The CDC now admits that there is a verifiable link between the flu shot and seizures in children ("febrile seizures").
In a conversation with medical web site WebMD, Frank DeStefano, confirms the link when children get the flu shot with other vaccines (specifically the pneumococcal PCV13 vaccine).
"This adds perhaps 60 seizures per 100,000 children. And the good news
is, if it were to happen, it would be on the day of or the day after
vaccination, so parents can know what to look for," Frank DeStefano, MD,
MPH, of the CDC's Immunization Safety Office, tells WebMD.
Although the link is confirmed, the CDC is not making any change to their blanket flu shot recommendation.
The FDA first investigated the uptick in febrile seizures over two years ago. http://flucrazy.blogspot.com/2011/01/fda-investigates-unusual-spike-in.html
http://children.webmd.com/vaccines/news/20110223/small-seizure-risk-with-flu-pneumococcal-vaccines
Showing posts with label febrile. Show all posts
Showing posts with label febrile. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Report warns parents against over treating fever
A recent report in the journal "Pediatrics" may not prove to be very popular with parents and some caregivers. The authors contend that in most cases fever in children is a good thing and helps normalize body temperature, and in and of itself is not particularly dangerous.
Further, the study suggests that it is not a good idea to wake a child just to treat them with ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
"Fever" accounts for upwards of one-third of all trips to the pediatrician. Yet, parents may be over reacting to these symptoms and may be over treating their children (and are subject to "fever phobia"). The study asserts that the main goal in treating a fever is simply to make the child more comfortable, not to lower temperature.
The full report can be found here:
http://bit.ly/foAUE1
Excerpt:
SUMMARY
Appropriate counseling on the management of fever begins by helping parents understand that fever, in and of itself, is not known to endanger a generally healthy child. In contrast, fever may actually be of benefit; thus, the real goal of antipyretic therapy is not simply to normalize body temperature but to improve the overall comfort and well-being of the child. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen, when used in appropriate doses, are generally regarded as safe and effective agents in most clinical situations. However, as with all drugs, they should be used judiciously to minimize the risk of adverse drug effects and toxicity. Combination therapy with acetaminophen and ibuprofen may place infants and children at increased risk because of dosing errors and adverse outcomes, and these potential risks must be carefully considered. When counseling a family on the management of fever in a child, pediatricians and other health care providers should minimize fever phobia and emphasize that antipyretic use does not prevent febrile seizures. Pediatricians should focus instead on monitoring for signs/symptoms of serious illness, improving the child's comfort by maintaining hydration, and educating parents on the appropriate use, dosing, and safe storage of antipyretics. To promote child safety, pediatricians should advocate for a limited number of formulations of acetaminophen and ibuprofen and for clear labeling of dosing instructions and an included dosing device for antipyretic products.
Further, the study suggests that it is not a good idea to wake a child just to treat them with ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
"Fever" accounts for upwards of one-third of all trips to the pediatrician. Yet, parents may be over reacting to these symptoms and may be over treating their children (and are subject to "fever phobia"). The study asserts that the main goal in treating a fever is simply to make the child more comfortable, not to lower temperature.
The full report can be found here:
http://bit.ly/foAUE1
Excerpt:
SUMMARY
Appropriate counseling on the management of fever begins by helping parents understand that fever, in and of itself, is not known to endanger a generally healthy child. In contrast, fever may actually be of benefit; thus, the real goal of antipyretic therapy is not simply to normalize body temperature but to improve the overall comfort and well-being of the child. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen, when used in appropriate doses, are generally regarded as safe and effective agents in most clinical situations. However, as with all drugs, they should be used judiciously to minimize the risk of adverse drug effects and toxicity. Combination therapy with acetaminophen and ibuprofen may place infants and children at increased risk because of dosing errors and adverse outcomes, and these potential risks must be carefully considered. When counseling a family on the management of fever in a child, pediatricians and other health care providers should minimize fever phobia and emphasize that antipyretic use does not prevent febrile seizures. Pediatricians should focus instead on monitoring for signs/symptoms of serious illness, improving the child's comfort by maintaining hydration, and educating parents on the appropriate use, dosing, and safe storage of antipyretics. To promote child safety, pediatricians should advocate for a limited number of formulations of acetaminophen and ibuprofen and for clear labeling of dosing instructions and an included dosing device for antipyretic products.
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