So many viruses! Winter Update

February 13, 2025

Flu and RSV Are Here—How to Keep Your Family Healthy This Season

Last month, we were battling the mycoplasma surge, but now we’re shifting gears as flu and RSV cases are on the rise. If you’re noticing more coughs, sniffles, and fevers, you’re not imagining things—this is what flu season looks like in full swing! Let’s break down what’s happening, what you can do to protect your family, and how we’re here to help every step of the way.

What’s Going Around? Flu and RSV Are the Big Players

Flu and RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) are dominating the scene now, in December. Both viruses can affect children and adults, but they often hit kids harder. Flu is especially concerning for those under age 5, and RSV can be dangerous for infants, toddlers, and children with underlying respiratory conditions, like asthma.

Flu Symptoms to Watch Out For

Flu symptoms can look a lot like a cold, but they’re often more severe and come on quickly. Common flu symptoms include:

High fever (often 102°F or higher)
Chills and body aches
Headache
Sore throat
Fatigue and weakness
Cough
Runny or stuffy nose

It’s important to note that the flu can lead to more serious complications, like pneumonia or ear infections, which is why it’s crucial to catch it early.

RSV—What Parents Need to Know

RSV is a respiratory virus that can cause symptoms similar to a cold, but it often leads to more serious breathing problems, especially in babies and toddlers. RSV can cause wheezing, rapid breathing, and severe coughing. If your child starts having trouble breathing or their lips or fingers turn blue, please seek emergency care right away. Asthmatic children are especially vulnerable to RSV and may experience worse symptoms, so if your child has asthma, make sure to follow their treatment plan carefully and reach out to us if you’re concerned.

The Flu Vaccine: It’s Not Too Late to Get It!

Now for some good news—there’s still time to protect your family with the flu vaccine! It’s not too late to get vaccinated, and we can’t stress enough how important this is, especially during a season where flu and RSV are circulating together. Getting the flu shot helps reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalizations, and complications from the flu.

Even if you’re already seeing symptoms of the flu, there’s a chance the vaccine could still provide some protection or help reduce the severity of the illness. So if you haven’t already, come on in and get your flu shot today!

Tamiflu: The Earlier, The Better

If your child develops flu symptoms and it’s within the first 48-72 hours, there’s a medication called Tamiflu that can help lessen the severity and duration of the illness. It’s most effective when taken early, so if you’re concerned your child might have the flu, be sure to reach out for a rapid flu test. We can quickly confirm whether it’s flu or something else, and if it’s the flu, we can prescribe Tamiflu to help your child recover faster.

However, please note that not all insurance plans cover rapid flu tests. If your insurance doesn’t cover the test, there’s a $25 fee. We know it’s not ideal, but getting an accurate diagnosis early can make all the difference in how your child feels and how quickly they recover.

RSV: What to Do If Your Child Is at Risk

For children who are at high risk of complications from RSV (like those with asthma), it’s even more important to act fast. If your child has asthma, make sure they’re using their inhalers regularly to help control any wheezing or difficulty breathing. If their symptoms worsen or they start having trouble breathing, it’s crucial to get them checked right away. Sometimes, RSV can cause a persistent cough that lasts up to three weeks—so don’t be surprised if the coughing lingers for a while even after other symptoms have cleared up.

We’re here to help manage your child’s RSV symptoms and make sure they’re getting the right treatment. If your child is having trouble breathing, or if they seem unusually tired or irritable, please don’t hesitate to reach out. It’s always better to be cautious when it comes to respiratory issues.

We’re Here for You—Whenever You Need Us

We know flu and RSV seasons can be stressful for parents. Between balancing work, school, and the constant worry about your child’s health, it can feel overwhelming. But remember—we are always here for you. Whether you need advice, a flu test, or treatment options, we are available 24/7 to assist you.

For non-urgent questions or concerns, feel free to message us on the patient portal. Our team will get back to you as soon as possible.

For urgent issues or if you need to speak with a provider right away, you can always call our main office number and follow the prompts to reach a provider. If it’s after hours, we’ll connect you with someone who can help, no matter what time it is.

Final Thoughts: Stay Ahead of the Illness

We understand that the fall and winter months can feel like a whirlwind of germs and illnesses. But with the right precautions, the flu vaccine, and timely care, you can help your family stay healthy and bounce back faster if they do get sick.

So, if you haven’t yet, please schedule your flu vaccine today. If your child is showing signs of the flu or RSV, let us know right away. We can provide rapid tests, guidance, and treatment to get them back on their feet as quickly as possible.

We’re always here for you and your family, whether you need us in the middle of the day or in the middle of the night. Stay safe, stay healthy, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you need anything.

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Working with Kids who have ADHD

By Alexis Lieberman • February 19, 2025

A few days ago, I had the chance to meet with a young patient I’ve known since he was born. Now seven years old, he came in to talk about his recent ADHD diagnosis. It was a big moment for him, but also a reminder of how important it is to really understand and support kids with ADHD. ADHD Symptoms and School Challenges Like many kids with ADHD, he was super outgoing and not at all shy about talking to me. He opened up right away about his relationships with his teachers, classmates, and how school was going for him. It was clear he was doing okay—he wasn’t crying at school or yelling at his teachers, which showed he had a pretty good handle on his emotions and impulses. That’s something kids with ADHD often struggle with, so it was nice to see that he had some self-control. Of course, like many kids with ADHD, he had trouble staying seated for long periods of time. It’s a common issue since kids with ADHD often have lots of energy and a hard time focusing for long stretches. This kid really struggled with staying in one spot for too long, which is a big problem in traditional classrooms where kids are expected to sit still and pay attention for hours. Creative Solutions for ADHD Kids: Thinking Outside the Classroom That got me thinking—what if there was a different kind of school for kids with ADHD? I’ve always wondered if programs like apprenticeships, where kids learn to be a woodworker or blacksmith, might work better. These types of hands-on jobs involve a lot of movement and learning by doing, which seems like it might be a better fit for kids who need to move around to stay engaged. Traditional school can feel like a tough fit for kids with ADHD, who often need to move and get their energy out in order to stay focused. I’ve also seen this firsthand with my own child, who has ADHD. My child had a math teacher who figured out that kids with ADHD need to move in order to stay engaged. Instead of sitting still at desks, the teacher had them stand up and use hand gestures to show math concepts. For example, they’d cross their arms to show multiplication and hold their arms parallel to show the equals sign. It wasn’t just fun—it worked! It helped the kids focus and made math a lot more interactive. That teacher understood that keeping kids with ADHD engaged meant thinking outside the box, and it made a huge difference for my child and the other kids. The Importance of ADHD Accommodations in School For the boy I saw recently, things at school were going okay, but we talked about the fact that he’d need support to keep thriving. Luckily, he already has a 504 Plan in place, which provides him with some important accommodations at school. Not all teachers are great at handling kids with ADHD, and some may not understand how important it is for kids to have room to move and get their energy out. But with his 504 Plan, he’s allowed to stand up and move around in class, which will help a lot. This kind of flexibility makes a big difference in helping kids succeed. ADHD Medication: A Tool for Focus and Success We also talked about the possibility of trying some medication to help with his ADHD. This is a topic that often brings up questions from parents. Just the other day, a mom asked me if giving her child a pill to help with ADHD might teach the child to look for pills as a way to solve problems in the future. It’s a good question, and I totally understand her concern. But research actually shows that kids with ADHD who take medication are less likely to develop substance abuse problems later in life. It’s a counterintuitive finding, but it makes sense when you think about it. Medication for ADHD helps improve focus, self-control, and overall functioning, which can actually make it less likely for kids to engage in risky behaviors. When ADHD is left untreated, kids may have a harder time with impulse control and regulating their emotions, which can sometimes lead to problems down the road. So, medication is just one part of a bigger picture—a tool in the toolbox, along with other strategies like therapy, lifestyle changes, and support at school. The Difference Between Drugs and Medication for ADHD The day before I met with this boy, I saw another child with ADHD. He was just as chatty and full of ideas, and I could’ve easily spent more time talking to him about his thoughts and creative ideas. He had a really interesting way of explaining the difference between “taking drugs” and “taking medication.” He understood that drugs are bad for you, but he also got that medication, when prescribed properly, can help you manage things like ADHD. It was a great reminder of how these kids, despite their challenges, often have a clear understanding of the world around them and how things work. The Joy of Working with Kids with ADHD Taking care of kids with ADHD is something I really enjoy. They’re often so smart, creative, and full of life—it’s impossible not to appreciate the way they see the world. These kids can be wildly inventive, and their way of thinking is often fresh and exciting. As a doctor, it’s incredibly rewarding to be part of their journey and to see how they grow and learn. For me, the most important part of this work is being a part of their team as they grow and helping them find the tools and strategies they need to become their best selves. It’s not just about treating a diagnosis—it’s about supporting them as they discover who they are and what they’re capable of. Building Strong Connections with ADHD Kids and Their Families But it’s also about the connections. Getting to know each child, understanding their unique strengths and struggles, is what makes this work so fulfilling. It’s not just about the medical side of things—it’s about the relationship, the trust, and the shared moments that come with working closely with these kids. Every child brings something special to the table, and it’s a privilege to witness their growth and to be there for them every step of the way. Helping these kids succeed is full of joy, laughter, and meaningful moments, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Conclusion: Supporting Kids with ADHD to Reach Their Full Potential In the end, my goal is to help kids with ADHD become the best versions of themselves. With the right tools and strategies—whether through hands-on learning, classroom accommodations, therapy, or medication—we can help them manage their challenges and succeed in school and life. It’s a privilege to be part of their journey, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to support these kids as they grow into their full potential.