Monday update November 25th

We have an odd virus going around.
I have almost a dozen kids with hives. They are itchy but don't seem to be super sick.
Hives are strange. They can be associated with severe allergic reactions so they make many parents nervous. However, many times they simply come along as part of a virus.
We are interested in whether or not your child is on a new medication and/ or has eaten something new and unusual, but if there is no trouble breathing and no obvious source, I am thinking that it is viral.

Most of these kids have had hives on and off for about 4 or 5 days and then they are better.
If they are old enough, we would be fine giving them benedryl as needed.
If they are under 6 months do check in with us.

We are also seeing lots of Strep throat.

There is still a bit of diarrhea going around.

There are tons of coughs and colds out there as well.

For all of you who are traveling for the holidays
Here is an oldie but a goodie from my blog with some travel wisdom.
http://www.nursejudynvp.blogspot.com/2013/08/hello-from-pittsburgh-pennsylvania-i-am.html

Our office will be closed for the holidays on Thursday and Friday. We will be back in business on Monday December 2nd.
If you need help as always call the after hours clinic 387-9293

Happy Holidays!
Judy

Monday update November 18th

We are still seeing lots of colds and coughs.
This cough hangs on for weeks!

I am also getting lots of folks with several days of fevers
Here is my updated fever post.
http://www.nursejudynvp.blogspot.com/2013/11/dealing-with-fevers.html

A few of these folks have ended the fever with a rash and a few fussy days. When that happens I am thinking Roseola or other viral syndrome.

We are having some sore throats.
Some of these have been positive for Strep.

There is a mild tummy bug out there. (If you or your child has it, you might question my choice of words...but most folks are shaking it after a day or so)

Aside from that early positive Flu test last month, I don't think we are seeing any active Flu circulating.
Stay well.
~Nurse Judy

Monday update November 12

The most common illnesses that I have seen in the office and have been getting calls about are the terrible coughs and colds.

We have also had several patients with very high fevers.
We haven't had any more positive flu tests in the office, but to be honest we haven't been testing too many patients.
We have had a couple positive strep throat tests.

I am seeing several folks with a mild tummy bug. Most of these folks have resolved within a few days.

Stay healthy!
~Nurse Judy

Baby Food Recall

http://plumorganics.com/Nov13Recall.pdf?579fdd

Dr Anne asked me to post this. This recall just came to her attention.
She actually had some of this food in her kitchen!

I get calls all the time about babies eating some foods that might be spoiled or simply putting strange and often disgusting items in their mouths.
If your baby has eaten something and is acting fine, we are generally NOT concerned.
If, on the other hand, your child has eaten something questionable and is acting fussier than usual or the poops are unusual, then do check in with us.

~Nurse Judy

Monday update November 4th/ flu shot clinic

We are absolutely swamped with sick kids this week.
Last week the winning phone calls belonged to the "tummy bug"
Today it is all about the respiratory illnesses.
There are loads of coughs/ colds/ wheeziness and fevers.

I do think that RSV is making the rounds
http://www.nursejudynvp.blogspot.com/2013/11/rsv.html

We are seeing lots of croupy kids as well. 

We also had our first positive Flu test!
It feels awfully early for that, but so it goes.
The patients symptoms presented with a few days of congestion that turned into wheezing.

If you haven't gotten your shot yet, we will be doing another Saturday flu shot clinic on November 9th.
9am until noon.
No appointment needed.
This is for the patients and families of Noe Valley pediatrics only.
We have both the flu mist and shots available.

Stay well!
Judy

Monday Update October 28th/ Costume photos/safety class

Towards the end of last week and continuing today we are seeing a lot of kids with upset stomachs, Most of these also have diarrhea.
They seem to be very crampy. ( a bit more cramp complaints than I usually see with this)
This passes after a few days.
http://www.nursejudynvp.blogspot.com/2013/03/tummy-bugs-101.html

I have heard from some of the parents that the day cares are seeing some Hand Foot Mouth.
I have NOT seen much of that in the office yet.

http://www.nursejudynvp.blogspot.com/2013/06/hand-foot-mouth-and-butt-virus.html

We are seeing lots of kids with coughs, colds and croup.

http://www.nursejudynvp.blogspot.com/2013/09/croup.html

http://www.nursejudynvp.blogspot.com/2013/08/dealing-with-those-pesky-colds-and.html


I do have space in my upcoming safety class Wednesday evening at 7:30.
We will review choking rescue, poisons, burns, general child proofing tips, head injuries, pet safety..
You name it....
Classes are $20/ person. sliding scale.
RSVP required
Nursejudynvp@gmail.com

Remember that we have our next Flu shot clinic on Saturday morning November 9th.
I am looking forward to seeing our little patients in costume.
I will be posting photos on the web site ( no names of course)
If you would like to have your little star as part of our gallery, come by and let us snap a picture or email us your best shot to nvpeds@gmail.com

Happy Halloween!!!

http://www.nursejudynvp.blogspot.com/2013/10/halloween-safety-tips.html

get rid of expired meds/ parenting class/ Halloween

This upcoming Saturday is a national expired medication give back.
It is important to routinely clear out your medicine cabinet and getting rid of old medications can be a challenge. You do NOT want to dump them down the drain.

http://nursejudynvp.blogspot.com/2013/09/stocking-your-medicine-cabinet-link-for.html
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This coming Wednesday evening October 26th, I do have some space in my parenting workshop.
In this fun two hour workshop I talk about effective rewards, consequences, bed time and meal time challenges, tantrums, problem solving etc.
Full info at www.nursejudy.com
Wait until your child is over 2 for this class.
To RSVP email me at nursejudynvp@gmail.com
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Is your child going to be in a costume this week? We are going to add a special Halloween gallery to the new website.
If you are in or near the office in costume and would let us post  a photo ( no names will be  used of course) come by and let us snap some shots( the kind that don't hurt!)