Since I have focused on some negative trends I thought I would now change things up and talk about the positive. I have been a doctor for 18 years and in private practice for 15 years and have seen some wonderful improvements.
First of all I now see less illness, fewer ear infections, and less hospitalizations. This improvement is due to vaccines. Chicken pox has been almost eliminated due to the vaccine. Not only are there fewer office visits and hospitalizations due to chicken pox but I also see few cases of shingles. Next came the release of the pneumococcal vaccine. It is to prevent serious infections such as meningitis and sepsis. A pleasant byproduct of this vaccine has been a decrease in ear infections. Fewer of my patients need to get ear tubes and it is rare for my patients to need more than 1 course of antibiotics to get rid of an ear infection. Next came the rotavirus vaccine. Rotavirus is a nasty vomiting and diarrhea illness. I still see patients with vomiting and diarrhea but the illnesses are much milder than rotavirus so there are fewer office and ER visits and hospitalizations for dehydration. Most importantly these vaccines have led to fewer pediatric deaths. Now that's a trend I like!
The next trend I have noticed is a greater understanding and acceptance by parents that viral illnesses are not cured by antibiotics. I get less arguments and I even have people ask me if the antibiotic is really necessary when I do need to prescribe it! Decreased antibiotic use is good because it leads to less resistant bacteria, fewer side effects, and less cost to the parents. Now if we can only get the rest of the medical community (urgent care!) on board.
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