Pediatric Guide & Child Health Resources
Your essential resource detailing children’s health tips and important medical information for families in Aurora and Batavia, Illinois. Find expert guidance on childhood immunizations, Illinois school physical requirements, fever management, and common illnesses like Strep throat and Head Lice for children aged 18 and younger.
Immunizations
Recommended Vaccination Schedule
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides detailed immunization schedules for children from birth to 18 years of age. If your child has missed vaccinations or started late, the CDC offers catch-up vaccine schedules for proper protection.
Key vaccination milestones occur at ages 4-6 and 11-12, aligning with school entry and adolescence. After receiving vaccinations, children may need extra attention and comfort. Learn how to manage common vaccine side effects in children, including temporary discomfort, fussiness, pain, and fever.
Click on the link below to view the full schedule and additional information.
School Physical Requirements
Illinois state law requires comprehensive physical exams for children entering:
- Kindergarten
- 6th grade
- 9th grade (first year of high school)
These examinations remain valid for one year from the date of completion. Schools typically distribute examination forms in the spring for the upcoming academic year. We strongly recommend you schedule a physical in the spring and no later than June. That way you won’t have to worry about not having it done in time before the school year starts.
If you need a copy of the Illinois School Physical Form, you can download it here.
Age-Specific Resources
Visit healthychildren.org for detailed guidance regarding:
Vaccines
Click on the CDC link below to learn specific immunization information and details on U.S. vaccine requirements.
Chickenpox
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers detailed guidance on the chickenpox (Varicella) vaccine, including the recommended schedule for children. Get current information about chickenpox symptoms, vaccination benefits, and tips for managing chickenpox infection to keep your child comfortable.
Fever Management
A fever occurs when the body’s internal thermostat elevates its set point, most commonly due to infection. Understanding what is a fever in a child is the first step to proper care. We provide reliable pediatric fever management guidelines to help you decide how to treat a child’s fever at home and when to seek medical attention. Our guidelines cover:
Use Tylenol and/or ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil)
Increase fluid intake
For fevers above 103.5°F, provide a tepid bath
Never use cold baths, as they cause shivering and increase heat production
Influenza
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness that ranges from mild to severe. High-risk groups including older adults, young children, and those with certain health conditions. These individuals should receive annual vaccinations.
Whooping Cough (Pertussis)
This highly contagious bacterial infection caused by Bordetella pertussis remains one of the most common vaccine-preventable diseases in the United States.
Strep Throat
Caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria, strep throat spreads through respiratory droplets. The bacteria can survive in the nose and throat and transmits through close contact.
Head Lice (Pediculosis)
Lice infestations spread through direct person-to-person contact. Important notes:
- Pets do not transmit human lice
- Treatment requires specific anti-lice medications
- Prevention involves avoiding shared personal items
Warts and Plantar Warts
These skin growths are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV):
- Most common in children and young adults
- Spread through direct contact
- Often resolved without treatment
- Can self-spread through touching
Food Allergies
Food allergies affect 4-6% of U.S. children under 18. This occurs when the immune system incorrectly identifies certain foods as harmful. Parents must recognize symptoms of common childhood food allergies, like peanut allergy in kids, to ensure safety. Proper diagnosis and management, including creating a comprehensive food allergy action plan, are essential for affected children to maintain a healthy, active life.
Asthma
This common respiratory condition affects over 34 million Americans. Symptoms include:
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Chest tightness
Management strategies exist to control symptoms effectively.
ADD & ADHD
Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder manifests through:
- Difficulty maintaining attention
- Impulsive behavior
- Hyperactivity
While ADHD cannot be cured, symptoms often improve with age and can be managed through various treatment approaches.