Shigella Virus

Posted on May 21, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Shigella virus or infection is an illness that affects the intestine and is caused by a group of germs called Shigella bacteria.

A Shigella infection mostly affects children under the age of five, but it can happen at any age. The germs that cause a shigella infection are easily spread through an infected person’s stool. An infection occurs after the germs are swallowed after either touching your mouth, drinking tainted water, or eating tainted food, or due to them being present on fingers, surfaces, or in food or water.

The main symptom of a Shigella infection is diarrhea, which can be bloody or long-lasting. Other Shigella infection symptoms can include:

Fever

Stomach pain or cramps

An upset stomach or vomiting

A feeling of needing to pass stool even when the bowel is empty

The symptoms of a Shigella infection tend to last for up to seven days and sometimes longer. Some people can have no symptoms after they have been infected with Shigella; however, the germs may be able to spread through stool for up to a few weeks.

It may take weeks or months before you return to your usual bowel habits, and most Shigella infections clear up without leading to other complications, such as dehydration, seizures, rectal prolapse, hemolytic uremic syndrome, toxic megacolon, reactive arthritis, and bloodstream infections.

It is important to call your healthcare provider or go to urgent care if you or your child has the following:

Bloody diarrhea

Diarrhea along with a fever of 102 degrees Fahrenheit or higher

Diarrhea that causes weight loss and dehydration

Frequent vomiting that prevents you from keeping liquids down

Terrible cramps or tenderness

Dehydration symptoms, such as little or no urination, very dry mouth or throat, or a feeling of dizziness while standing

If you have a weakened immune system with any symptoms of a Shigella infection, call your healthcare provider, as the illness will make you sicker for a longer period.

Diagnosing a Shigella infection involves a physical exam and tests to determine if you have the illness, as many other health conditions can cause diarrhea or bloody diarrhea. A stool sample can be collected by you or your healthcare provider; it will be sent to a lab to check for Shigella germs or toxins, which are harmful substances the germs make.

Treatment for a Shigella infection depends on the severity of the illness. An illness caused by a Shigella infection is usually mild and gets better within seven days. If the illness is mild, you may only need to replace lost fluids from diarrhea, especially if you are in overall good health.

Talk with your healthcare provider before taking any non-prescription diarrhea medicine, as these medicines could make some conditions worse.

If a lab test is positive for the Shigella virus, non-prescription medicines containing bismuth subsalicylate can help pass stool less often and shorten the length of the illness. However, it is not recommended for children, pregnant or breastfeeding people, or people who are allergic to aspirin.

Additionally, do not take diarrhea medicines such as loperamide or medicines containing the combination of diphenoxylate and atropine, as they are not recommended for a Shigella infection. This combination of medicines can lower the body’s ability to clear Shigella germs and make your condition worse.

Antibiotics are prescribed by a healthcare provider if there is a serious Shigella infection. However, some Shigella bacteria can resist the effects of these medicines, so your healthcare provider may not recommend them unless your infection is very bad.

To help prevent a Shigella infection, follow these steps:

Wash your hands often

Try not to swallow water from ponds, lakes, or untreated pools

Throw away soiled diapers in a covered, lined garbage can

Disinfect all diaper-changing areas right after use, especially if the diaper spills or leaks

Do not have sexual contact with anyone who has diarrhea or who has recently recovered from diarrhea. Wait at least two weeks

If you or your child has diarrhea or a known Shigella infection, take these steps to prevent the spread of germs:

Keep washing your hands often

Do not prepare food for others

Keep children with diarrhea home from school, childcare, or play groups

Stay home from healthcare, food service, or childcare jobs while sick

Do not go swimming until you have fully recovered

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of a Shigella infection, you can receive treatment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

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.

Why Aren’t Children Getting Enough Sleep?

Posted on May 6, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Sleep plays a crucial role in a child’s development as it is an important building block for their mental and physical health. It has a direct effect on a child’s overall wellness, as research shows that sleep can impact their alertness and attention, cognitive performance, mood, resiliency, vocabulary acquisition, and learning and memory. In toddlers, napping is necessary for memory consolidation, executive attention, and the development of motor skills. What’s more, sleep crucially affects their growth, especially in early infancy.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) estimates that 25% to 50% of children and 40% of adolescents are affected by sleep problems, such as:

A new sibling

Teething

An illness, such as the cold or an ear infection

Sleeping in a different place

A new caregiver

A change in schedule

Allergies

In addition to these sleep problems, a significant number of children also suffer from sleep disorders at some point. Sleep disorders are connected to mental and physical issues, with one amplifying the other in a pattern that can be difficult to stop. The most common sleep disorders in children include:

Sleep apnea

Snoring

Nightmares and night terrors

Sleepwalking and sleep talking

Restless leg syndrome

Another reason why children aren’t getting enough sleep is that they aren’t sleeping for the number of hours recommended. According to research data released by the National Sleep Foundation (NSF) from their 2026 Sleep in America poll in March of this year, 44% of children in the U.S. do not consistently get the recommended amount of sleep for their age. Younger children especially fall short.

In 2015, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) looked at the sleep behavior in middle and high school students and found that around 60% of middle school and 73% of high school students were getting less than the recommended 9-12 hours a night for children 6 to 12 years old and 8-10 hours a night for children 13 to 18 years old.

Several issues have been discovered as the contributing factors of why children within this age group aren’t getting the recommended amount of sleep, including:

The use of electronic devices

Changes in their internal clocks

Early school start times

Caffeine consumption

A child’s daytime habits also affect sleep. To promote restful sleep for a child, you can follow these sleep hygiene rules:

Keeping a regular bedtime

Arranging a balanced schedule with alternating moments of rest and play

Creating a no-screen zone in the child’s bedroom, even during the day

Providing them with a healthy diet

Setting the thermostat at a slightly cooler temperature

Using dark curtains to block out light, or a nightlight if they’re afraid of the dark

Keeping the bedroom quiet, or using a white noise machine to block out outside sounds

Avoiding caffeine, large meals, and sugary snacks before bedtime, choose a healthy bedtime snack instead

Practicing good sleep hygiene can help your child get into a consistent bedtime routine and help them sleep better.

If your child is having trouble sleeping, you can receive treatment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

Autism Acceptance Month

Posted on April 10, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

April is observed as Autism Acceptance Month. It encourages communities worldwide to move beyond simple awareness of autism and toward genuine acceptance, inclusion, and support for autistic individuals and their families.

Beginning in the 1970s, Autism Acceptance Month made a national effort to increase public understanding of autism. Over time, the conversation has expanded from simple awareness to genuine acceptance, emphasizing that autistic individuals deserve not just recognition but inclusion, respect, and equitable access to support. In 2026, that shift is more visible than ever, with advocacy organizations and clinical communities adopting acceptance-first language.

Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that autism now affects about 1 in 31 or 3.2% of children eight years old in the U.S. These numbers emphasize the importance of early screening, accessible diagnostic services, and community-wide understanding.

An annual report from Autism Speaks revealed that roughly 11% of children with autism are not receiving the healthcare they need. This month acts as a crucial reminder that gaps in service access still exist, and that informed, empowered parents play a vital role in closing them.

One of the most impactful things a parent can do is learn to recognize the early signs of autism. Early identification allows for timely interventions, which research consistently links to stronger developmental outcomes.

The signs of autism vary by age, but the general red flags in the first two years include:

Limited eye contact
Delayed babbling or speech
Repetitive movements
Minimal response to their name

Children between the ages of two and four may present difficulties with pretend play, strong insistence on routines, or challenges interacting with peers. Because autism presents differently across children, including girls and non-binary children whose traits may be subtler, staying informed about the full spectrum of presentations is vital.

There are several steps you can take if you have any concerns:

If you believe something is abnormal when monitoring your child, document any specific behaviors you observe, noting frequency and context. Discuss the notes from your observations with your pediatrician and ask them direct questions about developmental screening.
Understanding the levels of autism can also help you articulate what you’re seeing and have productive conversations with healthcare providers.

A formal autism diagnostic evaluation usually involves assessments by a licensed psychologist using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2 (ADOS-2). A clear diagnosis gives families a roadmap for services, school accommodations, and long-term planning.

Participating in Autism Acceptance Month doesn’t need grand gestures. Some meaningful ways to engage in everyday moments with your child and family include:

Evaluating your home for sensory triggers and creating predictable daily schedules with sensory-friendly routines
Using resources to learn about behavior strategies, sleep support, and transition planning
Approaching every interaction with the belief that your child understands more than they may be able to express
Having age-appropriate conversations about neurodiversity with siblings and extended family.
Joining parent support groups

Autism Acceptance Month brings families, educators, and communities together around the shared goal of better understanding autism spectrum disorder and the people it affects.

National Children’s Dental Health Month

Posted on February 6, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

February is observed as National Children’s Dental Health Month, a month focusing on the importance of promoting good oral health habits among children and raising awareness about the significance of dental care.

Good oral hygiene is an essential habit for a child to learn at a young age. Teaching children good oral health habits such as regularly brushing their teeth, flossing, rinsing, and attending dentist appointments can help them grow up with healthy mouths.

These habits can help prevent them from developing cavities. Cavities are the most common chronic disease of children in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than half of children six to eight years old have had a cavity in at least one of their baby teeth. Additionally, more than half of adolescents aged 12 to 19 years old have had a cavity in at least one of their permanent teeth.

If cavities go untreated, they can cause pain and infections that may lead to problems with eating, speaking, playing, and learning.

Fortunately, cavities are preventable. According to the CDC, fluoride varnish can prevent 33% of cavities in baby teeth. Children living in communities with fluoridated tap water have fewer cavities than children whose water is not fluoridated. Additionally, children who brush daily with fluoride toothpaste will have fewer cavities.

The CDC also notes that dental sealants can prevent cavities for many years as well. Applying dental sealants to the back teeth prevents 80% of cavities.

There are several ways that parents and caregivers can help reduce the risk of or prevent babies and children from developing cavities, including:

Babies

Wipe their gums twice a day with a soft, clean cloth in the morning after their first feeding and right before they go to bed. This wipes away any bacteria or sugars that can cause cavities

When teeth come in, start brushing them twice a day with a soft, small-bristle toothbrush and plain water

Visit the dentist by your baby’s first birthday to spot any signs of problems early

Talk to your dentist or healthcare provider about putting fluoride varnish on your child’s teeth as soon as the first tooth appears

For children two years or younger, consult with your healthcare provider or dentist about the use of fluoride toothpaste.

Children

Brush their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste

Help your child brush their teeth until they develop good brushing skills. If your child is younger than six years old, watch them while they brush, and make sure they use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and always spit it out instead of swallowing it

Ask your child’s dentist to apply dental sealants when appropriate

Drink tap water that contains fluoride

It is important that your child regularly visits a dentist to ensure they receive the most effective treatment possible.

If you would like to learn more about cavity prevention for your child, you can schedule an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Department of Dental Medicine. Please call (718) 670-5521.

National Birth Defects Prevention Month

Posted on January 14, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

January is recognized as National Birth Defects Prevention Month. The observance was created to help raise awareness while working towards better care and highlight the efforts that help with prevention.

Hundreds of thousands of babies are born around the world each day. Some are born healthy. However, some are born with birth defects. Birth defects are structural changes that affect one or more parts of the body, such as the heart, brain, feet, and hands. Some of the common birth defects include congenital heart defects, cleft lip, spina bifida, anotia, and microtia. These defects are formed during the first three months of pregnancy when the baby’s organs are developing.

An estimated 8 million newborn babies are born with some kind of birth defect. These birth defects can range from minor to life-threatening.

Although birth defects can’t always be prevented, many of them are reliant on the lifestyle of the parents, as exposure to certain substances during pregnancy can cause issues in the development of the baby.

There are many ways to observe National Birth Defects Prevention Month, including:

Taking prenatal vitamins and supplements such as folic acid (400mcg) every day

Avoiding substances such as alcohol, drugs, both cigarette and secondhand smoke, marijuana, certain prescription medications, and any other substances that may be harmful to an unborn baby

Seeing a healthcare provider regularly during every stage of your pregnancy

Flushing Hospital Medical Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology offers comprehensive, multi-disciplinary, and culturally sensitive care. Our services are provided by a highly skilled team of the best OBGYNs in Queens. For more information, please call (718) 670-5562.

National Safe Toys and Gifts Month

Posted on December 17, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

December is National Safe Toys and Gifts Month. It is an annual observance dedicated to promoting the safety of toys and gifts for children, particularly during the holiday season. It serves as a reminder to parents, caregivers, and gift-givers to choose age-appropriate and safe toys to ensure the well-being of the children who receive them.

Started by the nonprofit organization, Prevent Blindness, National Safe Toys and Gifts Month focuses on raising awareness about the importance of selecting toys and gifts that meet safety standards and align with a child’s age and developmental stage. The month aims to prevent accidents and injuries caused by inappropriate or hazardous toys, especially when gift-giving is most common.

Too often, accidents involving children and toys occur and may result in eye injuries. Each year, thousands of children ages 14 and younger suffer serious eye injuries, including blindness, from toys, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Approximately one in ten children’s eye injuries caused by toys end up in the ER.

Promoting safe toys and gifts during this month is essential for children’s well-being. Ways to participate and ensure safe gift-giving include:

Check the labels of the toys before purchasing them. Always look for age-appropriate labels on toys and gifts and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Avoid toys with small parts, which can be choking hazards for young children.

Inspect the toys for any hazards by examining them for sharp edges, loose parts, or any potential dangers that could harm children.

Research the toys and gifts online by reading reviews and asking for recommendations from other parents and caregivers.

Consider the child’s age before buying any gifts or toys. Also consider their interests and abilities when selecting gifts for them.

Support educational toys by choosing toys and gifts that encourage learning, creativity, and development.

Spread awareness by sharing safety tips and information about safe toys and gifts month with your community and on social media.

Taking proper precautions can avoid many accidents and injuries involving children’s toys. Let’s all do our part to encourage their safety.

To schedule an eye exam for your child at Flushing Hospital’s Medical Center Ambulatory Care Center, call (718) 670-5486. If there is an emergency, please call 911.

Back to School Sleep Tips

Posted on August 27, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

As summer winds down, parents are preparing their children to go back to school. One important thing to achieve is to start getting them back to a sleep routine before the new school year starts.

Getting children back into a healthy sleep pattern is necessary for them to have the right amount of energy and focus while in the classroom.

Children need more sleep than adults do. The National Sleep Foundation and American Academy of Sleep Medicine suggest the following:

Preschoolers (ages 3-5) require 10-13 hours of sleep
School-age children (ages 6-12) require 9-12 hours of sleep
Teenagers (ages 13-18) require 8-10 hours of sleep

A Centers for Disease Control (CDC) study found that most American children and teenagers don’t get enough sleep. Nearly six in 10 middle schoolers and at least seven in 10 high schoolers don’t get enough sleep on school nights. Of the high school students that were surveyed, almost two-thirds of them sleep less than eight hours a night.

The best way for parents to get their children back on a sleep schedule is to do it one day at a time. The process of adjusting a sleep schedule should be incremental. In the weeks leading up to going back to school, have your child wake up 15 minutes earlier and go to sleep 15 minutes earlier than they did during summer break. Continue to adjust their bed and wake times in 15-minute increments every few days until your child is sleeping and waking up at the desired times for school. By the first day back to school, they should be adjusted to the new sleep schedule.

Winding down at the end of the day can help children sleep well and prepare them for the next school day. A good bedtime routine includes relaxing activities, such as:

Taking a warm bath or shower
Brushing teeth and washing up
Cuddling with a parent
Singing lullabies
Reading with a parent or individually
Journaling
Meditating

Children look to their parents for guidance on healthy habits. Getting adequate sleep is an important healthy habit, as it helps prevent fatigue, exhaustion, and daytime drowsiness.

Parenting: Helping Children Adjust to a New Baby

Posted on February 5, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

When it comes to welcoming a new sibling, children can have a variety of reactions depending on their age. They can be happy and excited, sad, angry, and upset. Knowing what to expect from each age group can make handling the changes in your family easier.

Here is some information from the American Academy of Pediatrics to help parents prepare older siblings for a new sibling:

For children aged one to two years

They may not understand what it means to have a new sibling. However, you can bring up the topic with your child so they can get used to it. It is also important to reassure them that they are loved.
You can read children’s books about newborns and siblings with your older child before the new baby arrives so they can become familiar with words such as sister, brother, and new baby.
Once the new baby arrives, be mindful of spending time with your older child. You can make them feel special by giving them a special gift and spending one-on-one time with them.

For children aged two to four years

They are learning to share with others and may feel the need to compete for your attention. Therefore, it is important to explain to your older child that there will be times when you will need to take care of the new baby first. They may also have difficulty adjusting to changes in your family’s routine.
Find chances to talk about the new baby before the new baby arrives. You can mention that a new baby will be in the family when you start buying nursery furniture or baby clothes or when your child asks about Mom’s growing belly. Continue to read children’s books about newborns and siblings with your older child.
Remind your older child about when they were a baby, by showing them their baby pictures. If you use some of their old things for their new sibling, let them play with them for a bit before they get ready for the new baby.
Be honest with your older child. Explain that the baby will be cute, but will also cry and take a lot of your time and attention. It is important to let your older child know that it may be a while before they can play with the new baby and that they will need to be gentle when they play or help care for the baby.
Involving your older child in planning for the baby will make them less jealous.
Time the major changes in your older child’s routine. Finish toilet training or switching from a crib to a bed before the baby arrives if possible. If it isn’t possible, wait until after the baby is settled at home.
Expect your older child to regress a little after the new baby arrives. Older children may return to an earlier stage in their development when a new baby arrives.
Set aside some special time for your older child. You can read to them, play games with them, listen to music with them, or talk with them. Show them that you love them, and want to do things with them.
To make your older child feel included, find ways to invite them to help with the new baby.
When family and friends visit the new baby, ask them to spend time with your older child to help them feel special and not left out.

For children who are older than five years

They are usually not as threatened by a new baby as younger children are. However, they may resent the attention the new baby gets.
Tell your older child what is happening in words they can understand before the new baby arrives. Explain what having a new baby means and what changes may affect them.
Have your child help prepare for the new baby by having them help fix up the baby’s room, pick out clothes, or buy diapers.
After the new baby arrives, have someone bring your older child to the hospital to meet their new sibling, if they are not already there. This will help them feel that they are part of the growing family.
Help your older child feel that they have a role to play in caring for the baby when the new baby is brought home.
Don’t overlook your older child’s needs and activities.

Please be mindful that children have different personalities that may affect how they respond to the new baby.

Preparing your older child for the arrival of a new baby can be challenging, but following these recommendations can make the transition much easier.

National Safe Toys and Gifts Month

Posted on December 5, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Promoting safe toys and gifts during this month is essential for children’s well-being. Ways to participate and ensure safe gift-giving include:

Check labels: always look for age-appropriate labels on toys and gifts, and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Avoid small parts: steer clear of toys with small parts or choking hazards for young children.
Inspect for hazards: examine toys for sharp edges, loose parts, or any potential dangers that could harm children.
Read reviews: research toys and gifts online, read reviews, and ask for recommendations from other parents and caregivers.
Consider the child’s age: consider a child’s age, interests, and abilities when selecting gifts for them.
Support educational toys: choose toys and gifts that encourage learning, creativity, and development.
Spread awareness: share safety tips and information about safe toys and gifts month with your community and on social media.

Taking the proper precautions can avoid many accidents and injuries involving children’s toys. Let’s all do our part to encourage their safety.

To schedule an eye exam for your child at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center, call (718) 670-5486. If there is an emergency, please call 911.

What To Do If Your Toddler Has A Fever

Posted on November 15, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

A fever is an above-normal increase in the body’s temperature. A normal body temperature is about 98.6^°F. A temperature of 100.4˚ Fahrenheit (38˚ Celsius) or higher is considered a fever for a child. Fevers show the body is fighting off infection from a virus or bacteria. Your child’s body is raising its temperature to kill the germs.

In most cases, fevers are harmless and go away in three days. Signs and symptoms that your child may have a fever include:

Feels warmer than usual
Shivering
Sweating
General body aches
Loss of appetite
Fussiness or irritability

The best way to check your child’s temperature depends on their age. The type of thermometer used to take a temperature may make a difference. Use a digital thermometer. Never use a mercury thermometer. Additionally:

Rectal thermometers are the most accurate.
Forehead thermometers are the next best choice if used the right way.
Oral and ear thermometers can be used if done properly. For oral temperatures, wait 30 minutes after drinking something hot or cold. Wait 15 minutes after coming in from the cold for an ear temperature.
An axillary or armpit temperature can be used as a quick check but it isn’t very accurate.

A fever may not need to be treated unless your child is uncomfortable. Even higher temperatures are not usually dangerous unless they have a long-term illness. Here are some ways to provide relief and help reduce your child’s fever:

Dress your child in light clothing. Overdressing them can trap the body’s heat, causing the temperature to rise.
Make sure they drink lots of fluids. Prolonged fever can lead to dehydration.
- For babies under a year old, continue to give breast milk and formula. They should not be given water. If they are older than six months, give them rehydration liquids that are rich in electrolytes.
- For children over a year old, give them extra liquids, like water, diluted 100% juice, popsicles, or rehydration liquids that are rich in electrolytes.
Your child may not want to eat much. Give them small amounts of soft foods, but do not force them to eat.
Give them sponge baths or let them soak in a tub. Water should be lukewarm, not too hot or cold. Use a washcloth to pour the water over them.
- Do NOT add alcohol to the water as it can be dangerous.
- Recheck their temperature 15 minutes after the bath. Repeat the sponge bath if the temperature is 103˚F (39.4˚C) or higher.
Over-the-counter medicines can help lower a fever. Read the label on the bottle to know the right dose for your child.
- Acetaminophen may be used for all children over two months.
- Ibuprofen may be used for children over six months.
- Do not give aspirin to children.

Call your child’s healthcare provider right away if your child:

Has a temperature of 104 ˚F (40 ˚C) or above.

Has a temperature above 102˚F (38.9˚C) for more than 2 days or keeps returning.
That has been treated to bring it down, but it has not worked.

To speak with a pediatrician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center about your child’s fever, please call 718-670-5440 to schedule an appointment. Please call 911 if there is an emergency.