Swimmer’s Ear
My child is prone to swimmer’s ear. Is there anything I can do to prevent it? Swimmer’s ear is an infection of the outer ear canal brought on by a…
The Truth About Antibiotics
A common misconception among parents today is that antibiotics will cure any ailment that plagues their child. Pediatricians are faced daily with the decision of whether or not antibiotics are…
Antibiotics: Helpful or Harmful?
Antibiotics: Are they helpful or harmful? The answer to both is: Yes! Over 85 years ago, the first antibiotic was invented. Even back then, they knew that antibiotics would change…
Ebola Virus – What You Need to Know
On September 30, 2014, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) used laboratory tests to confirm the first case of Ebola Virus to be diagnosed in the United States. The infected…
WAFB: Dr. Susan Bankston on Enterovirus D68
BATON ROUGE, LA (WAFB) – Baton Rouge health officials say two children have been treated at Our Lady of the Lake for Enterovirus D68. Officials add that there have been no…
College Freshman Should Get Meningitis Vaccine
Meningococcal meningitis is a form of bacterial meningitis that occurs with increased incidence in college freshmen living in dormitories. Humans are the only natural reservoir of the bacteria that causes…
MRSA Should Be Treated As a Serious Illness
Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus, more commonly known as MRSA, has become a common bacteria found in all communities and is no longer limited to just health care settings or chronic…
Pet Turtles Can Carry Potentially Fatal Salmonella Infection
Turtles might look like cute pets, but it is estimated they are responsible for more than 70,000 annual cases of salmonella infections in the United States. Some of these infections…
Antibiotics for the Common Cold?
Should antibiotics be prescribed for the common cold? The question is not an uncommon one, especially during the winter months when colds spread more easily because of close contact between…