Vitals at SIU Medicine

Pandas, the black-and-white bears, are often seen as cuddly, harmless creatures. But in reality, they’re strong, territorial and capable of doing serious damage when provoked. The same goes for PANDAS—not the animal, but a rare condition in children that can be just as surprising and serious.

Scarlet fever and rheumatic fever are often thought of as serious conditions only seen in historical dramas. Though rare, these complications from strep throat can still occur today and bring serious consequences.

When your little one is sick, even the simplest things can feel like a big deal, especially figuring out how much medicine to give. You’re tired. They’re fussy. You stare at the dosage instructions like it’s a calculus math problem. Whether you’re holding a feverish baby or trying to catch a squirmy toddler, the questions pile up: “Is this the right amount? Is it safe? And how on earth do I get them to take it without a total meltdown?”

If you have a toddler, you probably know this scene all too well: Your child’s nose is running like a faucet, and every time you reach for a tissue, they turn their head, swipe at their face with their sleeve or worse – just sniff the mess right back in. It’s not a skill that comes naturally, and most little ones have no idea how to make air come out of their nose on purpose. Teaching nose-blowing is one of those small parenting challenges that pays off in a big way. With the right tools, tricks and a little patience, your toddler can master this milestone.

As temperatures rise and families flock to pools, lakes and beaches, it's the perfect time to talk about an important—and often misunderstood—summer safety concern: dry drowning (also known as secondary drowning). While rare, dry drowning can be serious, and understanding the signs can help you act quickly and confidently if something seems off after water play.

At SIU Medicine, we believe preventive care is essential—especially for children who rely on us to protect their health from day one. Vaccines are one of the most effective tools we have to keep kids healthy and communities strong.

The tragic events of April 28 have deeply shaken our community. At SIU Medicine, we know that grief touches every part of life — at home, at work and in our connections with others. As health care

More than 70% of babies have an ear infection before their first birthday, but this common childhood illness is notoriously hard for parents and even physicians to diagnose.

When children are sick and dehydrated, oral rehydration therapy (ORT) can be a lifesaving tool for parents. It’s a simple, at-home method to prevent and treat dehydration, helping your child recover