Dr. Tanya Altmann

Had an amazing time at @ameracadpeds national conference #aap2024 Thanks to everyone who stopped by my book signings! Check out the new edition of Caring for Your Baby and Young Child now available on Amazon https://a.co/d/jiUJ1Kp

When your little one is sick, it can be terrifying for any parent! This mom took all the right precautions, but it’s also important to remember that siblings often bring home viruses like RSV from school. That’s why keeping sick children at home is so crucial. In addition, encourage your child to wash their hands as soon as they get home, and change clothes if possible. A simple way to minimize the risk of spreading germs is by having your toddler or young child kiss the baby on the feet instead of the face. Speak with your physician about what RSV prevention options there are as well! Every little step counts in keeping your family safe and healthy! Video Credit: @little.lovely.esty #pediatricianreacts #rsv #parentlife #parentingtips #newmom #baby

Please share with anyone you know who is being affected by the California wildfires. So many friends and loved ones have already lost their homes, sentimental items and sense of security. Los Angeles will never be the same. 💔 #californiawildfires #lafires #losangeles #mentalhealthtips #copingtips #copingwithloss #experiencingloss #wildfires

In THE WAY OF PLAY, parents can learn how to play in ways that are fun (not time-consuming!), build your relationship with your child, and get to know them deeply—all while helping build skills for resilience and social, emotional, and cognitive intelligence. 🎭📚💫 Order your copy today! @TinaPayneBryson @georgiewisenvincent #TheWayofPlay #ChildLedPlay #PlayfulParenting

Did you know that you can now test for Flu A and Flu B at home? While the process is similar to that of a regular at-home Covid test, reading the results varies just a little. Remember: C=Control T= Covid A = Influenza A B = Influenza B If any of your results are positive, please call your doctor as there are treatment options for both Flu A and Flu B! #flutest #athomeflutest #coldandflu #covid #pediatricianadvice

It seems like almost everyone has the flu right now! You can take an at-home flu test to determine if you have influenza. If you do, your doctor can prescribe Xofluza or Tamifu to help you get better and to help prevent your household members and friends from getting the flu. Also, don’t forget to get plenty of fluids, rest, and nutrition! If you’re not getting better in 3-5 days, reach out to your doctor as it may be a sign of a secondary infection. #flu #fluseason #coldandflu #pediatricianadvice

Protecting kids from wildfire air! Here’s some practical advice for schools & families: 1️⃣ Check AQI & PM 2.5 – make sure it’s in the green. 2️⃣ Look outside – no ash, smoke, or weird smells. 3️⃣ Wipe down playgrounds & surfaces to avoid particles. 4️⃣ Run your MERV 13 air purifiers & change filters regularly. 5️⃣ Balance outdoor play with air quality concerns. 6️⃣ If the air’s not clear, wear an N95/KN95 mask for added protection. Stay safe, stay informed! #AirQuality #WildfireSafety #parentingtips

Exciting news! The FDA has finally banned the use of Red Dye No. 3 in food, beverages, and medications more than 30 years after scientists discovered links to cancer. This ban was acting on a 2022 petition by advocacy organizations and individuals citing this research. While this is a small step forward, there is still a lot of work to do to remove other potentially harmful additives in foods. In the meantime, you can do your part by limiting the amount of artificial coloring in your child’s foods and beverages by checking labels for those sneaky ingredients. #reddyeno3 #reddyeban #fda #reddye3 #artificialcoloring #foodsafety

Winter bug alert! Flu, COVID, RSV, and norovirus are hitting hard this season, with some of the highest levels of respiratory illness in YEARS. How to stay ahead of it?
✨ Wash your hands – it’s your best defense! 
✨ Avoid touching your face, especially when out in public.
✨ If you’re sick – especially with a high fever or prolonged coughing – call your doctor ASAP! Don’t wait until it gets worse.
✨ Probiotics can help with recovery, but hydration is key.
✨ Keep an eye on your little ones! RSV can be dangerous for babies. If they’re having trouble breathing, seek help immediately. 👶
✨ Clean your spaces and stay cautious in crowded areas. Video Credit: @abcnews #quaddemic #norovirus #rsv #flu #covid #coldandflu #healthtips #parentingadvice #parentingtips #pediatricianreacts

Many areas of Southern California are under a bottled water or boiled water order due to the unsafe water conditions from the wildfires. What’s the difference between the two and why should you follow them? In some areas, the water being used by firefighters to fight the fires decreases the water pressure and in term the water levels in the pipes long enough for bacteria to grow. This makes the water unsafe for drinking, bathing, washing vegetables etc. The order recommends boiling water for 1-3 minutes and letting it cool before consumption. More frequently, we are seeing a bottled water order as it is the safer option, especially as the tap water could be contained by not only bacteria but also fire ash and chemicals. So either way it is important to follow the water order in your area and if you are unsure use bottled water until further notice. #bottledwaterorder #boiledwateroder #californiafires #wildfires

Thank you to @ktla5news for having me on to discuss the harmful air quality in Southern California. I recommend everyone to check the air quality in their area via AirNow.gov. If you do need to go outside, please wear a KN95 mask. Wildfire smoke can have immediate as well as long term effects, especially for those who are very young, older, or have underlying respiratory issues. Kids are particularly vulnerable, especially now as many are sick with colds or respiratory illnesses. Additionally, if you have needed any inhalers or medications to help you or your kids breathe, contact your physician or pediatrician to send to a pharmacy near you. Stay safe! #airquality #wildfires #californiafires #staysafe #pediatricianadvice #parentingtips

Please stay safe. For air quality in your area check out airnow.gov or map.purpleair.com. Be sure to pay attention to the PM2.5 that is the small particular matter that we are so concerned about right now. Not only can it irritate your eyes, nose, mouth and throat, but it can go down into your lungs cause wheezing, cough, trouble breathing, and inflammation, which can lead to further heart or lung issues, illness and disease. If you have to be outside in Poor air quality, please wear an N95 mask. Stay safe! Stay indoors if it’s safe to do so. Keep windows and doors closed. Recirculate your air. Run a HEPA filter in your home.