Measles

Posted on September 5, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by the measles virus. It can affect anyone, but it is most common in children.

Some risk factors for measles include:

Being unvaccinated
Traveling internationally
Having a Vitamin A deficiency

Measles infects the respiratory tract and then spreads throughout the body. Signs and symptoms of measles appear around 10 to 14 days after exposure to the virus, including:

Fever
Dry cough
Runny nose
Sore throat
Inflamed eyes
Koplik’s spots (tiny white spots with bluish-white centers on a red background, which form on the inner lining of the cheek)
A skin rash made up of large, flat blotches that often flow into one another

The infection occurs in stages that span over two to three weeks. These stages include:

Infection and incubation- the measles virus spreads in the body for 10 to 14 days after infection. During that time, there are no signs or symptoms.
Nonspecific signs and symptoms- measles typically begins with a mild to moderate fever, a persistent cough, a runny nose, inflamed eyes, and a sore throat. This mild illness can last two to three days.
Acute illness and rash- a rash that can consist of small red spots, with some that may be slightly raised. Spots and bumps in tight clusters give the skin a splotchy red appearance. The face is usually the first place it appears. The rash spreads down the arms, chest, and back, then over the thighs, lower legs, and feet over the next few days. At the same time, the fever rises to temperatures as high as 104 to 105.8.
Recovery- the measles rash can last for about seven days. The rash fades gradually from the face and lastly the thighs and feet. As other symptoms go away, coughing and the darkening or peeling of the skin where the rash was, last about 10 days.

A person with measles can spread the virus to others for about eight days. Starting four days before the rash appears and ending when the rash has been present for four days.

When an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, infectious droplets spray into the air where others can breathe them in. Infectious droplets can stay in the air for about an hour and on a surface for several hours.

Many complications can arise from measles, including:

Diarrhea and vomiting
Ear infection
Bronchitis, laryngitis, or croup
Pneumonia
Encephalitis
Pregnancy problems

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children and adults receive the measles vaccine to prevent infection.

Your healthcare provider can usually diagnose measles based on the disease’s characteristic rash and the Koplik’s spot on the inner lining of the cheek. Your healthcare provider may ask whether you or your child received measles vaccines, whether you traveled outside of the U.S. recently, and if you had contact with anyone who has a rash or fever.

The rash can be confused with many other illnesses. However, a blood test can be done to confirm whether the rash is measles. A test using a throat swab or urine sample can also be used.

There is no specific treatment for a measles infection once it occurs. Treatment can include providing comfort measures to relieve symptoms, such as rest and treating or preventing complications.

Some measures can be taken to protect individuals who don’t have immunity to measles after they have been exposed to the virus, including:

Post-exposure vaccination
Immune serum globulin
Medications
- Fever reducers
- Antibiotics
- Vitamin A

If you become sick with severe symptoms, particularly after potential exposure to the measles virus, you must receive treatment from a doctor as soon as possible. You can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. Please call (718) 206-7001.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Back to School Health Tips

Posted on August 27, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

As children prepare for the school year, it is important for them to return to school healthy.

Here are some tips to make sure your child is healthy before they go back to school:

Make sure they are up to date on their vaccinations. Vaccinations are essential for protecting children and others against various diseases.
Make sure they get their flu and COVID-19 shots. Every child six months or older should get their yearly flu shots, as flu season typically starts in the fall and peaks between December and February.
Make sure they get vision and hearing tests done. Children should have their hearing and vision tested with their doctor from infancy through high school. Watch for signs of hearing or vision loss and talk to your child’s healthcare provider if you notice any changes.
Help your child make healthy food choices, even at school. Encourage them to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. When eating bread or pasta, choose 100% whole-grain products. Encourage them to choose water, not juice or soda.
Make sure to take care of their mental health. Managing school stress, relationships, and friendships can be overwhelming. Encourage them to talk about their emotional health.
Make sure to limit their screen time. Children under the age of two years old should have no screen time. Limit screen time to one to two hours a day for children two years old and over. Parents are encouraged to delay access to smartphones until at least 14 years old.
Be sure to monitor their social media use. Social media use starting during childhood can play a significant role in the relationships and experiences that impact children’s and teens’ growth, development, and mental health. Parents are encouraged to set aside time to discuss social media use, including setting privacy limits on who can see and interact with them.
Make sure your child gets a good night’s sleep. Adequate sleep helps kids focus each day at school and is important for their health. Children between the ages of three and five should sleep 10 to 13 hours (including naps). Children six to 12 years of age should sleep nine to 12 hours a night. Teenagers 13 to 18 years of age should sleep eight to 10 hours a night.

These back-to-school health tips will help you and your family return to the classroom safely and be confident in your health.

National Immunization Awareness Month

Posted on August 14, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM). It is a day observed to highlight the importance of vaccination for people of all ages.

Vaccinations are important at every stage of life. They are one of the safest preventative care measures available and help play a vital role in keeping you healthy.

Vaccines work by stimulating the immune system to protect the body against viruses or bacteria that cause infection. After vaccination, the immune system is better prepared to respond quickly when the body encounters the disease-causing organism.

From infants to older adults, immunizations play a critical role in preventing serious diseases such as measles, whooping cough, flu, shingles, and HPV-related cancers. Skipping vaccines can leave you and your family vulnerable to these illnesses.

Getting vaccinated plays an important role in keeping your family and community healthy, as vaccinations help protect you from infectious diseases and can lessen the severity of illness. They don’t just help protect you; they also help keep diseases from spreading to others, such as your family, neighbors, classmates, coworkers, and others in the community. Especially those most vulnerable to illness, such as infants, elderly people, and those with weakened immune systems.

National Immunization Awareness Month offers a timely reminder as families prepare for back-to-school and flu season approaches. If you would like to help raise awareness about the importance of vaccination, encourage friends and family to talk to a healthcare provider they trust about staying up to date on their vaccinations.

National Breastfeeding Month

Posted on August 8, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

August is National Breastfeeding Month. It is a time when communities and health organizations work in tandem to share the many health benefits of breastfeeding for the nursing mother and baby and to celebrate the natural and healthful bond between a new mother and her infant.

There are five great health benefits of breastfeeding, including:

Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for most babies. As the baby grows, the mother’s breast milk will change to meet the baby’s nutritional needs.

Breastfeeding can help protect babies against some short- and long-term illnesses and diseases. Breastfed babies have a lower risk of asthma, obesity, Type 1 diabetes, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Breastfed babies are also less likely to have ear infections and stomach bugs.

Breast milk shares antibodies from a mother to her baby. These antibodies help babies develop a strong immune system and protect them from illnesses.

Mothers can breastfeed anytime and anywhere. Mothers can feed their babies on the go without worrying about having to mix formula or prepare bottles. Breastfeeding can also provide a source of comfort for babies whose normal routine is disrupted while traveling.

Breastfeeding has health benefits for the mother as well. Breastfeeding can reduce the mother’s risk of breast and ovarian cancer, Type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.

Ways you can celebrate National Breastfeeding Month include:

Learn more and educate others about breastfeeding

Support breastfeeding mothers

Advocate for better breastfeeding policies

Donate to relevant breastfeeding advocacy organizations

Share stories and experiences about breastfeeding

Volunteer during National Breastfeeding Month

Participate in breastfeeding events

Express gratitude for those who are breastfeeding

At Jamaica Hospital’s Baby Friendly USA-designated Department of Women’s Health Services, we are passionate about meeting the various needs of women in our community. We proudly treat women from all walks of life, and we provide a warm and welcoming environment. To learn more about our OB/GYN services, such as breastfeeding, please contact us at 718-291-3276 for more information.

Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month

Posted on August 6, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

August is Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month. As many parents prepare their children for the new school year, it is essential to have their eyes checked.

Vision is a vital part of a child’s development. It is how they learn, play, and interact with the world around them. Uncorrected vision problems can impair child development, interfere with learning, and even lead to permanent vision loss.

Unfortunately, many eye problems in children go undetected, which can lead to long-term issues. Regular eye exams are crucial in identifying problems early, ensuring your child has the best chance for healthy vision. Good vision is essential for their performance in school, in sports, and for their overall well-being.

Vision issues in children are common in the United States. They are vulnerable to many eye problems, including:

Injuries

Infections

Nearsightedness

There are many things to be aware of that may indicate a problem with your child’s eyes, including:

Their eyes do not line up or appear crossed

Their eyelids are red-rimmed, crusted, or swollen

Their eyes are watery or inflamed

They rub their eyes a lot

They close or cover one eye

They tilt their head forward

They have trouble reading or doing other close-up work

They hold objects close to their eyes to see

They blink more than usual or seem cranky when doing close-up work

Things are blurry or hard to see for them

There are many ways to protect your child’s eye health, including:

Getting regular eye exams

Wearing protective eyewear during sports and other activities

Limiting screen time

Practicing healthy nutrition

If you would like to schedule an eye exam for your child, you can visit an ophthalmologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-5900.

Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month

Posted on May 19, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

May is Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month. It is observed as a month that encourages education about the battle against the disease, which affects more than 30,000 people in the United States.

Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic disorder that affects the lungs, causing constant lung infections. It also impacts other organs in the body where mucus builds up, such as the pancreas.

There are two types of cystic fibrosis, classic cystic fibrosis and atypical cystic fibrosis.

Classic cystic fibrosis often affects multiple organs. It is usually diagnosed in the first few years of life.

Symptoms of classic cystic fibrosis include:

Frequent lung infections
Loose or oily poop
Trouble breathing
Frequent wheezing
Frequent sinus infections
A nagging cough
Slow growth
Failure to thrive (inability to gain weight despite having a good appetite and taking in enough calories)

Atypical cystic fibrosis is a milder form of the disease. It may only affect one organ, or symptoms may come and go. It is usually diagnosed in older children or adults.

People with atypical cystic fibrosis may have some of the same symptoms as those with classic cystic fibrosis. Over time, they might experience symptoms that can include:

Chronic sinusitis
Nasal polyps
Dehydration or heatstroke from abnormal electrolyte levels
Diarrhea
Pancreatitis
Unintended weight loss

Changes to the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene cause cystic fibrosis. It affects the cells that make mucus, sweat, and digestive juices. When the CFTR protein doesn’t work as it should, it results in a thick, sticky mucus in the respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems, as well as extra salt in sweat.

Changes in the CFTR gene that cause cystic fibrosis are divided into several different groups based on the problems they cause. Different groups of gene changes affect how much CFTR protein is made and how well it works.

To have cystic fibrosis, children must get one copy of the changed CFTR gene from each parent. If children get only one copy, they won’t develop cystic fibrosis. But they will be carriers and could pass the changed gene to their children. People who are carriers may have no symptoms of cystic fibrosis or a few mild symptoms.

Because cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition, family history is a risk factor. Cystic fibrosis occurs in all races. However, it is most common in white people of North European ancestry. Because it is less common in people who are Black, Hispanic, Middle Eastern, Native American, or Asian, this may lead to a much later diagnosis.

A late diagnosis may cause worse health issues. Early and effective treatment can improve your quality of life, prevent complications, and help you live longer. If you are a person of color and have symptoms that could be cystic fibrosis, talk to your healthcare provider so you can get tested for it.

To diagnose cystic fibrosis, healthcare providers usually perform a physical exam, review your symptoms, and perform tests.

Every state in the U.S. now routinely screens newborns for cystic fibrosis. Early diagnosis means treatment can begin right away. Testing can include:

Newborn screening
A sweat test
Genetic testing

Cystic fibrosis tests may be recommended for older children and adults who weren’t screened at birth. A healthcare provider may suggest genetic and sweat tests if you have repeated bouts of symptoms of cystic fibrosis.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for cystic fibrosis, however, treatment can ease symptoms, lessen complications, and improve quality of life. Close monitoring and early, aggressive intervention are recommended to slow the worsening of cystic fibrosis over time, which can lead to a longer life.

The goals of treatment include:

Preventing and controlling infections that occur in the lungs
Removing and loosening mucus from the lungs
Treating and preventing intestinal blockages
Getting enough nutrition

To learn more about cystic fibrosis or to make an appointment with a pulmonologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call (718) 206-7126.

Common Pediatric Surgeries

Posted on April 30, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Children can experience several health conditions, some of which may require surgery. These surgical procedures can be minor or major. Pediatric surgery focuses on diagnosing and treating surgical conditions in infants, children, and adolescents. These conditions can include:

Surgery for abnormalities of the groin in childhood and adolescence, such as undescended testes, hernias, and hydroceles
Surgical repair of birth defects
Surgical repair of serious injuries
Surgical removal of tumors
Transplantation surgeries
Minimally invasive endoscopic procedures
All other general surgical procedures for children

The most common pediatric surgical procedures are those related to the ear, nose, and throat, such as tonsillectomies, adenoidectomies, and tympanostomy tube replacement. Other common pediatric surgical procedures include:

Appendectomy
Gallbladder removal
Thyroidectomy
Hernia repair
Trauma surgeries

The pediatric surgeons at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center provide many different surgical services to younger patients. For more information about our Queens, NYC pediatric surgical services or to make an appointment, please call (718) 206-7001.

Ear Infections

Posted on December 18, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

An ear infection, or acute otitis media, occurs when a virus or bacteria infects the space behind the eardrum. Children are more likely to get ear infections than adults, making them one of the most common childhood illnesses besides colds.

Signs and symptoms of an ear infection common in children include:

Ear pain, especially when lying down
Tugging or pulling at an ear
Trouble sleeping
Crying more than usual
Fussiness
Trouble hearing or responding to sounds
Loss of balance
Fever of 100˚ F (38˚ C) or higher
Drainage fluid from the ear
Headache
Loss of appetite

Common signs and symptoms of an ear infection in adults include:

Ear pain
Drainage of fluid from the ear
Trouble hearing

Ear infections often begin after a cold or another upper respiratory infection. The germs travel into your middle ear through the Eustachian tube, causing the Eustachian tube to swell and become blocked. The blockage leads to poor Eustachian tube function and infected fluid in your middle ear.

Ear infections aren’t contagious, but the viruses and/or bacteria that cause them are.

Several factors can cause a risk of ear infections, including:

Age
Family history
Colds
Chronic illnesses
Ethnicity
Poor air quality and smoky environments

Most healthcare providers can tell if you have an ear infection based on symptoms and a physical exam. Other tests include:

Tympanometry test
Acoustic reflectometry test
Tympanocentesis test

Treatment for ear infections can include:

Pain medication
Anesthetic drops
Antibiotic therapy

To make an appointment with an ENT doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-7110.

Lazy Eye in Children

Posted on November 19, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Lazy eye or amblyopia is reduced vision in one eye caused by abnormal visual development early in life. The weaker or lazy eye often wanders inward or outward. Amblyopia generally develops from birth up to seven years old, and rarely affects both eyes.

Signs and symptoms of lazy eye include:

A wandering or crossed eye
Eyes that appear not to work together
Poor depth perception
Squinting or shutting an eye
Head tilting
Abnormal results of vision screening tests

It is important to note that some children display no symptoms of amblyopia. The child’s strong eye and brain can compensate for the weaker eye, making it appear that the child has good vision. Over time, the brain gets used to working with only one eye. The eye that’s being ignored by the brain doesn’t develop normal vision.

There are three main causes of amblyopia, including:

Strabismus- which occurs when a child’s eyes aren’t aligned. The eyes don’t work together, leading the brain to ignore one eye
Refractive error or need for glasses- children are especially at risk if one eye has a larger need for glasses compared to the other eye
Conditions that cause poor vision in one eye, like cataracts or droopy eyelid, prompt the brain to ignore the blurry pictures seen by that eye

Additional factors that can place a child at a higher risk for amblyopia, include:

A family history of amblyopia
Prematurity
Developmental delay
Craniofacial disorders
Certain genetic conditions, such as:
- Down syndrome (trisomy 21)
- 22q deletion syndrome
- Williams syndrome
- Noonan syndrome

Vision screening is the best way to diagnose amblyopia and its risk factors. Photoscreening, a type of vision screening that uses a special camera to determine how well a child can see, is often performed in conjunction with vision testing.

Treatment options depend on the cause of lazy eye and how much the condition affects your child’s vision. Treatment your doctor may recommend include:

Corrective eyewear
Eye patches
Bangerter filter
Eye drops
Surgery

Treatment while your child is young and the eyes are still developing, gives them a better chance of overcoming amblyopia. The goal is to make your child’s brain use both eyes. Getting the eyes to work as a team becomes harder as your child grows. Therefore, early treatment is best. Treatment may not work if started after seven to ten years of age.

If your child is experiencing symptoms of lazy eye, schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ophthalmology Center now by calling (718) 206-5900.

Walking Pneumonia in Children

Posted on November 12, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Walking pneumonia is a mild form of pneumonia. Pneumonia is a lung infection that causes your airways to swell, and the air sacs in your lungs to fill with mucus and other fluids. It can also cause a high fever and a cough with mucus.

A cold lasting longer than seven to ten days, especially with a cough that gets worse over time is often a sign of walking pneumonia. Other symptoms may include:

· A fever of 101 degrees F or below

· Fatigue

· Headache, chills, sore throat, and other cold or flu-like symptoms

· Fast breathing or breathing with grunting or wheezing sounds

· Labored breathing that makes rib muscles retract

· Ear pain

· Chest or stomach pain

· Malaise or feeling of discomfort

· Vomiting

· Loss of appetite

· Rash

· Joint pain

Symptoms can come on suddenly or take longer to start. The symptoms are often mild, but can sometimes be more severe

Most children with walking pneumonia don’t feel sick enough to stay home, but even a child who feels fine should stay home for a few days until antibiotic treatment kicks in and symptoms improve

Walking pneumonia symptoms usually depend on where the infection is concentrated. A child with an infection in the top or middle part of the lungs will probably have labored breathing. A child with an infection in the lower part of the lungs may have no breathing problems but may have an upset stomach, nausea, or vomiting.

Walking pneumonia is often caused by bacteria called Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Other bacteria, viruses, or mold can also cause it.

Doctors usually diagnose walking pneumonia by performing an exam. They will check a child’s breathing and listen for a crackling sound that often indicates walking pneumonia. If needed, a chest x-ray or test of mucus samples from the child’s throat or nose will be ordered to confirm the diagnosis.

Walking pneumonia is treated with antibiotics because they are an effective treatment. A five to ten-day course of oral antibiotics is usually recommended. If your doctor prescribes antibiotics, make sure your child takes them on schedule for as long as directed to recover more quickly.

To schedule an appointment with a physician at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-7001.