Flu Season is Here: Fast Facts to Help You Stay Healthy

• What is influenza? Influenza is a virus typically associated with high fever, body aches, malaise, cough, sore throat, and upper respiratory symptoms. Although many people consider GI symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea part of a “flu”, these issues are less commonly associated with influenza.
• How long do flu symptoms last? Typically 3 – 10 days.
• Is there only one kind of flu? No. There are multiple strands of flu, each categorized under a main sub-group: A, B, or C. Each year we see different types. Scientists use data from the southern hemisphere to predict what strains will most likely trend during our flu season.
• Can the flu cause serious side effects? Although a large majority of children recover from the flu within one week with rest and fluids, the flu can cause secondary complications. These may include ear infections, croup, bronchiolitis, febrile seizures, and pneumonia. Rarely, even serious neurological side effects or death can occur.
• How is the flu spread? Flu is spread from person to person via droplets, typically when a person talks, sneezes, coughs, shares food/beverages, kisses or lives in close quarters. Individuals have the ability to spread the virus 24 hours before they exhibit symptoms. Spreading is highest in the first 3 days of symptoms and usually drops around day 7 of illness. The incubation period for influenza is 1 – 4 days.
• Can I prevent the spread of flu? Yes! The best way to prevent the flu is by getting your flu shot. Flu shots are available for children 6 months of age and older. It is also important to encourage frequent and thorough hand washing, plenty of rest and avoiding contact with others when you are sick with cold symptoms and/or fever.
• If my child gets the flu, what can I do? Some children may be eligible for anti-viral medication (Tamiflu). Tamiflu is usually suggested for very young children, those with complex medical issues, or if recommended by a medical professional. Tamiflu is most effective within 48 hours of symptom onset. Rest, fluids, a humidifier, and nasal saline may be helpful to manage upper respiratory symptoms. Children’s Tylenol and Ibuprofen can help reduce fever, headaches or body pain. If you think your child might have the flu, contact our office. We do have the ability to test for the flu.

Additional resources: Check out the CDC or the AAP websites for additional reading.

Flu Shot Clinics

Getting an annual flu vaccine is the first and best way to protect your child from the flu.

We have several upcoming walk-in flu clinics for registered patients this winter. Your child must have been seen for at least one prior visit before attending a Flu Shot Clinic:

Center City

1740 South Street, Suite 200
Saturday, 11/18 9am-12noon

Saturday, 12/16 9am-12noon

 

Bala Cynwyd

33 Rock Hill Road, Suite 170
Sunday, 12/3 9am-11am

For more information – and to speed your check-in by downloading our Flu Questionnaire in advance of the clinic – visit our website. Please note, only children 6 months of age or older can receive the flu vaccine.

Help Us Help More Children

We are collecting formula and diapers at our Center Citylocation in support of Turning Points for Children’s Food and Wellness Network (FAWN). Formula must be in unopened packaging and within its “use by” date. Diapers do not need to be packaged. Switched formula? Outgrew a diaper size? Please bring your extras to us!

FAWN serves the most vulnerable families in Philadelphia, through 2 choice-based food pantries in Frankford and a 3rd at Tilden Middle School. Turning Points for Children bases their work on the foundations of wellness, safety, diversity, and collaboration. They believe in the power of resilience and possibility.

Donate formula or diapers before December 31st and you can enter a drawing to win a free Parent Education workshop! See the front desk for details.

Online Scheduling Available Now

Every Sunday – Thursday evening beginning at 10:30pm and Friday – Saturday evening beginning at 6:30pm, our Early Access Online Scheduling pop-up is accessible on our homepage. This app allows you to self-schedule for the following morning for children who have become suddenly ill with specific symptoms, or who are experiencing worsening pain and discomfort overnight.

The app will only allow you to schedule for sick children experiencing these certain symptoms, and only for the following day.

In Center City, the pop-up will allow you to schedule for the weekday 8-9am hour and for Saturdays between 8:30-9:30am.In Bala Cynwyd, the pop-up will allow you to schedule for the weekdays (except Thursdays) between 8:30-9am and 10:30-11am, for Thursdays between 10-11am and for Sundays between 9:30-10:30am.

We can no longer accommodate walk-ins at either location, at any time.

For more information, please visit the Appointments tab on our website.

Dr. Madani is on the Move

Dr. Madani is now seeing patients in our Bala Cynwyd location on Fridays, between 8am-4pm. You can schedule an appointment with him by calling 610-257-9000.

Still want to see him in Center City? No problem! He is keeping office hours on South Street on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Timing is Everything

The Center City office will close at 4:00pm on Tuesday, October 31st. Our on-call physician will be available while the office is closed. You can reach them by calling 215-735-5600.

Beginning in November, our Bala Cynwyd office will have expanded Tuesday hours! Beginning11/7, Bala Cynwyd will remain open until 4:00pm on Tuesdays. We will still open at 8:00am.

Winter Workshops Enrolling Now

Infant & Toddler CPR
Sat 12/2 9:30am

Learn proper CPR and rescue procedures for choking, cardiac arrest & respiratory arrest for infants through age 8. Be prepared!

Dates marked with an * will be held in our Bala Cynwyd office. Others are offered at our Center City location.

New Parent + Postpartum Support
Wednesdays at 9:30am
10/25-11/15

During this exciting time, come find space to vent, a chance to share and a system to support as you navigate the surprising challenges of becoming a parent.

SPECIAL PRICING: $45 for the 4-week series (or $15 per session)

Play Your Way To Developmental Milestones
Fridays at 11am
10/27-11/17

Tummy time starts on day 1! This class targets newborns through 3 months in order to promote early, healthy gross motor development. Each week will include a warm-up activity and a focus on a different skill.