Brief Answer:
Thoughts on this

Detailed Answer:
Hello Ms. xxxxxx,

While it is not that out of the ordinary to get these 2 infections over the course of 2 years, let's look at some possibilities.

People with suppressed or inadequate immune systems typically get more frequent infections, including bacterial infections. I am not sure as to the reason for the Zithromax if the doctor knows that it is viral (Zithromax is an antibiotic for bacteria) but perhaps he/she is covering all possibilities, and we don't really have good antivirals for respiratory illnesses like this.

If you do get frequent infections, do go in and get a complete blood count with a peripheral smear to make sure all of your blood cell lines are ok.

People who have pets and have a low grade underlying allergy to the animal can be more predisposed to getting infections. Any kind of allergies can also do this, and if you find that at this time of year you are more prone to getting bad infections, consider what might be in your environment or going on in your life at this time of year.

Also, people who are exposed to tobacco smoke are more at risk too because of suppression of the immune system.

Not getting enough sleep or having continuous high levels of stress can decrease immune function too.

People who work with young children, such as in a daycare or school sometimes pick up more infections.

People who work in environments where there are irritants in the air can be more at risk too.

Some people just have lower immunity to viral infections.

One thing that I learned as a medical student going through pediatric rotation (where doctors typically get sick!) was to not touch my nose, eyes, or mouth with my hands, unless I had immediately prior to this, washed them and touched nothing else. The nose and eyes are avenues for respiratory infections and the mouth for gastrointestinal infections. This preventive practice really helped enormously. I also took supplemental Vitamin C, although this is not necessarily supported by research (but it helps me and individuals differ).

If you are getting frequent infections (i.e. beyond these two episodes), such as frequent ear or sinus infections or bowel infections, then talk with your doctor about testing for immundeficiency syndromes, such as testing various immunoglobins (IgA, IgM, IgG). But most likely (just statistically speaking, and that you have mentioned a whole string of infections) this is just a coincidence that you got these 2 infections.

I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information.

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Brief Answer:
Information

Detailed Answer:
I am not familiar with the immigration policies of South XXXXXXX and we don't have any doctors on this website, that I know of, that are in South XXXXXXX But in many places, immigration laws are for contagious diseases, and what you are describing of your health problems - these are not infectious diseases (although the tracheitis symptoms are, but they should not continue for long). However, your son's cough might be a problem. He should be seen by a pediatrician for this. If it is chronic (ongoing), it could be from allergies. If it is recent, it could just be a passing infection if he is otherwise well.Brief Answer:
Thank you!

Detailed Answer:
If the soy based formula is specially formulated for a baby his age, it should not cause a deficiency as there will likely be vitamin and mineral supplements in it.

Thank you for the compliment. It is best if you can find a doctor who you can see in person because I am limited by not being able to get a thorough medical history and do a physical exam. But I can offer general information and I am happy if it was helpful.

Good luck to you and your baby,
Best regards,
Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh, MD

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