The Tdap vaccine is given to prevent tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis, also known as whooping cough. The goal is to protect you against three potentially dangerous bacterial infections with a single shot. Children should receive a single dose of Tdap, preferably at age 11 or 12. Children under 7 should not receive the vaccine. Babies and…
There are two types of flu viruses that make people sick each year, influenza A and influenza B. Influenza A viruses are also present in animals. Influenza B viruses are only present in humans. Influenza A viruses are more common than influenza B among adults, and it is influenza A that causes seasonal flu epidemics…
Grandparents, other family members and caregivers need to make sure they’re up to date on the whooping cough (pertussis) vaccine at least two weeks before meeting a newborn to protect against the potentially deadly disease. During flu season, everyone also needs to get their flu shot at least two weeks before meeting the new baby….
Thanks to a grant from the Norton Children’s Hospital Foundation, Norton Healthcare and Jefferson County Public Schools are expanding a partnership to offer virtual medical care to students and staff at all 89 public elementary schools across Jefferson County over the next two school years. With parental consent, the Norton eCare School Telehealth program allows…
Strep throat season, which happens during late winter and early spring, is hitting the Louisville area. A sore throat often is considered to be a cold symptom, but allergies, dry air and even acid reflux could cause a sore throat. How do you know when it’s something that will pass versus time to see a…
Early flu symptoms can come on suddenly, usually within a few days of exposure to the influenza virus, and can include a fever. While fever is often thought of as a common flu symptom, not everyone who gets the flu runs a temperature. In addition to fever, common early flu symptoms include: Chills Body aches…
You may know blood pressure and cholesterol play a role in conditions like diabetes and heart disease, among others. But do you know how triglycerides fit in and whether you should have high triglycerides or low triglyceride levels? What are triglycerides? When you eat, your body turns excess calories, alcohol or sugar into triglycerides and…
Diabetic neuropathy occurs when high blood sugar levels damage nerves — often in the legs and feet — resulting in pain and numbness. Diabetic neuropathy has no known cure, but treatment can bring relief and slow the progression of nerve damage. Monitoring and maintaining your blood sugar within the target range with guidance from your…
Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is a disease caused by bacteria carried by ticks. The bacteria spreads to humans through a bite from a tick. What kind of tick causes Rocky Mountain spotted fever? Ticks in Kentucky include wood ticks and dog ticks. Lyme disease is spread by deer ticks, but is fairly uncommon in…
A urinary tract infection (UTI) and kidney stones can have similar painful symptoms, and while it’s important to know the difference, any pain in your urinary tract requires treatment from a medical professional to prevent more serious complications. UTIs are less common in men and require in-person medical attention for urinalysis. In women, UTIs are…
An annual checkup is important for adults at any age, and the recommended health screenings will differ as you go through stages of life. The annual checkup is an opportunity to talk to your primary care provider about any concerns you might have and to get a reading on risks for conditions that aren’t showing…
Summer rashes and how to prevent them Itchy rashes, bug bites and sunburn can put a damper on summer fun. Summer rashes range from mild to severe, and last from a few days to a few weeks. Most of these are easily treated at home or in an immediate care center or clinic, but if…
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