Whooping cough, or pertussis, has experienced a resurgence this year with more than 3,400 cases reported between January 1 and June 10, 2014, per California Department of Public Health. Los Angeles county accounts for around 350 of the new cases so far this year. Two-thirds of pertussis hospitalizations have been from children four months or younger. Two infant deaths have been reported.
Pertussis is a highly infectious bacterial disease that can be spread to others by coughing. Infants may not have typical pertussis symptoms and may have no obvious coughing. Parents describe episodes in which their infant’s faces shifted to a red or purple color.
Takeaway
all pregnant women should get vaccinated.
We also urge parents to vaccinate infants as soon as possible.
By training, I am a American Board Certified Pediatrician. But in my younger years I grew up with natural alternatives. As a mom I have tried to incorporate both for my kids and it has worked wonders. And finally, as I am studying natural & alternative medicines, I realize the beauty and wisdom of living closer to earth. Hence in my practice I integrate both...for acute ailments I follow American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation but for simple and/or chronic conditions I prefer natural alternatives.
In western training we were raised to think that "health is the absence of symptoms and problems". But eastern sensibilities has educated me that "Health is state that allows one to use the full capabilities of their body, mind and intellect. Therefore, healthy living is a balanced state of well being: physically, mentally, socially and spiritually." This implies that healing is not a "one-pill-fits-all", but a personalized experience.
