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ALERTS: 2/23/10

RSV is here in the north country now! We’ve had many positive tests for that respiratory virus. Not only can it make infants very ill, but it increases the risk of asthma later in life. Protect your infants by limiting exposure to individuals who are sick.

Although H1N1 has been declining in frequency, it is expected to peak again in the spring. Make sure your child receives a vaccine while they are in stock! If they are under 10 years old, they need a booster dose after 3 weeks.

The practice is now scheduling H1N1 injections and mist vaccinations. We are working our way through the wait list, but feel free to call and schedule an appointment now as well.

As H1N1 infection numbers decline, be sure to protect against the next surge in the epidemic by vaccinating your child! Remember to use common infection control practices to keep your children healthy.

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your upper arm when you sneeze or cough and wash your hands after.
• Wash your hands with soap and water or an alcohol based cleaner, especially after you cough or sneeze.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

If you are concerned that your child has been exposed to H1N1, call our office to discuss the issue.

CLICK HERE to view Oct. 29, 2009 message from the State of NY Depatement of Health.

For more information on H1N1, go to:
CDC Website
A webcast also available on the CDC’s website for more information.
Clinton County Health Department
Call (518) 565-4490 for a recorded health message available 24 hours a day.

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Additional Email Address
We’ve added a new email address now, nurse@mvpediatrics.com. This is for you to request information that might normally take a phone call. Checking lab results and routine questions can be directed towards a nurse at our office via email.

Using Email Effectively
Email is a relatively new form of communication between doctors and patients. The goal of course is to provide timely advice and increase access to your child’s personal physician or pediatric office. That said, sometimes it doesn’t work well, due to SPAM, physician time off, or technical problems.

To get the most out of email, we recommend the following:

Usually email is a fast, personal way to communicate, but it isn’t perfect. Over the past few years, we think the majority of problems can be reduced with those guidelines.