Author: Anderson Hills Pediatrics

We are excited to announce an exciting addition to our services: RSV testing! At our offices, we are committed to providing the best care for you and your family, and this new service is another step towards that goal.

Before we dive into the details, it’s essential to clarify that routine RSV testing is not necessary, especially for children older than six weeks. However, there are specific situations where having the option of RSV testing can make a significant difference in a patient’s life and offer peace of mind to their family.

What is RSV?

RSV stands for Respiratory Syncytial Virus, a common respiratory virus affecting people of all ages. In most cases, RSV causes mild cold-like symptoms, but it can be more severe, especially in young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

Information About RSV Testing:

• Our team is now equipped to diagnose RSV right here in our offices. This means you can receive results and valuable information before you leave your appointment. No more waiting for test results from an external lab, which can be stressful and time-consuming.
• For some parents and caregivers, knowing whether their child has RSV or not can offer peace of mind. It can help alleviate concerns and provide clarity, especially during the colder months when respiratory infections are more common.
• We understand that you may have questions about RSV testing and whether it’s suitable for your child. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our dedicated team is here to support you every step of the way, providing information, answering your questions, and helping you make informed decisions about your child’s health.

At our offices, we are committed to staying at the forefront of healthcare technology and services to offer you and your family the best care possible. RSV testing is just one more way we’re working to keep you and your loved ones healthy and happy.

We wanted to address the recent reports about “white lung syndrome” that have been circulating in the news regarding Warren and Butler Counties.

First and foremost, “white lung” is not a new condition; it’s a term used for pneumonia because it often appears as a white cloudy spot on an X-ray. The reason it’s being labeled an “outbreak” is because health authorities have observed an increase in cases beyond the usual numbers reported in a specific area.

Common symptoms of pneumonia include cough, cold-like symptoms, fever, and fatigue. It’s essential to remember that these symptoms can also be linked to various illnesses, including the common cold and flu.

If you or your family members experience any of these symptoms, please follow the usual guidelines we have shared with you for managing such conditions. Additionally, if you have not already done so, we highly encourage you to get the flu vaccine as soon as possible. This can be an effective way to protect yourself and your loved ones from seasonal illnesses.

If your child has been diagnosed with pneumonia, it’s important to follow your pediatrician’s prescribed treatment plan, including antibiotics if it’s a bacterial infection. Ensure they get plenty of rest, stay hydrated, and manage fever with appropriate medications. Monitor their symptoms closely and seek medical attention if they worsen. Practice good hygiene to prevent the spread of illness.

Your child’s health and well-being are our top priorities, and we are here to support you every step of the way. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you believe your child may be ill with pneumonia and need care.

Stay healthy and take care!

As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, we wish to provide you with information regarding our adjusted hours to ensure uninterrupted access to healthcare services for your family.

Thanksgiving and the Day After:
Amelia Location: Closed on both Thanksgiving Day and the Friday following. We will reopen for normal business hours on Monday, November 27, 2023.
Anderson Location: Open for urgent ill appointments on Thanksgiving, Saturday, and Sunday. Anderson is open for normal business hours on Friday.
Phone Triage: We will continue to offer phone triage by a nurse or physician during evening and overnight hours when you call (513) 232-8100.

While we hope for a healthy and joyful Thanksgiving for all, we understand that health concerns may arise. In such instances, please do not hesitate to contact us. We will make every effort to accommodate your needs and provide the necessary care.

We extend our warmest wishes for a joyful and safe Thanksgiving celebration!

We’re excited to introduce a new opportunity for parents and loved ones to get their flu shot alongside their children. By taking this proactive step, you prioritize your health and create a strong defense against the flu virus for your entire family.

Family Flu Vaccination Benefits: Strengthening Immunity and Preventing Illnesses

When parents and children receive flu shots together, it is a valuable opportunity to impart the significance of preventive health measures to your children and teach them about responsible health choices from an early age.

Vaccinating both parents and children establishes a strong defense against the flu virus within your household. This significantly reduces the risk of flu-related illnesses, fewer doctor visits, and reduced missed school or workdays for all family members.

According to the CDC (cdc.org), the flu vaccine can reduce the risk of flu-related doctor’s visits by up to 60%. It’s especially important for children and adults with chronic health conditions, pregnant women, and people over 65.

Seamlessly Secure Your Flu Shot

Take advantage of our user-friendly web scheduling links for our Anderson and Amelia locations. Parents and family members should choose “New Patient” when scheduling appointments. Alternatively, you can request a flu shot during your child’s upcoming check-up without needing a separate appointment. If you encounter any difficulty finding an ideal appointment slot, please don’t hesitate to contact us at (513) 232-8100, and we’ll gladly explore additional options tailored to your family’s schedule.

As flu cases rise, getting vaccinated safeguards you and your loved ones, including your children. Anderson Hills Pediatrics remains dedicated to your family’s health, prioritizing accessible preventive care.

We want to keep you informed about the current national shortage of Beyfortus (nirsevimab), the new RSV preventative antibody medication. Supplies are limited, especially for infants weighing over 11 pounds.

Our foremost concern is the health and safety of your precious little ones. For this reason, we have made the decision to prioritize our very limited Beyfortus supply for high-risk infants, which includes preterm infants and infants under six months with chronic lung disease and those with underlying severe conditions that make them susceptible to severe RSV disease.

Please know that we are actively taking steps to prioritize patients based on their clinical needs. As more supply becomes available, we will reach out to our patient families to schedule appointments for RSV protection.

For comprehensive and detailed information regarding RSV and Beyfortus (nirsevimab), we invite you to explore our informative blog post, The New RSV Medication – What Parents Should Know.

Parents interested in joining the waitlist for Beyfortus (nirsevimab) for their child can submit a request through our website’s Contact Us section. Please be aware that due to national supply shortages, we may not be able to accommodate all waitlist requests at this time.

Your child’s health and safety continue to be our top priorities.

Get ready for the fall with our quick guide to keeping your child healthy and happy. From managing respiratory illnesses or allergies to flu prevention, we’ve got you covered.

Upper Respiratory Infections and Head Colds:

Colds and viruses can spread more easily in the fall when people spend more time indoors. Ensure your child knows the importance of good hand hygiene and covering their sneezes and coughs.

Allergies:

Ragweed, mold, and other fall allergens can lead to sneezing, runny noses, and itchy eyes. If your child has seasonal allergies, consult us for management options.

Asthma Exacerbations:

Fall allergens, changes in weather, and respiratory viruses can trigger asthma symptoms. If your child has asthma, now is the time to review their asthma action plan. Ensure they have their inhalers and medications on hand. Regular check-ins with our office can help keep your child’s asthma well-managed in the fall season.

Flu Season:

The flu viruses start circulating in the fall, but there’s a powerful defense – the flu shot! It’s the best way to protect your child from the dangerous symptoms. The vaccine is safe and effective, and it helps keep not only your child but also the community safe from the flu.

Join us for our Flu Vaccine Clinic at our Anderson location on Saturday, October 28th. Kids can come in costume and enjoy trick-or-treating while getting their vaccine.

Remember, prevention is key! Regular handwashing, flu vaccines, and maintaining asthma control can help keep your little ones healthy. If your child gets sick, we aim to offer convenient same-day, weekend, and evening appointments. Understand that high demand might limit same-day availability. Rest assured, your child’s health is our top priority, and our clinical team will work diligently to offer care guidance and schedule your child’s visit promptly.

Looking to book an appointment?

Our patient portal offers convenient self-scheduling options. If you don’t find the availability you need or would like to speak to a member of our team, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at (513) 232-8100.

Enjoy the beautiful fall season! If you have any specific concerns or questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Anderson Hills Pediatrics. Your child’s health is our top priority!

To our patients and their families,

We will close our Anderson and Amelia locations at 3:15 PM today to celebrate our team’s accomplishments in our annual fall picnic. Our care team will continue to be available to respond to calls about serious medical concerns. Our team will address general questions about illnesses or medications on Wednesday, October 4, 2023.

Also, we encourage every child over the age of six months to receive this year’s flu vaccine at one of our upcoming vaccination clinics. Need to schedule? You can self-schedule online today!

We appreciate your understanding and look forward to caring for you soon!

Anderson Hills Pediatrics recommends that all children six months and older get this year’s flu vaccine.

Ready to schedule? Visit the patient portal or call us at (513) 232-8100. Please note that you may need to choose “Discover other providers from Anderson Hills Pediatrics” to view full availability.

Clinic Information: 

We’ve expanded our flu clinics to offer vaccine opportunities on weekdays and select Saturdays for your convenience.

Flu Clinic Additional Information:

In our continued efforts to ensure your safety, we aim to keep your family in the vehicle throughout the visit.

• Where to go: We will have Flu Clinic signage in our parking lot to notify and guide you through the visit. We will have designated areas for check-in and vaccine administration. Weather permitting, this year’s clinics will be from the comfort of your vehicle. Inclement or colder weather may necessitate bringing your child inside our facilities for their vaccine.
• How to Dress: As you arrive, please ensure all children over the age of one (1) dress so that one arm is quickly freed of clothing for us to give the vaccine. The best option is a sleeveless or loose short-sleeved shirt. For children under the age of 1 or for those that do not have adequate muscle mass in the arm, the flu vaccine will be administered in your child’s thigh. In this case, we ask that shorts or diapers be worn so we may give the vaccine easily.
• Observation: While rare, fainting or feeling lightheaded can occur after vaccination. This is more common among adolescents and young adults. For this reason, children over 11 will be observed for 15 min. If you choose to forgo the observation period, we will ask you to complete a waiver. The waiver will be available during your Phreesia check-in

Flu 101

Why does my child need to get a flu shot?

Flu shots reduce the risk of getting the flu. Some children vaccinated against the flu may still get sick, but their risk of serious complications, such as pneumonia or hospitalization, is greatly reduced.

If your child is younger than five years or has certain chronic conditions, they are at an even higher risk of severe complications from the flu.

My child got a flu shot last year. Do they need one this year?

Flu viruses change, so the vaccine gets updated to keep up with the viruses that may be most common during the upcoming flu season. Even if your child got a flu vaccine last year, their immune protection decreases over time. Getting a flu shot every year is their best protection.

Isn’t the flu the same thing as a cold?

Colds are usually milder than flu. People with colds are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose. Colds generally do not result in serious health problems.

The flu, however, can cause serious health problems like pneumonia or hospitalizations. The flu can cause serious health problems like difficulty breathing or dehydration, sometimes requiring a stay in the hospital or even the intensive care unit. In rare cases, the flu can lead to death.

Can’t you get the flu from the flu shot?

No, the flu vaccine can’t give your child the flu. A flu vaccine may cause side effects that feel like the flu but are mild and short-lasting. These are signs that their immune system is working and building protection against the flu.

Anderson Hills Pediatrics has partnered with Cincinnati Children’s in developing a clear and effective protocol to support families affected by thoughts of self-harm and suicide to prevent visits to the ED.

Behavioral Health Therapists Caitlin Geiser, LPCC-S, and Vanessa Sinclair, LPCC-S, have trained the Anderson Hills Pediatrics clinical providers to adequately assess the safety risk of children and teens experiencing suicidal thoughts.

During crisis interventions, parents and patients receive resources and recommendations to keep them safe at home while quickly connecting them to a mental health appointment. Often, the child gets treatment from our therapists within a day to a week.

CINCINNATI Local 12 (WKRC) recently interviewed Dr. Katherine Brady and Caitlin Geiser, LPCC-S.

Check out a link to the full article: https://local12.com/news/local/new-program-help-local-children-struggling-with-mental-health-suicide-self-harm-988-call-text-hospital-child-teens-crisis-pediatric-care-family-doctors-resource-resources-specialist-behavioral-emotional-functioning-cincinnati-ohio