Medical Center On Magic

[partsgal]

I'm cruising with twins(2 and half) and 6 year old. They periodically get ear infections. We will be bringing all over the counter medicines they take. Has anybody used this facility and do they have children's antibiotics available? I hate to assume. I have called concierge and they tell me , I guess so! Any info would be greatly appreciated.

[moki'smommy]

Yes, in 30+ cruises we've needed to use the medical center on the Magic twice. Yes, they stock a reasonable supply of the most common antibiotics (and other meds) for adults and children. Yes, they have them in liquid form, appropriate children's doses, etc.

 

The docs are not employed by DCL but are contracted in the same way as the spa and photo employees. They work for a company called Vanguard Medical and are typically European trained. I am a physician and I was completely satisfied with the abilities of "Doctor Philip" who is French. Some of the nurses were a bit of a pain. You will be expected to pay for your care thru your onboard account and provided with the necessary paperwork to submit to your health or trip insurer for reimbursement. We found the visit cost to be comparable to a doc or urgent care visit in the US. The antibiotic charge was less than we've paid in the US for the same drugs.

 

Have you spoken with your pediatrician about ways to prevent ear infections?

[partsgal]

Thanks Moki. You always come through with such wonderful information. The 6 year old went to a specialist and being watched closely. So far no infections. If they reoccur they will look into an ear tube in the one ear. The twins have each had 2 infections and also being watched closely. Do you have any recommendations?

[ivrier]

How often is often? Monthly ear infections can be concerning. In most cases ear infections are preceded by an upper respiratory infection (URI). I am assuming that you will be heading to the European cruise this summer. With the warm weather in Europe this time of the year, you should not be expecting your children to develop any URIs. Take some chewable Vit C tabs 250 mg and provide them 2 a day. This should help prevent them from getting ill or at least lessen the severity of the URIs, if they do develop. Just like Moki, I too am a physician. I am a Pediatrician heading to the Spain - Portugal cruise next week. Yippeeeee!!

[ivrier]

Thanks Moki. You always come through with such wonderful information. The 6 year old went to a specialist and being watched closely. So far no infections. If they reoccur they will look into an ear tube in the one ear. The twins have each had 2 infections and also being watched closely. Do you have any recommendations?

 

Most 6 year olds will outgrow their 'ear infections' as their sinuses and that little tube that connects to your middle ear (eustachian tube) and throat mature.

Smaller ones still can be prone to have ear infections because of their anatomy. In general tubes (tympanostomy tubes ) are inserted when there are frequent ear infections such as monthly for 3 months or if there are suspicions of a dysfunctional eustachian tube. Many ear infections are also brought about from alleriges, exposure to second-hand smoking (not happening on the cruise but often in Europe) etc.

[moki'smommy]

Thanks Moki. You always come through with such wonderful information. The 6 year old went to a specialist and being watched closely. So far no infections. If they reoccur they will look into an ear tube in the one ear. The twins have each had 2 infections and also being watched closely. Do you have any recommendations?

 

I'm not at all upset about you asking, but I can't give medical advice on line.

 

Some docs recommend drops to evaporate water to be placed in the ears after swimming. There is also evidence that many ear infections are viral and self limiting--thus antibiotics are not the treatment of choice for these. However, your pediatrician knows your kids and their situation, and it sounds like appropriate referrals have been made. I would go with whatever your docs recommend.

[partsgal]

Thank you everyone for all the advice. So glad I don't have to worry about carting antibiotics . The 6 year old does have allergies. Unfortunately "dust mites" We know they are everywhere , so try to keep everything as clean as can be. Am so looking forward to the cruise( October out of N.Y.) Hopefully everybody will be healthy.

[moki'smommy]

A clean, "mite proof" pillow cover might help....the ship will supply a pillow case, but it won't be "mite proof."

[Capt_BJ]

our son had recurring ear infections that were dealt with via antibiotics for nearly a year ...

 

His speech was not developing ... we got suspicious and had his hearing tested. He was nearly deaf. FORTUNATELY tubes resolved his issue quickly and within a few weeks he was hearing normally and sleeping without the pain the infections and swelling caused. He was born big (10 3) and grew fast ... his eust' did not keep up . .

 

28 now and normal hearing . . .

 

this was a time when tubes got poopoo'd for being used to often and too fast. We almost got caught there .... our ped' missed it .... you may want to consult a specialist

Edited July 14, 2016 by Capt_BJ