With warmer weather approaching, we are certainly hoping that Spring is almost here! With that, we wanted to send a few springtime updates for you as well as updates about WMPeds.
Ticks are here - we have received an increase in calls about tick bites. Please be sure to keep a close eye on your children, your animals, and yourselves and do tick checks regularly! Ticks need 36-48 hours to transmit Lyme disease. This is why checking frequently for ticks is a crucial element of Lyme prevention.
If you have been in the office recently you may have met our new Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Jennifer Lannigan and our Behavioral Health Specialist Nicole Rice.
March 4th was HPV Awareness Day. Human Papillomavirus is a group of viruses that can cause multiple types of cancers including anal, cervical, and esophageal cancers and affects both males and females. It is the most common sexually transmitted infection. The good news - a safe vaccine has been around for more than 20 years that prevents HPV and therefore many of these cancers. Vaccinations begin at 9 years old. There are 2 doses of the vaccine for individuals who start before 15 years old, and 3 doses for those who start afterwards.
If you have any questions about the HPV vaccine please don’t hesitate to ask your provider at your child’s next well visit.
Since Spring is right around the corner, please make sure you have the latest addition of your child’s asthma action plan ready and updated refills of their asthma medications.
For those children who suffer from springtime allergies and require starting anti-histamine medications such as Zyrtec or Claritin, please keep an eye out for any burgeoning flower buds and signs of spring. It is best to start these medications early to prevent those with moderate to severe allergies from having flares this season.