average 2 year old.

Over-the-counter medicines

Every household has over-the-counter medicines. These medicines have led to a majority of child poisonings. Products, including nasal sprays and eye drops can result in seizures among toddlers.

What should be done if a child swallows your medication?

As a rule of thumb, always store your medications out of your kids’ reach. Never ever leave your medicines out in the open. And if you have young children, make it a point to tell them about the dangers of your medicines so that they do not go near them. In addition, keep all your medicines in bottles with child-resistant caps. Furthermore, do not take your medicine in front of your children as they might imitate you in your absence. However, if your child has swallowed any of your medicines, they might feel nauseous or lethargic, and vomit. These are the most common symptoms of medicine poisoning in children. Sometimes, your child might have a seizure or a coma. If this happens, you need to take immediate action. Take your child to the nearest emergency room without any delay. Your child’s life is in danger, so you must seek immediate medical help. If possible, try to establish the type of medicine and the amount your child has swallowed to inform the emergency room specialists so that they are able to carry out the appropriate treatment. Looking for an emergency care center in Victoria? Look no further than Victoria ER. We are a 24 hour emergency care center that provides compassionate and quick medical treatment. Click here to contact us.

 Nutex Health, Inc supports you and your family’s health. You can depend on Victoria ER or any one of our concierge-level, freestanding emergency facilities to deliver the emergency care you deserve, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Top 5 Serious Symptoms in Children

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Children get injured or sick all the time. It is a part of growing up, and in most cases, parents have nothing to worry about. However, in some cases, a child’s injury or illness might need the services of an emergency room. For parents, it can be hard to tell when a fever or cold that has persisted for a few days needs the attention of the ER. Even though not all physical conditions warrant a visit to the nearest emergency room, some symptoms are quite worrisome, and call for emergency care services. Read on to learn about the 5 most common symptoms that require timely emergency services for children:

High fever

If your child has a persistent high fever, combined with vomiting and restlessness, you should immediately visit the nearest emergency room. In some instances, high fever, vomiting and a stiff neck could indicate a serious illness, such as meningitis. Another important thing to keep in mind is that if your child experiences frequent headaches, you need to get them medically evaluated to determine its underlying cause and seek proper treatment.

Coughing

Excessive coughing is a serious symptom that needs medical attention. It is possible that your child has an underlying issue in their digestive tract or lungs that is causing uncontrollable coughing and making it difficult for them to breathe.

Rash

Children, especially toddlers, are prone to rashes, which can usually be harmless. However, if your child’s rash is all over their body, it is advisable to get it checked as soon as possible. The type of rashes to be concerned about include red or purple spots that do not change color when pressed and hives. In addition, hives accompanied with facial swelling are serious and require medical evaluation.

Lethargy

An unusually lethargic child or newborn, who has a difficult time staying active, should be taken to the emergency room for assessment. It is perfectly normal for a child to sleep and get some rest. But, if they fail to stay alert even when you wake them up, you should take them to a doctor as this may indicate a serious illness.

Abdominal pain

Abdominal pain is common in children. However, make sure to take your child to the emergency room if their abdomen feels hard and they have not had a bowel movement for more than two days. Constipation could be a likely cause for this issue, but it could also mean an intestinal problem. It really does not matter whether a symptom is life threatening or not. To be on the safe side, seek medical help if your child complains of pain in their body or is not acting their usual self. Considering emergency care services for your child? Get in touch with the experts at Victoria ER. As one of the leading emergency care providers in Texas, we provide the highest quality emergency care services for children. Click here for more details.

 Nutex Health, Inc supports you and your family’s health. You can depend on Victoria ER or any one of our concierge-level, freestanding emergency facilities to deliver the emergency care you deserve, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.