10 Questions Parents Ask Most About Their Child’s Health (Answered by a Pediatrician)

Created with: Dr. Kathleen Driscoll, Board-Certified Pediatrician, Anderson Hills Pediatrics

Reading Time: 10 minutes

Last Updated: June 2026

Parents have questions. We have answers.

If you’ve ever found yourself searching Google at midnight, asking ChatGPT about your child’s fever, or scrolling through Reddit hoping another parent has experienced the same thing, you’re not alone.

Parents naturally want answers as quickly as possible when their child isn’t feeling well.

At Anderson Hills Pediatrics, we hear many of the same questions every day. While online resources can help you learn more about a symptom or illness, they can’t replace medical advice that’s tailored to your child.

Below are ten of the most common questions parents ask, along with evidence-based guidance from trusted pediatric resources.

1. My child has a fever. When should I worry?

Dr. Driscoll shares, “It’s a conversation I have so often.” We know from experience that few things make parents more anxious than seeing a high number on the thermometer. Fortunately, fever is one of the body’s normal ways of fighting infection.

One of the biggest misconceptions about fever is that the number alone tells us how sick a child is. In reality, pediatricians pay close attention to how a child looks and behaves. A child with a temperature of 103°F who is drinking fluids, smiling between naps, and responding normally is often less concerning than a child with a lower fever who is difficult to wake, struggling to breathe, or refusing to drink.

Parents also frequently ask if a high fever will cause a febrile seizure or if it means they need to go to the emergency room. While febrile seizures can be alarming, they are uncommon, usually brief, and are not determined by how high the fever gets. A fever alone is rarely a reason to visit the emergency department. Instead, emergency care is needed if your child has difficulty breathing, is difficult to wake, has a seizure lasting longer than 5 minutes, or is otherwise seriously ill.

Infants younger than 3 months are an important exception. Because their immune systems are still developing, any temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher should be evaluated promptly.

For older infants and children, fever is often caused by viruses that improve with rest, hydration, and time. The goal isn’t necessarily to eliminate the fever. Instead, it’s to help your child stay comfortable while monitoring for changes in how they look and act.

Myth vs. Fact

Myth: Every fever needs medicine.

Fact: Fever itself isn’t dangerous in most children. Medication is used to improve comfort, not simply to lower the temperature.

2. Does my child need antibiotics?

Parents often wonder whether antibiotics will help their child recover faster. Honestly, the answer depends on what’s causing the illness.

Antibiotics treat bacterial infections. They do not treat viruses, which cause most childhood colds, many sore throats, influenza, RSV, COVID-19, and stomach viruses.

Giving antibiotics when they aren’t needed won’t help your child recover more quickly and may cause side effects such as diarrhea, allergic reactions, or contribute to antibiotic resistance.

Sometimes antibiotics are the right treatment, such as for certain ear infections, strep throat, urinary tract infections, bacterial pneumonia, or skin infections. Determining whether antibiotics are appropriate requires considering your child’s symptoms, age, examination findings, and sometimes testing.

Myth vs. Fact

Myth: Green mucus means my child needs antibiotics.

Fact: The color of nasal drainage alone cannot determine whether an infection is viral or bacterial.

3. How much Tylenol or ibuprofen can I give my child?

Medication dosing is one of the most common questions our office receives.

For children, acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) are dosed by weight, not age. Two children of the same age may require different doses based on their weight.

Acetaminophen can generally be used in infants and children when dosed correctly. Ibuprofen should not be given to infants younger than 6 months unless specifically instructed by a healthcare professional.

Always use the measuring device that comes with the medication and avoid using household spoons, which may deliver inaccurate amounts.

If you’re ever unsure of the correct dose, it’s safest to ask before giving the medication.

For more information, visit our Dosing Chart Resources page.

4. Is this rash serious?

Rashes are extremely common during childhood, and most are not emergencies.

Children develop rashes for many reasons, including viral illnesses, eczema, allergic reactions, insect bites, poison ivy, heat, irritation, and bacterial infections.

Instead of focusing only on what the rash looks like, pediatricians also consider:

• Is your child acting normally?
• Does your child have a fever?
• Is the rash painful?
• Is it spreading rapidly?
• Is there swelling of the lips or difficulty breathing?
• Does the rash blanch (fade) when pressed?

These details often provide more useful information than appearance alone.

Because many different conditions can look similar in photographs, online images should be used cautiously.

5. How can I tell if my child is dehydrated?

Children can become dehydrated more quickly than adults, especially when they have vomiting, diarrhea, fever, or poor fluid intake.

Signs of dehydration may include:

• Dry mouth
• Fewer wet diapers or less urination
• No tears when crying
• Unusual sleepiness
• Sunken eyes
• Dizziness in older children
• Difficulty keeping fluids down

For mild illness, offering small amounts of fluid frequently is often more successful than encouraging large drinks all at once.

If your child cannot keep fluids down, urinates very little, or becomes increasingly sleepy, they should be evaluated promptly. Contact our team at (513) 32-8100.

6. Is this a cold, allergies, or asthma?

Many childhood illnesses begin with coughing or congestion, making it difficult to know what’s causing the symptoms.

Seasonal allergies typically cause sneezing, itchy eyes, clear nasal drainage, and little or no fever. Kids with allergies are usually annoyed by the symptoms, but still have their normal energy and want to play and act like themselves.

Colds often include congestion, sore throat, fever, and cough.

Asthma symptoms may include coughing during exercise or at night, wheezing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath. With a cold or an asthma flare, children are more likely to feel tired, have less energy, and simply seem more sick than usual.

While these patterns can be helpful, many illnesses overlap. Your child’s medical history, examination, symptom pattern, and sometimes testing can help determine the most likely cause.

7. Can my child go to school or daycare?

Parents often ask when it’s safe for their child to return to school or daycare after an illness. The answer depends on both your child’s recovery and the illness itself.

In general, children should be fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication, able to participate comfortably in normal activities, and not require more care than teachers or daycare staff can reasonably provide. Keep in mind that lingering symptoms like a mild cough or runny nose are common and do not always mean a child is still contagious.

Some illnesses have specific recommendations for when children can safely return, while others depend primarily on symptom improvement.

If you’re unsure, your pediatrician or our nurse triage team can help guide that decision.

8. Does my child need to be seen today?

This is often the hardest question for parents.

Many childhood illnesses can be safely monitored at home, while others should be evaluated the same day. The challenge is knowing the difference.

Our pediatricians consider much more than a single symptom. They look at your child’s age, medical history, breathing, hydration, energy level, pain, how long symptoms have been present, whether symptoms are improving or worsening, and how all of those factors fit together. A fever in an otherwise playful 8 year old may be managed very differently than the same fever in a newborn or a child who is lethargic or struggling to breathe.

If something simply doesn’t seem right, trust your instincts. Parents know their child best and often notice subtle changes before anyone else. If you’re unsure whether your child needs to be seen, don’t hesitate to call or text our triage team during business hours or speak with our on-call pediatrician overnight. We’re here to help you make an informed decision and ensure your child receives the right care at the right time.

9. How do I know if an injury is serious?

Childhood and bumps and bruises seem to go together.

Most minor injuries improve with rest, ice, compression, and elevation when appropriate. However, an injury deserves prompt medical evaluation if your child cannot bear weight, has severe pain, obvious deformity, repeated vomiting after a head injury, confusion, difficulty using an arm or leg, or increasing swelling.

Head injuries deserve special attention because symptoms can sometimes develop over several hours.

10. Is my child’s development normal?

Every child develops at their own pace.

Some children walk early but talk later. Others become early readers while taking longer to master physical skills.

Pediatricians use developmental milestones as guides rather than rigid deadlines. Regular well visits include developmental screening because identifying concerns early allows children to receive support when it can make the greatest difference.

If you’re wondering whether your child is meeting expected milestones, the CDC’s Learn the Signs. Act Early. program offers free milestone checklists by age, an online tool, and a free Milestone Tracker app to help you monitor your child’s development between visits.

If you have concerns about your child’s speech, movement, learning, behavior, hearing, or social interactions, don’t wait until the next scheduled visit. Complete the milestone checklist, then call our office to discuss your concerns. Early conversations and evaluations can make a meaningful difference.

The Bottom Line

Parents have more access to health information than ever before, and that’s a wonderful opportunity when the information is accurate.

Whether you’re searching Google, asking ChatGPT, reading Reddit, or talking with another parent, remember that online information is designed to educate. It cannot replace medical advice based on your child’s individual history and examination.

At Anderson Hills Pediatrics, we’re here to be your trusted partner. We believe informed parents make confident parents, and we’re always happy to help you decide what comes next.

Still Have Questions?

Every child is different.

If you’re part of the Anderson Hills Pediatrics family, our nurses and physicians are available 24 hours a day to answer questions and help you decide the safest next step for your child.

This article is intended for educational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose or treat a medical condition. If your child is experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. For questions about your child’s health, contact our office.

A Pediatrician’s Guide to Using AI Safely

Created with: Dr. Kathleen Driscoll, Board-Certified Pediatrician, Anderson Hills Pediatrics
Reading time: 6 minutes
Last updated: June 26, 2026

When your child wakes up with a fever at 2:00 a.m. or develops a rash on a Saturday afternoon, it’s natural to want answers right away.

Some parents open Google.

Some ask ChatGPT or another AI tool.

Others search Reddit, Facebook parenting groups, or mom forums to see whether another family has experienced something similar.

At Anderson Hills Pediatrics, we understand why. Parents have more access to information than ever before, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The challenge is knowing which information applies to your child and which doesn’t.

Our goal isn’t to tell you where to look for information. It’s to help you understand how to use those resources wisely and know when it’s time to reach out to a medical professional.

What AI Can Do Well

AI tools like ChatGPT can be helpful for understanding health information. They can explain medical terms, summarize common childhood illnesses, help you understand instructions after a visit, and suggest questions to ask your pediatrician. Used appropriately, AI can be an excellent educational resource. The key is remembering that education and medical advice are not the same thing.

Why AI Isn’t Always the Right Answer

Many people assume AI searches trusted medical websites the same way a pediatrician researches a medical question. That’s not how it works.

AI is trained on a wide variety of information, including medical literature, educational websites, books, and publicly available online content. That content also includes blogs, discussion boards, Reddit, Facebook parenting groups, mom forums, and other places where people share personal experiences and opinions.

While AI often provides thoughtful and accurate information, it doesn’t independently verify every statement or distinguish between a personal story and evidence-based medical guidance.

That means an answer may sound convincing even if it’s incomplete, outdated, or simply isn’t the best fit for your child’s situation.

Personal Experience Isn’t the Same as Medical Advice

Parents naturally look for reassurance from other parents. Reading that another child had the same symptoms and recovered quickly can be comforting. Sometimes those experiences even help you think of better questions to ask. But every child is different.

A toddler with a fever may need very different care than a newborn with the same temperature. A child with asthma may require a different approach than one with no history of breathing problems.

Without knowing your child’s age, medical history, medications, allergies, previous illnesses, growth, or current examination, no online resource can provide truly personalized medical guidance.

Beware of Confirmation Bias

Whether you’re asking AI, searching Google, or reading parenting forums, it’s easy to fall into confirmation bias. Confirmation bias is our tendency to keep searching until we find an answer we were hoping to hear. If you think your child’s rash is “probably nothing,” you’ll likely find someone online who agrees. If you’re worried the same rash is something serious, you’ll probably find that opinion too. The internet can usually support either conclusion.

Medicine works differently. Healthcare professionals gather information, ask follow-up questions, consider several possible diagnoses, and use evidence-based medicine to determine the safest next step.

Three Questions to Ask Before Trusting Any Online Health Information

Before acting on advice you find online, ask yourself:

Is this based on medical evidence or someone’s personal experience?

Personal stories can provide support and perspective, but they shouldn’t replace evidence-based recommendations.

Does this advice take my child’s medical history into account?

Your child’s medications, allergies, chronic conditions, and previous illnesses all matter when making healthcare decisions.

What could happen if this advice is wrong?

If delaying care could put your child at risk, don’t leave the decision to an online search. Contact your pediatrician.

How to Use AI More Effectively

If you choose to use AI as an educational tool, you’ll usually get more helpful answers by asking better questions.

Instead of asking: “My child has a fever.”

Try asking: “My 4-year-old has had a fever of 101.8°F for 18 hours. She’s drinking fluids, urinating normally, has a mild cough, and is playing between naps. What warning signs should prompt me to contact my pediatrician?”

Good follow-up questions include:

• What symptoms should prompt emergency care?
• What can I do at home while I monitor my child?
• What questions should I ask my pediatrician?
• What symptoms would suggest this is getting worse?

Remember that the answer should help you become more informed, not replace a conversation with your healthcare provider.

When to Contact Anderson Hills Pediatrics

One of the things that makes Anderson Hills Pediatrics different is that our families have access to a nurse or physician 24 hours a day. Questions don’t only happen during office hours, and neither does childhood illness.

If your child has:

• Difficulty breathing
• Trouble waking up
• Signs of dehydration
• A fever in an infant younger than 3 months
• A seizure
• Severe pain
• A significant injury
• Any symptom that concerns you as a parent

Skip the internet search and contact us right away at (513) 232-8100 or send a portal message.

Sometimes, a brief conversation with someone who knows your child is far more valuable than another hour spent searching online.

Our Take

Technology is changing the way families find health information, and we expect that to continue. Some families love AI. Some prefer to avoid it altogether.

At Anderson Hills Pediatrics, we don’t think there’s a right or wrong place to start looking for information. We simply want families to understand the strengths and limitations of each resource.

Whether you’ve searched Google, asked ChatGPT, read Reddit, or talked with other parents, we’re always happy to be your next conversation.

Our job isn’t just to answer questions. It’s to help you make informed, confident decisions about your child’s health.

This article is intended for educational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose or treat a medical condition. AI generated information and online resources should never replace an evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional. If your child is experiencing severe symptoms or you believe they need immediate medical attention, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. If you have questions about your child’s health, contact our office. 

Skip the Urgent Care Rush: Why Your Pediatrician Is the Best Place for a Sports Physical

When summer winds down, many parents find themselves scrambling to check one last item off the back-to-school list: the sports physical.

The quickest option often seems to be an urgent care or a school sports physical event. While those may be convenient, they aren’t always the best choice for your child.

At Anderson Hills Pediatrics, we believe a sports physical should be more than a signature on a form. That’s why your child’s annual check-up includes their sports physical. One visit prepares your athlete for the season while making sure they’re healthy, growing, and thriving.

A Sports Physical Is About More Than Playing Sports

A sports physical helps determine whether it’s safe for your child to participate in athletics, but that’s only part of the story.

When your child visits their pediatrician, we take a comprehensive look at their health by reviewing:

• Growth and development
• Medical and family history
• Previous injuries or concussions
• Asthma and allergies
• Medications
• Heart health
• Mental health and emotional well-being
• Nutrition and healthy habits

These are conversations that simply can’t happen during a quick walk-in visit.

Your Pediatrician Knows Your Child

One of the biggest advantages of having your sports physical completed by your pediatrician is continuity of care.

We’ve watched your child grow over the years. We know their medical history, immunizations, medications, allergies, and previous injuries. We know what is normal for them and what deserves a closer look.

If something needs additional evaluation, we’re already the team that will help guide the next steps.

One Visit Instead of Two

Many families don’t realize they don’t need to schedule separate appointments.

At Anderson Hills Pediatrics, your child’s annual check-up counts as their sports physical.

That means one appointment can include:

• Your child’s annual wellness exam
• Completion of all required sports participation forms
• Growth and development assessment
• Immunization review
• Preventive screenings
• Time to ask questions about sports, injuries, nutrition, sleep, or anything else on your mind

It’s comprehensive care that saves you time while ensuring your child is ready for the season ahead.

Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute

Every July and August, appointments fill quickly as families prepare for tryouts, practices, and the start of school.

To help families avoid the rush, Anderson Hills Pediatrics has opened additional appointment availability throughout the summer so athletes can be seen before deadlines arrive.

Whether your child plays football, soccer, volleyball, cross country, cheer, tennis, golf, marching band, or another school activity, we’re here to help them start the season healthy and confident.

Summer is a wonderful time for outdoor play, vacations, camps, and family activities, but warmer temperatures also bring important safety concerns for children.

Sun Protection

Children’s skin can burn quickly, even on cloudy days. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends:

• Using broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher
• Reapplying sunscreen every 2 hours and after swimming
• Wearing hats and lightweight protective clothing
• Avoiding peak sun hours when possible

Infants younger than 6 months should be kept out of direct sunlight whenever possible.

Hydration Matters

Children can become dehydrated faster than adults, especially during sports and outdoor play. Encourage frequent water breaks throughout the day, even if children say they are not thirsty.

Signs of dehydration may include:

• Dry lips
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Decreased urination

Water Safety

Water can be a great source of fun and exercise for kids, but it also comes with serious risks. Drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death in children, and it can happen in less than a minute, often without splashing or yelling. Because drowning is usually silent, constant supervision is essential anytime children are near water, including pools, lakes, bathtubs, and even splash pads.

Here are several important ways families can help keep children safe around water:

• Always provide close, undistracted adult supervision. Stay within arm’s reach of young children and avoid distractions like phones, conversations, or alcohol while supervising.
• Use properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets when boating or swimming in open water. Water wings and inflatable floats are not safe substitutes for life jackets. For Watch this quick video on choosing the right life jacket.
• Enroll children in swim lessons when developmentally appropriate. Swim lessons can help reduce drowning risk, but they do not replace supervision. Talk with your pediatrician about when your child may be ready to start lessons.
• Install secure pool fencing. Home pools should have a four-sided fence with a self-closing, self-latching gate to help prevent unsupervised access.
• Learn CPR. In an emergency, knowing CPR can save a child’s life while waiting for first responders to arrive.
• Families can also take the Pool Safely Water Safety Pledge to commit to safer swimming habits and help prevent childhood drowning.

A safe summer starts with preparation and healthy habits.

If you have questions or concerns about your child’s health, our office is available by phone 24/7. This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Warmer weather means more time outdoors, but it also means increased exposure to ticks and mosquitoes.

Preventing Tick Bites

Ticks are commonly found in grassy, wooded, and shaded areas. To help protect your family:

• Use EPA-approved insect repellents
• Wear long sleeves and pants when hiking
• Check children carefully after outdoor activities
• Shower after spending time outside

Pay close attention to:

• Scalp
• Behind ears
• Under arms
• Behind knees

How to Remove a Tick

If you find a tick:

• Use fine-tipped tweezers
• Grasp the tick close to the skin
• Pull upward steadily without twisting
• Clean the area afterward

** Please be aware that although other less common tick-borne illnesses have the possibility of transmission sooner with a tick bite, the organism that causes Lyme Disease (Borrelia burgdorferi) is rarely transmitted within 48 hours of tick attachment.  As a result, most tick bites do not require antibiotic prophylaxis.  Early removal prior to engorgement is key.

Contact your pediatrician if your child develops any combination of these symptoms: 

• Fever
• Bullseye rash that develops at the site of tick attachment within 30 days of attachment
• Fatigue
• Joint pain

Mosquito Protection

Mosquito bites can be uncomfortable and may spread illness. Reduce exposure by:

• Eliminate standing water around your home. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water, and even small amounts can become breeding grounds. Regularly empty items like flowerpot trays, buckets, birdbaths, kiddie pools, toys, and clogged gutters.
• Use screens on windows and doors. Well-fitted screens help keep mosquitoes outside while allowing fresh air into your home. Repair any holes or tears that could let insects inside.
• Dress children in lightweight long sleeves and pants when outdoors, especially at dusk and dawn. Mosquitoes are most active during these times. Light colored clothing may also make it easier to spot ticks and insects.
• Use insect repellent safely. Repellents containing DEET or picaridin are effective when used as directed. Avoid applying repellent to babies younger than 2 months old, and do not spray directly onto a child’s face or hands. Parents should apply the product to their own hands first, then rub it onto the child’s skin.
• Be extra cautious near wooded areas and water. Mosquitoes tend to gather in shady, damp environments, especially after rain.

Safe outdoor play is important for children’s health and development, and a few preventive steps can go a long way.

If you have questions or concerns about your child’s health, our office is available by phone 24/7. This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

As we head into the holidays, we are seeing an increase in flu cases among the patients we treat. This timing is not unusual as flu activity often rises around the holidays when children are in close contact at school, families are gathering indoors, and routines like sleep and nutrition are disrupted.

We know how stressful it can be when your child is sick, especially during what should be a joyful time of year. Our goal is to help you understand why flu matters, what symptoms to watch for, when to call us, and how we can quickly support your family with a clear care plan.

Why Pediatricians Take Flu Seriously

It is common to hear flu compared to a “bad cold,” but medically, they are very different illnesses.

Thousands of children are hospitalized with flu every year, and tragically, pediatric flu-related deaths occur annually, many in otherwise healthy children. The 2024-2025 flu season saw a record high of 280-288 pediatric deaths in the U.S. (excluding the 2009 pandemic), with a significant majority (around 89%) in unvaccinated children. Unlike the common cold, flu can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, dehydration, worsening of asthma, and secondary bacterial infections.

Young children, infants, and those with chronic medical conditions are at higher risk, but even healthy children can become very ill very quickly. This is why flu remains a major concern for our pediatricians each winter.

Flu Symptoms in Children

Flu symptoms often begin suddenly, rather than gradually like a cold.

Common symptoms include:

• Fever (often high and abrupt in onset)
• Chills
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Headache
• Muscle or body aches
• Significant fatigue or weakness
• Vomiting or diarrhea (more common in children)

If your child seems “knocked down” with fever and body aches, flu is often higher on our list than a routine cold.

When Should You Call?

We are always here to support you. A member of our nurse triage team or one of our pediatricians is available by phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to help guide you when questions or concerns come up. You should never hesitate to call us at (513) 232-8100 if you are worried about your child’s health. We especially want to hear from you right away if your child is experiencing any of the following more concerning symptoms:

• Your child has fever with flu-like symptoms
• Symptoms started within the past 1–2 days
• Your child has asthma, diabetes, immune conditions, or other chronic health concerns
• Fever lasts more than 3 days or returns after improving
• Your child is not drinking fluids well or is urinating much less than usual
• You feel your child is getting worse rather than better

Seek urgent or emergency care right away if your child has:

• Trouble breathing or fast, labored breathing
• Blue or gray lips or face
• Chest pain along with difficulty taking a deep breath
• Severe or persistent vomiting

Testing & Treatment

Many families ask about at-home respiratory tests and how they compare to the testing we use in our office. At-home tests can be a helpful, but they are generally less accurate in children, often test for only one or two illnesses, and can miss flu, especially early on, so a negative result does not always mean your child does not have influenza.

In our office, we use highly accurate testing platforms such as ID NOW and Spotfire, which are designed to detect flu and other common respiratory illnesses more reliably and earlier in the course of illness, all with a single, gentle swab. This allows us to check for up to 15 illnesses such as flu, COVID-19, RSV, strep, and common cold viruses at the same time and, most importantly, to give you clear answers and a care plan during your visit.

Accurate flu testing matters because flu is not just a bad cold, and knowing whether your child truly has flu helps us decide if antiviral treatment may be helpful, and avoid unnecessary antibiotics. Treatment decisions are always individualized based on your child’s age, symptoms, medical history, and timing of illness.

If you are caring for your child at home without being seen in our office, we encourage you to carefully follow the recommended dosing charts to ensure medications are given safely and appropriately.

Keeping Your Family Healthy During the Holidays

While no strategy is perfect, these steps can reduce risk and help protect vulnerable family members:

Flu vaccination for children and adults

Staying home when sick and avoiding gatherings while feverish

Frequent handwashing

Covering coughs and sneezes

Prioritizing sleep, hydration, and balanced nutrition

Being especially cautious around infants, elderly relatives, and those with medical conditions

We’re Here to Help

We understand how overwhelming it can feel when your child is sick, especially when symptoms come on quickly or plans are disrupted. Please know that you are not alone. Our team is here to answer questions, evaluate symptoms, and guide you through next steps with compassion and clarity.

If you are unsure whether your child needs to be seen, we encourage you to call. Early evaluation and timely testing can make a meaningful difference for your child and for your peace of mind this flu season.

At Anderson Hills Pediatrics, we know that technology should make life easier. Not more stressful. Over the past several months, many of you have shared feedback about our self-check-in process through Athena, and we want you to know: we’ve been listening.

Our team has been working directly with Athena to improve the experience for you. We’re fortunate to have a direct line of communication to their patient engagement team, allowing us to share feedback and advocate for updates that better serve pediatric practices like ours. Changes are already underway, and more improvements are coming soon.

We know there have been some growing pains, but we truly appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to make your experience faster, easier, and more family-friendly.

Here Are a Few Helpful Tips:

Complete all steps when checking in via the text link or patient portal

Many parents click the text reminder and confirm their appointment, but don’t realize there are additional steps to follow. Please be sure to scroll through and complete all sections, including any forms, consents, or questionnaires. This ensures your child’s check-in is complete before arrival and helps us get you to your visit faster.

Demographic information

At each visit, you’ll be asked to review and complete the demographics section for the patient (often your child). The good news is that much of this information now feeds directly from our Athena, so the process should be quick to complete.

We understand that some fields may not feel relevant, like marital status for an infant! Unfortunately, certain standardized fields can’t be removed from the form, but we appreciate your patience in filling them out.

You may also notice that questions about gender identity are no longer included, as we recognize these do not apply to most of our patients’ ages. If your child or teen prefers to be addressed by a specific name or pronoun, please share that with our team during check-in so we can ensure they feel comfortable and respected.

Finally, please remember to enter information for the patient (likely your child) rather than the parent. We know this section can be confusing, and we’ve updated the instructions to help make it clearer moving forward.

Forms and consents have been simplified

We’ve reviewed every form and now only ask you to complete information that’s truly necessary. You’ll be prompted to sign new forms when required.

With that in mind, please let our clinical team know if there have been any changes to the patient’s family history, medical or surgical history, or allergies during your appointment, especially if these changes occurred at medical offices outside of our practice, as we do not automatically receive records from all facilities.

Each child must be checked in separately

We know it would be easier to check in all your children at once, but because each child’s Protected Health Information (PHI) must remain confidential and accurate, the system requires separate check-ins. This ensures your child’s information, medical history, and consents stay correctly linked to their individual medical record, protecting their privacy and ensuring safe, personalized care.

Our goal is to provide you with exceptional care, even in the check-in process. Lastly, if you would prefer to complete all your registration via paper, please let a member of our front desk team know upon arrival.

Thank you for growing with us, and for trusting Anderson Hills Pediatrics with your family’s care.

At Anderson Hills Pediatrics, we believe caring for our community is part of caring for children. We’re proud to host our Annual Food Drive once again in partnership with Inter Parish Ministry (IPM) — helping local families in Anderson Township, Amelia, and the greater Cincinnati area who are facing food insecurity.

From now through the end of November, you can drop off donations at either our Anderson or Amelia offices. Collection bins are located right inside our entrances, making it easy to donate when you visit. Every item, big or small, helps a family in need this holiday season.

Why We Do This

We know that food insecurity can affect anyone, from friends, neighbors, and even families sitting beside us at school pickup or in the waiting room. That’s why we’re committed to being part of the solution. When we come together in kindness, our entire community grows stronger.

If your family is struggling, please know that you are not alone. You are always welcome to take what you need from our bins when you’re here for an appointment, or visit one of the local food banks near you: Food Pantry Resources

Most Needed Donation Items

Nonperishable Food Items:

• Canned ham, chicken, tuna, and beef stew
• Canned carrots, peas, white beans, baked beans
• Canned mandarin oranges and canned pineapple
• Spaghetti sauce with meat and canned pasta (ravioli, Spaghetti-Os)
• Cereal, cornbread/muffin mix, granola bars
• Jelly (other than grape)
• Single-serve macaroni and cheese or ravioli cups

Personal Care Essentials:

• Dish soap, laundry detergent
• Paper towels and toilet paper
• Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
• Deodorant and hand soap

How You Can Help

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At Anderson Hills Pediatrics, our mission extends beyond medical care. We believe in creating a community built on kindness, respect, and support. Thank you for helping us fill our bins, nourish our neighbors, and share hope.

Vaccines have been a hot topic in recent years, and we understand how overwhelming and confusing it can be for parents to sort through all the information, especially with changing recommendations and headlines.

At Anderson Hills Pediatrics (AHP), we believe knowledge is empowering. Our goal is to provide clear, compassionate guidance so you feel confident making informed decisions about your child’s health. We also want to help you understand why we make the vaccine recommendations we do and how these decisions protect your child and our community.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recently met to review data and update guidelines for several important vaccines, including COVID-19 and the MMRV vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella).

Here’s what you need to know, and how these discussions impact the care we provide at AHP.

MMR vs. MMRV Vaccines

Both the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella) and the MMRV vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella, varicella) are safe and effective. The difference is that the MMRV combines chickenpox and measles, mumps, and rubella protection into a single shot.

For children under 4 years old, we have not historically given the combined MMRV vaccine. Instead, we recommend that your child receive the MMR vaccine and varicella vaccine separately during the 12 and 15 month well care visits, respectively. This follows ACIP’s most recent recommendations and helps reduce the very small risk of fever or febrile seizures that can occur after vaccination in younger children.

When children are 4 years or older, we often use the MMRV vaccine. At this age, there is no increased seizure risk, and it helps limit the number of injections during one visit.

It’s important to remember that while these risks have always been present, they are extremely rare, and the protection vaccines provide far outweighs the risks of serious illness from measles, mumps, rubella, or chickenpox. For reliable information, visit HealthyChildren.org by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) or the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Vaccine Education Center’s website.

COVID-19 Vaccines for Kids

The recent ACIP voted to change the COVID-19 vaccine recommendations from “recommended” to “shared clinical decision making” between the patient and physician. At AHP, we will continue to offer and recommend COVID-19 vaccines for our patients greater than 6 months because children, especially those at ages 6–23 months, are at significantly higher risk than older kids of being hospitalized for COVID.

This year, we will offer the Moderna vaccine, which is now the only approved COVID-19 vaccine for children starting at 6 months and older. The Pfizer vaccine will still be available elsewhere for children greater than 5 years old. If your child received the Pfizer vaccine in the past, they can receive a Moderna booster dose without issue.

Because new national guidance may affect insurance coverage, families will be asked to sign an ABN (Advance Beneficiary Notice) before vaccination. This form simply explains that you understand there may be a cost to you if your insurance does not fully cover the vaccine.

We are currently waiting for our 2025–2026 vaccine supply. If you’d like to be contacted as soon as doses are available, text “COVID Waitlist” to 513-232-8100, and our team will add your child or children to the list.

Our Commitment to Your Family

At Anderson Hills Pediatrics, we believe strongly in childhood vaccinations. Vaccines have been vital in keeping children healthy, preventing serious illness, and saving lives. Over the past thirty years in the U.S., routine childhood immunizations have prevented about 508 million illnesses, 32 million hospitalizations, and 1.13 million deaths among children born between 1994 and 2023.

Vaccines also don’t just protect the vaccinated child; they protect families, friends, and the community by reducing the spread of disease and keeping outbreaks rare. We believe the data show that the risks of vaccine-preventable illnesses are far greater than the risks associated with vaccines themselves.

If you have any questions about these vaccines or would like to discuss them further, please call or text our office at 513-232-8100. We are here to help guide and support you every step of the way.

Our flu vaccines will be available for patients starting on Monday, August 25, 2025. At Anderson Hills Pediatrics, we strongly recommend that all children aged six months and older get this year’s flu vaccine. We’re also continuing to offer flu vaccines to parents and loved ones, so the whole family can get their flu shot together.

Join us for this year’s flu clinics on the following dates:

• Saturdays at Anderson: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (September 27, October 4, 11, 18, 25)
• Wednesdays at Anderson: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (September 17 – December 17)
• Fridays at Amelia: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM (September 19-December 19)

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 requiring a separate appointment. If you encounter any difficulty finding an 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.

Flu Clinic Additional Information

Back by popular demand, 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 (please no pets in 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 three (3) dress so that one a

rm 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 3 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.

Thimerosol in Flu Vaccines

Our flu vaccines are provided in single-dose vials, which means they do not contain thimerosal, a preservative hi

storically used in some multi-dose vaccines. While thimerosal has been thoroughly studied and shown not to cause harm, we understand that parents may still have questions or concerns. Vaccine decisions can feel complex, and your pediatrician is here to support you. If you’re feeling uncertain about the flu vaccine, or any vaccine, please reach out. We’re always happy to have a thoughtful conversation about your child’s health and safety.

Flu 101

Looking to learn more about the flu in children? Check out our blog, Flu 101: What You Need to Know.

Thank you for trusting us with your child’s care!