VMC Kids Pediatrics

08/29/2026

CDC report for the week of August 24–28, 2026

* Overall respiratory illness: CDC reports that the amount of acute respiratory illness causing people to seek healthcare is very low nationally.
* COVID-19: Increasing nationally and regionally. CDC estimates that COVID-19 infections were growing or likely growing in 48 states as of August 26.
* Rhinovirus/Enterovirus: Increasing nationally, which fits well with the common cold–type symptoms I’m seeing—runny nose, congestion, cough and sore throat.
* Influenza: Still low. The most recent CDC FluView data showed only 0.7% of clinical respiratory specimens positive for influenza for the week ending August 15.
* RSV: CDC’s current national picture does not indicate a major RSV surge; my observation of only a few cases is consistent with RSV not being the dominant respiratory virus right now.

08/15/2026

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD)

* Cause: Enteroviruses, commonly coxsackieviruses.
* Typical symptoms: Fever, sore throat, painful mouth sores, and a rash or small blisters on the hands and feet; the rash can also occur elsewhere.
* How it spreads: Through respiratory secretions, saliva, blister fluid, and stool, making daycare and school settings common places for transmission.
* Treatment: There is no specific antiviral treatment for uncomplicated HFMD. Treatment is mainly supportive—fluids, rest, and appropriate fever/pain relief.
* Most children recover: Usually within about 7–10 days.

Herpangina

* Cause: Also caused by enteroviruses.
* Typical symptoms: Sudden fever, sore throat, and small painful sores toward the back of the mouth/throat. Unlike HFMD, the characteristic hand and foot rash is generally absent.
* Treatment: Supportive care, with particular attention to keeping the child well hydrated.

🚩 When should parents call the pediatrician?

Seek medical advice if a child is not drinking well, is urinating much less than usual, has persistent or worsening fever, seems unusually sleepy or difficult to wake, has significant worsening symptoms, or you are concerned about dehydration.

The most important prevention steps: frequent handwashing, cleaning frequently touched surfaces, avoiding sharing cups/utensils, and keeping children home when they are too sick to participate normally.

08/13/2026

For routine hygiene in female pediatric patients, soap is generally not necessary on the v***a, and evidence-based pediatric guidance favors plain water or a very gentle, fragrance-free cleanser when needed.

Evidence-based approach

* External v***a: Wash gently with lukewarm water. Plain water is usually sufficient for routine hygiene. The AAP specifically recommends water and avoiding exposure of the v***ar/va**nal tissues to soap.
* Soap: Regular, fragranced, antibacterial, or harsh soaps can irritate the delicate v***ar skin and contribute to irritant vulvovaginitis.
* If soap/cleanser is desired: A mild, fragrance-free, pH-neutral/non-soap cleanser can be used on the external skin, particularly in older children/adolescents, but it is not required for routine hygiene.
* Inside the va**na: Do not wash internally or do**he. The va**na is self-cleaning.
* If irritation or vulvovaginitis is present: Avoid soap on the v***ar area altogether until symptoms resolve.
Teach girls to wipe front-to-back, rinse well, and gently pat the area dry rather than rubbing.

08/12/2026

Sometimes, the most important thing a parent can know is what to do in the first few minutes of an emergency. ☀️ A hot summer day can quickly become dangerous when a child develops heat stroke, and knowing the warning signs and starting cooling immediately can make a life-saving difference. As parents, we may not be able to prevent every emergency, but we can prepare, recognize the signs, and act without hesitation. ❤️ Please save this post, share it with another parent, and help spread awareness—because sometimes, a few minutes of knowledge can make all the difference. 🚑

08/09/2026

Sometimes, back-to-school preparation looks like new backpacks, school supplies, and calendars—but the most important things we can give our children cannot be packed into a backpack: a listening ear, reassurance, safety, encouragement, and the confidence to ask for help. As the new school year begins, let’s remember that every child carries their own worries and hopes into the classroom, and sometimes the smallest conversation at home can make the biggest difference. 💛🎒

08/08/2026

Back-to-school season is about more than new backpacks, school supplies, and first-day pictures—it’s about preparing our children for another year of learning, growing, and becoming who they are meant to be. ❤️

08/06/2026

One moment, your child is laughing and playing outside. The next, they seem unusually tired, dizzy, or sick. Heat exhaustion can happen faster than many parents realize, but knowing the warning signs and acting quickly can prevent it from becoming something much more serious. A few minutes spent learning these symptoms today could help keep your child safe tomorrow. Please share this with family and friends—you never know whose child it might help. ☀️❤️

08/05/2026

08/05/2026

* Parenting Tips: Talk with your child often.
Regular conversations help your child’s brain, language, and emotional development while strengthening your bond and building confidence.

08/04/2026

* Parenting Tips: Eat meals together as a family.
Family meals promote healthy eating, communication, and stronger family bonds. Even a few shared meals each week support children’s physical and emotional well-being.