Corona Virus COVID-19

Dear Pinellas Pediatrics Patients,

I wanted to write to let you know that your safety is very important to us.  We also want to provide you excellent care and reassurance during this rapidly changing Corona Virus Pandemic  –  COVID 2019.

We are screening our patients who call with complaints of fever and cough for possibility of exposure to the COVID virus. As we do not have the ability to test for the COVID virus, we will refer anyone with risk factors for exposure to All Children’s ER or St. Joseph’s ER.  At this time, patients with risk for COVID will not be coming to our office as we are not able to test here.

We have the ability to have concerned patients wait in the car until their appointment time to be called into the office.  We also have a separate entrance and separate exam room from the rest of our office to evaluate sick patients if needed.

We want to reassure you that we always wash our hands in the exam room right before we examine our patients.  Washing hands is one of the most important measures to decrease spread of illnesses.  We encourage you to wash your hands before leaving our office and whenever you return home from any location.  Clean the surfaces at home that are frequently touched such as doorknobs, water faucet and toilet handles, and light switches. Try not to touch your face and especially your eyes.  Try to eat with a fork or spoon and not your fingers and don’t lick your fingers or put them in your mouth. Give others their personal space and don’t shake hands. Wearing glasses decreases risk of exposure to germs in the air.

We wipe down the toys and surfaces in the waiting and exam rooms with disinfectant at the end of each day.  We also clean the surfaces of the exam room at the end of each day using disinfectant.

What can you do to help?

  1. Let us know if you have any risk factors for exposure to the COVID virus so that we can work with you to get evaluated and treated appropriately in the appropriate setting.
  2. Arrive in the office wearing a mask if you have a cough and fever. (Masks are in short supply but we are working on getting more as soon as they are available.)
  3. Bring your own supply of toys and books (and let your child know the limits you have set) if you don’t want your child playing with the toys and books we have here.
  4. Have your child and you wash your hands before leaving the office.
  5. Follow the recommendations from the CDC and the Florida Department of Health

There is an update at noon each day at CDC.org/coronavirus that you can check for facts vs “fake news”.

The website for the Florida Department of Health for our local information is                          FloridaHealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/COVID-10

We are here for you and your child. Pinellas Pediatrics is your medical home.

Dr. Kathy McNeely

Hepatitis A Health Alert 2018

As of Oct. 22, 2018 –  58 cases have been reported in Pinellas County and more than 180 in Florida. Similar increases have been reported in other states.

“We are on track to report the highest number of hepatitis A cases since 2005,”  according to Dr. Ulyee Choe, Medical Director at the Pinellas County Department of Health.

Vaccination with the full 2-dose series of hepatitis A vaccine is the best way to prevent HAV infection. Immune globulin (IG) can also be used for short-term protection in certain situations

Hepatitis A is spread person-to-person via feces contaminated with its virus. For example, food prepared by an infected person who doesn’t practice proper hygiene in handwashing could sicken others.

Symptoms include fever, dark urine, yellow-tinged skin or eyes, fatigue and gastric issues. It causes damage to the liver, especially among those who already have liver disease.

Good hygiene to prevent the spread of hepatitis A—washing hands well after a bathroom visit and after changing diapers—lessens the chance that fecal contamination will spread the disease in those who have it. Vaccination is the best protection for those at risk.

Measles Report from Florida Department of Health July 2018

Measles is a highly contagious disease among persons who are susceptible. The Florida Department of Health investigates all individuals with measles who spend time in Florida while infectious, including residents and visitors. However, only Florida residents are included in Florida’s case counts reported to the CDC.

State activity:

  • Two Florida residents and one visitor with confirmed measles associated with international exposures in Brazil and France were investigated in July.
  • The two Florida residents and were exposed to measles while traveling abroad. They had no measles vaccinations prior to exposure.
  • The visitor was exposed prior to arriving in the United States and had unknown vaccination status.
  • Thus far in 2018, a total of four Florida residents and three visitors with measles have spent time in Florida while infectious.
  • Contact investigations are conducted for both Florida residents and visitors with measles to determine the vaccination status of those potentially exposed to measles and to detect and prevent transmission.
    • In July, a total of 404 contacts who had possible exposure to measles were identified.
    • No outbreaks of measles were reported.
    • Contact investigations are important for every case of measles to determine the vaccination status for those potentially exposed to measles and to detect and prevent transmission.
  • Vaccination is the best way to prevent measles infections.In July, the two Florida residents with measles were never vaccinated prior to exposure and the visitor had unknown vaccination status.
  • In May, a total of 944 contacts were identified who had possible exposure to a case of measles.
    • In 2017, all measles cases (n=3) were exposed to the measles virus outside of Florida.
  • Vaccination is the best way to prevent measles infections. In May, two cases were never vaccinated against measles and two cases had unknown vaccination status.
  • Due to generally high vaccination rates, cases of measles in Florida residents are rare but occur every year and are most often associated with international travel.
    • The number of reported measles cases in Florida residents has remained at less than 10 cases per year since 2010.
    • In 2017, all measles cases (n=3) were exposed to the measles virus outside of Florida.
  • To learn more about measles, please visit http://www.floridahealth.gov/measles.

National activity:

  • Even though measles has been eliminated in the United States, cases occur every year, mostly among unvaccinated individuals. As of July 14, the CDC has reported 107 confirmed cases of measles so far in 2018. In 2017, the CDC reported a total of 118 cases.
  • In 2017, Minnesota experienced a large outbreak of measles in a community with low measles vaccination coverage that affected a total of 65 individuals. For detailed information on this outbreak see page 10.
  • The two dose measles vaccination schedule has been successful at decreasing cases, and measles was eliminated from the United States in 2000.

International activity:

  • Recently, increased measles activity has been reported all over the world. In May 2018, multiple measles outbreaks were reported in the Americas, Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Pacific.
  • The CDC has issued a Level 1 Travel Alert for several countries with measles outbreaks, including Greece, England, Serbia, Indonesia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Italy, Ukraine, the Philippines, Romania, and France. Travelers to these countries should make sure they are vaccinated against measles with the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine. For more information, please visit https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices.
  • In 2015, more than 100 people from 14 states had been reported to have the measles. Most of the cases had been part of a large outbreak linked to an amusement park in California and a day care in Chicago. Five infants attending a KinderCare Learning Center in Chicago develped measles according to local news sources.

    The initial confirmed case reported visiting Disneyland Resort Theme Parks in Orange County, CA, from December 17 through December 20, 2014. From December 28, 2014, through January 21, 2015, 51 confirmed cases of measles linked to this outbreak have been reported to CDC, 42 from California and 9 from six other states (3 in UT, 2 in WA, 1 in OR, 1 in CO, 1 in NE, and 1 in AZ). At this time, no source case for the outbreak has been identified, but it is likely that a traveler (or more than one traveler) who was infected with measles overseas visited one or both of the Disney parks in December during their infectious period. Disney and other theme parks are international attractions, and visitors come from many parts of the world, including locations where measles is endemic. The  multi-state outbreak underscores the ongoing risk of importation of measles and the need for measles vaccine coverage.

    Measles was almost eliminated in the US in the year 2004 with only 37 reported cases.

    What are the signs of the Measles?

    Fever, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis followed by a rash appearing first on the face then spreading to the rest of the body.

    Why is Measles so serious?

    Measles can cause severe health complications, including pneumonia, infection of the brain, and death.

    The Measles virus is extremely contagious.

    Measles can remain in the air of a room for 2 hours after the contagious person has left the area. People can spread the virus even before they know they are sick. Infected people are contagious from 4 days before their rash starts through 4 days afterwards. Measles is transmitted by contact with an infected person through coughing and sneezing.

    Every year, measles is brought into the United States by unvaccinated travelers (Americans or foreign visitors) who get measles while they are in other countries. They can spread measles to other people who are not protected against measles, which sometimes leads to outbreaks. This can occur in communities with unvaccinated people.

    Why have there been more measles cases in the United States in recent years?

    A: In 2008, 2011, 2013 and 2014, there were more reported measles cases compared with previous years. CDC experts attribute this to:

    • more measles cases than usual in some countries to which Americans often travel (such as England, France, Germany, India, the Philippines and Vietnam), and therefore more measles cases coming into the US, and/or
    • more spreading of measles in U.S. communities with pockets of unvaccinated people.

    What can you do to protect yourself and your family from getting the measles?

    Check to be sure that you and your family members have received 2 doses of measles vaccine.

  • Two doses of MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles; one dose is about 93% effective.

    AS an adult, do I need this vaccine?

    You do NOT need the measles, mumps, rubella vaccine (MMR) if:
    • You had blood tests that show you are immune to measles, mumps, and rubella.
    • You are a man born before 1957.
    • You are a woman born before 1957 who is sure she is not having more children, has already had rubella vaccine, or has had a positive rubella test.
    • You already had two doses of MMR or one dose of MMR plus a second dose of measles vaccine.
    • You already had one dose of MMR and are not at high risk of measles exposure.
    • You are a college student, trade school student, or other student beyond high school.
    • You work in a hospital or other medical facility*.
    • You travel internationally, or are a passenger on a cruise ship.
    • You are a woman of childbearing age.
    You SHOULD get the measles vaccine if you are not among the categories listed above, and:

     

    Before any international travel, infants 6 months through 11 months of age should have at least one dose of MMR vaccine. Children 12 months of age or older should have two doses separated by at least 28 days.  Infants who receive a dose of MMR vaccine before their first birthday should receive 2 more doses of MMR vaccine.

     

    Q: How effective is the measles vaccine?

    A: The measles vaccine is very effective. One dose of measles vaccine is about 93% effective at preventing measles if exposed to the virus and two doses is about 97% effective.

    Q: How effective is the measles vaccine?

    A: The measles vaccine is very effective. One dose of measles vaccine is about 93% effective at preventing measles if exposed to the virus and two doses is about 97% effective.

     

    Q: Could I still get measles if I am fully vaccinated?

    A: Very few people—about three out of 100—who get two doses of measles vaccine will still get measles if exposed to the virus. Experts aren’t sure why; it could be that their immune systems didn’t respond as well as they should have to the vaccine. But the good news is, fully vaccinated people who get measles are much more likely to have a milder illness, and they are also less likely to spread the disease to other people, including people who can’t get vaccinated because they are too young or have weakened immune systems.

     

    Q: Do I ever need a booster vaccine?

    A: No. People who received two doses of measles vaccine as children according to the U.S. vaccination schedule are considered protected for life and do not ever need a booster dose.

    Adults need at least one dose of measles vaccine, unless they have evidence of immunity. Adults who are going to be in a setting that poses a high risk for measles transmission, including students at post-high school education institutions, healthcare personnel, and international travelers, should make sure they have had two doses separated by at least 28 days.

     

    Q: Am I protected against measles?

    A: You are considered protected from measles if you have written documentation (records) showing at least one of the following:

    • You received two doses of measles-containing vaccine, and you are a(n)—
      • school-aged child (grades K-12)
      • adult who was not vaccinated as a child and will be in a setting that poses a high risk for measles transmission, including students at post-high school education institutions, healthcare personnel, and international travelers.
    • You received one dose of measles-containing vaccine, and you are a(n)—
      • preschool-aged child
      • adult who was not vaccinated as a child and will not be in a high-risk setting for measles transmission.
    • A laboratory confirmed that you had measles at some point in your life.
    • A laboratory confirmed that you are immune to measles.
    • You were born before 1957.

     

    Q: What should I do if I’m unsure whether I’m immune to measles?

    A: If you’re unsure whether you’re immune to measles, you should first try to find your vaccination records or documentation of measles immunity. If you do not have written documentation of measles immunity, you should get vaccinated with measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. Another option is to have a doctor test your blood to determine whether you’re immune, but this option is likely to cost more and will take two doctor’s visits. There is no harm in getting another dose of MMR vaccine if you may already be immune to measles (or mumps or rubella).

    Q: How common was measles in the United States before the vaccine?

    A: Before the measles vaccination program started in 1963, we estimate that about 3 to 4 million people got measles each year in the United States. Of those people, 400 to 500 died, 48,000 were hospitalized, and 4,000 developed encephalitis (brain swelling) from measles.

     

    Q: Is measles a concern for the United States?

    A: Yes. Since measles is still common in many countries, this disease will continue to be brought into the United States. Measles is highly contagious, so anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of getting the disease. People who are unvaccinated for any reason, including those who refuse vaccination, risk getting infected with measles and spreading it to others, including those who cannot get vaccinated because they are too young or have specific health conditions.

     

    Source: CDC

Zika Virus and Pregnancy Warnings

Recently the father of my patients informed me that he and his pregnant wife were planning a trip to the Caribbean.  He was unaware of the risks of the Zika Virus activity in that area and the possible risk to his wife’s pregnancy. After we talked he changed his vacation plans and will not travel to an area at risk. Please read the following information so you can protect yourself and your children.

The CDC releases updates on what is known about the Zika Virus. As of March 23, 2016, the CDC reports 273 Zika virus disease cases in the US but these are associated with travel outside the US. Of these cases 19 are pregnant women and 6 were sexually transmitted. There have been no cases where the Zika virus illness was acquired in the US.

    • The primary way that pregnant women get Zika virus is through the bite of an infected mosquito.
    • Zika virus can be spread by sexual activity.
    • Zika virus can be passed from a pregnant woman to her fetus during pregnancy or at delivery.

The Florida Department of Health has activated the Zika Virus Hotline 1-855-622-6735.

Zika and Microcephaly (small head size)

Since May 2015, Brazil has experienced a significant outbreak of Zika virus. In recent months, Brazilian officials reported an increase in the number of babies born with microcephaly.

In addition to microcephaly, other problems have been detected among fetuses and infants infected with Zika virus before birth, such as absent or poorly developed brain structures, defects of the eye, hearing deficits, and impaired growth. Although Zika virus has been linked with these other problems in infants, there is more to learn. Researchers are collecting data to better understand the extent Zika virus’ impact on mothers and their children.

Are you pregnant or planning to get pregnant?

Avoid travel to an area with Zika

  • Until we know more, CDC recommends special precautions for pregnant women. Women who are pregnant should not travel to any area where Zika virus is spreading.
  • If you must travel to one of these areas, talk to your healthcare provider first and strictly follow steps to prevent mosquito bites during your trip.

Although the Zika Virus has not caused disease in the US so far, mosquitoes carry other viruses that can cause disease.  We need to be prepared in case Zika is found in the US in the future.

Take steps to prevent mosquito bites.

  • Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
  • Stay in places with air conditioning or that use window and door screens to keep mosquitoes outside.
  • Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents. When used as directed, these insect repellents are proven safe and effective even for pregnant and breastfeeding women according to the CDC.
  • Remove or stay away from mosquito breeding sites, like containers with standing water.

Symptoms of the Zika Virus Illness

  • Patients diagnosed with the Zika Virus have had fever, rash, joint pain, or red eyes during their trip or within 2 weeks after traveling to an area where Zika has been reported.
  • The CDC has guidance to help doctors decide what tests are needed  for pregnant women who may have been exposed to Zika.

 

Please call our office if you have any questions or concerns regarding the Zika Virus.

Measles 2015

By early February 2015, more than 100 people from 14 states have been reported to have the measles. Most of the cases are part of a large ongoing outbreak linked to an amusement park in California.

At this time, no source case for the outbreak has been identified, but it is likely that a traveler who was infected with measles overseas visited the Disney parks in December during their infectious period.

Disney and other theme parks are international attractions, and visitors come from many parts of the world, including locations where measles occurs often.

Also, according to local news sources in Chicago, five infants attending a KinderCare Center have the measles

Measles was almost eliminated in the US in the year 2004 with only 37 reported cases.

What are the signs of the Measles?
Fever, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis followed by a rash appearing first on the face then spreading to the rest of the body.

Why is Measles so serious?
Measles can cause severe health complications, including pneumonia, infection of the brain, and death.

The Measles virus is extremely contagious.
Measles can remain in the air of a room for 2 hours after the contagious person has left the area. People can spread the virus even before they know they are sick. Infected people are contagious from 4 days before their rash starts through 4 days afterwards. Measles is transmitted by contact with an infected person through coughing and sneezing.

What can you do to protect yourself and your family from getting the measles?
Check to be sure that you and your family members have received 2 doses of measles vaccine.

As an adult, do I need this vaccine?
You do NOT need the measles, mumps, rubella vaccine (MMR) if:
• You had blood tests that show you are immune to measles, mumps, and rubella.
• You are a man born before 1957.
• You are a woman born before 1957 who is sure she is not having more children, has already had rubella vaccine, or has had a positive rubella test.
• You already had two doses of MMR or one dose of MMR plus a second dose of measles vaccine.
• You already had one dose of MMR and are not at high risk of measles exposure.
You SHOULD get the measles vaccine if you don’t meet the criteria listed above and
• You are a college student, trade school student, or other student beyond high school.
• You work in a hospital or other medical facility*.
• You travel internationally, or are a passenger on a cruise ship.
• You are a woman of childbearing age.

Before any international travel, infants 6 months through 11 months of age should have at least one dose of MMR vaccine. Children 12 months of age or older should have two doses separated by at least 28 days. Infants who receive a dose of MMR vaccine before their first birthday should receive 2 more doses of MMR vaccine.

Q: How effective is the measles vaccine?
A: The measles vaccine is very effective. One dose of measles vaccine is about 93% effective at preventing measles if exposed to the virus and two doses is about 97% effective.

Q: Could I still get measles if I am fully vaccinated?

A: Very few people—about three out of 100—who get two doses of measles vaccine will still get measles if exposed to the virus. Experts aren’t sure why; it could be that their immune systems didn’t respond as well as they should have to the vaccine. But the good news is, fully vaccinated people who get measles are much more likely to have a milder illness, and they are also less likely to spread the disease to other people, including people who can’t get vaccinated because they are too young or have weakened immune systems.

Q: Do I ever need a booster vaccine?
A: No. People who received two doses of measles vaccine as children according to the U.S. vaccination schedule are considered protected for life and do not ever need a booster dose.
Adults need at least one dose of measles vaccine, unless they have evidence of immunity.

Adults who are going to be in a setting that poses a high risk for measles transmission, including students at post-high school education institutions, healthcare personnel, and international travelers, should make sure they have had two doses separated by at least 28 days.

Q: Am I protected against measles?
A: You are considered protected from measles if you have written documentation (records) showing at least one of the following:
• You received two doses of measles-containing vaccine
• A laboratory confirmed that you had measles at some point in your life.
• A laboratory confirmed that you are immune to measles.
• You were born before 1957.

Q: What should I do if I’m unsure whether I’m immune to measles?
A: If you’re unsure whether you’re immune to measles, you should first try to find your vaccination records or documentation of measles immunity. If you do not have written documentation of measles immunity, you should get vaccinated with measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. Another option is to have a doctor test your blood to determine whether you’re immune, but this option is likely to cost more and will take two doctor’s visits. There is no harm in getting another dose of MMR vaccine if you may already be immune to measles (or mumps or rubella).

 

Source: CDC

PROBIOTIC L. REUTERI WORKS BETTER THAN SIMETHICONE TO IMPROVE COLIC

 

A study published in our American Academy of Pediatrics journal showed significant improvement in fussy crying in babies receiving the probiotic

Lactobacillus reuteri which is available as BioGaia Probiotic Drops.

 

At the 28 day mark of taking the probiotics, the average crying time had decreased from 159 minutes a day to 51 minutes a day and  95% of the study participants had significant improvement in crying time.

 

Protect Your Infant from SIDS and other causes of sleep-related deaths

All infants should be placed on their backs to sleep until 1 year of age.

Place the baby to sleep on a firm, flat mattress with only a fitted sheet.

Car safety seats, strollers, swings, infant carriers and infant slings should not be used for routine sleep.

Room sharing in separate beds is recommended, but bed sharing with anybody else, including twins, is not.

Keep loose bedding and soft objects such as pillows, quilts, comforters, bumper pads or sheepskin out of the crib.

Avoid smoke exposure, alcohol and illicit drug use during pregnancy and after birth as they are associated with an increased SIDS risk.

 

Infant Sleep Positioners

Status

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the FDA released a warning 9.29.10 on the risks of Infant Sleep Positioners.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) shares the concern of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on the safety of sleep positioners, and urges parents not to use these products.

Infant sleep positioners are flat mats with side bolsters or inclined (wedge) mats with side bolsters.

“First and foremost—always place your baby on his or her back to sleep. When babies sleep on their backs, their risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or SIDS, drops by more than 50 percent.

 “Sleep positioners do not prevent SIDS and in fact can increase the risk of babies suffocating. These deaths are tragic and avoidable.

 “The AAP believes sleep positioners represent a risk to sleeping babies. The AAP also recommends that parents never use pillows, stuffed animals, heavy blankets or other soft or puffy items in babies’ cribs. Soft bedding can end up over their face and block their breathing. Babies should have their own crib, with a firm mattress and a fitted sheet.”

School Days…Starting The Day Out Right

Now that school is in full swing, let’s look into what we can do to make each day flow more smoothly and to tackle some of the challenges school brings.

START YOUR DAY OUT RIGHT

BY PLANNING AHEAD THE NIGHT BEFORE. Have a regular place and time to study.  Put a priority on homework. Turn the TV off until all homework is done. Let the TV be a reward for relaxing after working.    Be consistent and your child will know that these rules are important.

SET A REGULAR BEDTIME AND STICK WITH IT.  A good night’s rest will lead to a better start the next morning.  Sleep deprivation affects the ability to learn and recall information.

A GOOD BREAKFAST STARTS THE DAY OUT RIGHT. Children who go to school hungry or get hungry before lunch have trouble concentrating and may be irritable and have headaches.  Studies have shown that children who have sugary cereals or pancakes with syrup get hungry earlier and consume more calories throughout the day. Try to have whole fruits like peaches or a banana instead of juice. Plan for proteins such as scrambled eggs and milk for breakfast instead of carbohydrates like bagels, waffles, and apple juice. A meal made of carbohydrates raises your blood sugar quickly and which is followed by a mid-morning drop in blood sugar that makes you hungry before lunch time and may make you eat more calories at lunch.

SHOW YOUR CHILD HOW IMPORTANT HER WORK IS by taking the time to review it with her each day.  Praise and rewards (and setting an example by being consistent yourself) will take you a lot further than criticism.

BUT WHAT IF YOUR CHILD IS TRYING HER BEST AND NOT SUCCEEDING?  If your children feel that you put a priority on school work and that it is important for them to do their best, they usually will do well…but what if they don’t. How do you change that around? Talk with your child and with her teacher as soon as you notice challenges with school.