Illnesses & Infections - Southwest Pediatrics

Flu Shot for Kids: Why It Matters and What Parents Should Know

September 12, 2025August 29, 2025 by Dr. Jessica (Jazy) Hill

family smiling after flu shot – flu shot for kids

Confused about the flu shot for kids? We’re busting myths and sharing why this yearly vaccine is one of the easiest ways to keep your child safe and healthy.

Update on the Measles Outbreak and Importance of Measles Vaccination

April 11, 2025 by Dr. Kelly Jolet

As measles cases rise in several areas, it’s crucial to understand the risks and protect ourselves through vaccination. This post discusses the ongoing outbreak, the importance of the MMR vaccine, and what steps families can take to stay safe.

RSV Prevention: How to Protect Your Family

March 26, 2025March 12, 2025 by Dr. Vaishalee Patil

Learn about RSV prevention, recognizing symptoms, and practical steps to protect infants, young children, and older adults during the peak RSV season.

Lice Happens: A Parent’s Guide to Treament & Prevention

March 18, 2025February 19, 2025 by SW Pediatrics

HEAD LICE—just the mention of them can make any parent or teacher start itching. These tiny insects are a common problem, especially among children, and while they don’t carry diseases, they can be an incredibly frustrating nuisance. If your child … Read more

Key Facts About Seasonal Flu Vaccine

August 23, 2021 by austintude

From the CDC; Flu Vaccination Why should people get vaccinated against flu? Influenza is a potentially serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death. Every flu season is different, and influenza infection can affect people differently, but … Read more

Preventive Steps

August 23, 2021 by austintude

From the CDC; Take time to get a flu vaccine. CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against flu viruses. Flu vaccines help to reduce the burden of flu illnesses, hospitalizations and … Read more

Misconceptions About Seasonal Flu And Flu Vaccines

August 23, 2021 by austintude

From the CDC; Misconceptions about Flu Vaccines Can a flu vaccine give you flu? No, flu vaccines cannot cause flu illness. Flu vaccines given with a needle (i.e., flu shots) are made with either inactivated (killed) viruses, or with only … Read more

Healthy Habits to Help Protect Against Flu

August 23, 2021 by austintude

From the CDC; The single best way to reduce the risk of seasonal flu and its potentially serious complications is to get vaccinated each year, but good health habits like avoiding people who are sick, covering your cough and washing your hands often … Read more

How Is the Flu Different From COVID-19?

October 15, 2020 by Linda Penitusi

From the American Academy of Pediatrics: Both the flu (influenza) and COVID-19 are contagious and will be spreading this fall and winter. They have similar symptoms, so it can be hard to tell them apart. Fortunately, we have a vaccine to help prevent … Read more

Our Response to Austin ISD Telemedicine Services

February 14, 2020 by Linda Penitusi

Many of our parents have received a letter from AISD with information on a new program that provides telemedicine services in the school nurse office with a third party service (Virtual Care for Kids). Our patients deserve to know that … Read more

Yes, HPV vaccine is really a good idea.

August 31, 2018 by austintude

We vaccinate against HPV in kids from 11 on up. If kids start their series before age 15, they only need 2 shots over 6-12 months. Kids who start their series after age 15, they need 3 shots over 8-12 … Read more

Settling the Vaccination Debate

February 15, 2017 by austintude

Vaccines are a hot button topic that raises issues and concerns with parents. Controversy about vaccines is nothing new and every vaccine that has been introduced has received its fair share of negative claims. However, research, data, and years of medical review have found that vaccines are an indispensable component of every child’s healthcare routine.

How Antibiotic Overuse Affects Your Children

January 16, 2017 by austintude

As a parent, there is nothing worse than watching your child suffer through a bad case of the flu or a particularly nasty case of strep throat. Your first inclination is to get your kid to the doctor immediately but … Read more

Don’t Let the Flu Stop You!

December 5, 2016 by austintude

We are happy to announce that there is no more wait list to receive the flu vaccine. Don’t wait, please call our office at (512) 288-9669 to schedule your flu shot appointment today!

DEET Phobia

June 5, 2015 by austintude

No surprise, but the mosquitos have taken advantage of our recent rains and are out in full force. We want to share some tips with you about prevention, rather than treatment, because pretty much no matter what you do, the … Read more

Vaccine Policy Update

March 15, 2015 by austintude

We ask our families to please read the following, as it represents a significant change in our vaccination policy. When our practice began in 2001, we began with a core belief that we were partners with parents when making good … Read more

Antibiotics – Great Stuff, Use With Caution

September 16, 2014 by austintude

Here’s a really great article, a quick read, about how antibiotics are being used more than twice as often as they should be. We may be biassed, but we believe pediatricians in general are generally very cautious with antibiotics, doing … Read more

Summer Bites & Stings

April 26, 2013 by Dr. Christine Fyda

As the weather warms up, our kids will be spending more time outside. While that means more fun, physical activity and play time, it unfortunately also means more chances for mosquito bites, ant bites, as well as wasp and bee … Read more

CDC – Travel Health

February 12, 2013 by austintude

https://www.cdc.gov/travel So many of our patients travel internationally, and we find this website absolutely invaluable to guide us and our families with what to consider before travel. Great information is available on immunizations and medications to consider before travel, as … Read more

Latest Information on Autism and Vaccines

February 12, 2013 by austintude

The American Academy of Pediatrics has issued a statement that should be very helpful to parents. We believe strongly that vaccines are extremely safe and have been a public health miracle, saving millions of lives since vaccination began. However, we … Read more

Flu Prevention for Children: Why Getting the Flu Vaccine is Essential This Season

March 28, 2025November 15, 2012 by Dr. Vaishalee Patil

Flu Vaccine for Children: Essential Protection This Season As flu season approaches, the flu vaccine for children remains the most effective way to protect your child from the flu virus. The flu, caused by influenza viruses, affects the nose, throat, … Read more

How to Encourage Bike Helmets

November 15, 2012 by austintude

Biking is a great form of transportation, fun, and exercise for children this time of year. Biking can be enjoyed while still being safe with the use of a helmet. Remember to always encourage your child to wear a helmet … Read more

Summer Safety Tips

June 1, 2012 by austintude

Download this PDF for Summer Safety Tips.