The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recently updated its policy regarding flu vaccines and children.  Last year’s flu season was particularly bad for children.  Deaths due to the flu and flu-related complications were the highest the US has seen since the pandemic in 2009, with half of those deaths occurring in previously healthy children. Last year, most children who ended up in the hospital because of flu complications were not vaccinated.  2 children have already passed away from flu-like illnesses this year.

The AAP has endorsed giving the flu vaccine to everyone 6 months of age and older as soon as possible.  The flu vaccine remains the single best line of defense in preventing the flu.

Getting a flu shot at Sunset is very easy! You can schedule online through our patient portal.  If you don’t have access, request a log-in by filling out the forms found here.  You can also give us a call at 503-296-7800 and we are happy to set up an appointment for your child.

This blog is not a substitute for medical advice. Be sure to talk to your child’s medical provider with any questions.

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses.  Children, especially those younger than 5 years, are at higher risk for serious flu-related complications. The flu vaccine offers the best defense against getting the flu and spreading it to others.  Sunset recommends everyone 6 months of age and older get the flu shot.

Besides the flu vaccine, there are everyday precautions you can take to stop the spread of germs:

• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you or your child is sick, limit contact with others as much as possible.
• Have your child cover their nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
• After using a tissue, throw it away and make sure your child washes their hands.
• Wash hands with soap and water.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
• Keep areas that may get contaminated with germs clean and disinfected.

The CDC has some great information and resources available here.

This blog is not a substitute for medical advice. Be sure to talk to your child’s medical provider with any questions.

The single best way to protect your children from the flu is to get them vaccinated each year.

Flu season is almost here.  Sunset’s flu clinic will begin Monday, September 17^th.  You will be able to schedule your children’s flu shots on our patient portal starting Monday, September 10^th!   To request portal access, fill out the forms found here.  You can also give us a call at 503-296-7800 to set up an appointment for your children.

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses.  Children, especially those younger than 5 years, are at higher risk for serious flu-related complications. The flu vaccine offers the best defense against getting the flu and spreading it to others. Getting vaccinated can reduce flu illnesses, doctor’s visits, missed work and school days, and prevent flu-related hospitalizations.

The flu is most common during the fall and winter. Most of the time flu activity peaks between December and February.

Here are some signs and symptoms of the flu to keep an eye out for:

• Fever* or feeling feverish/chills
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue (very tired)
• Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.

*It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.

The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older get a seasonal flu vaccine. 

Based on recommendation by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), we are not offering Flu Mist for the 2018-2019 Flu season.

Read more about children and the flu here.

This blog is not a substitute for medical advice. Be sure to talk to your child’s medical provider with any questions.

The start of school is always a busy time! Help your kiddos adjust to the end of summer and transition back to school and a full schedule with the following tips:

Making the First Day Easier:

• Many children become nervous about new situations. It can be helpful to practice the new situation.  Take them to visit the new school or classroom before the first day of school. Remind them that there are probably a lot of other students who feel the same way. Ask them what they are worried about and help them problem solve ways to master their new environment.
• Point out the positive aspects of starting school to create positive anticipation, like they will see old friends and meet new ones. Remind them about positive experiences they have had in the past with school or their friends.

Developing Routines:

• Consider starting on their school sleep/wake schedule a week or so ahead of the start of school so that the time change is not a factor on their first few days.
• Insufficient sleep is associated with lower academic achievement in middle school, high school and college, as well as higher rates of absenteeism and tardiness. The optimal amount of sleep for most younger children is 10-12 hours per night and for adolescents, 13 years and up, is in the range of 8-10 hours per night.
• Create an environment that is conducive to doing homework starting at a young age. Children need a consistent work space in their bedroom or another part of the home that is quiet, without distractions, and promotes study.
• Studies show that children who eat a nutritious breakfast function better. They do better in school and have better concentration and more energy. Some schools provide breakfast for children; if yours does not, make sure they eat a breakfast that contains some protein

Going back to school can also mean going back to the doctor for your child’s annual well visit.  Sunset’s Physicians recommend your child is seen annually for this important checkup. Call us today to schedule!

Here are more resources for the back to school transition:

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/gradeschool/school/Pages/Back-to-School-Tips.aspx

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/gradeschool/school/Pages/Making-the-First-Day-of-School-Easier.aspx

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/gradeschool/school/Pages/Back-to-School-Back-to-the-Doctor.aspx

https://readingpartners.org/blog/back-to-school-reading-tips/

This blog is not a substitute for medical advice. Be sure to talk to your child’s medical provider with any questions.