Month: September 2024

Helping Kids Cope After Hurricane Helene: A Guide for Families

The aftermath of Hurricane Helene can be overwhelming for families, especially for children who may not fully understand what has happened. As a pediatric practice, Canopy Pediatrics is here to support you and your children during this challenging time. Here are some ways families can help their kids cope with the emotional and psychological impacts of the hurricane.

1. Create a Safe Space

Establish a calm environment at home where your children can feel secure. Encourage them to express their feelings about the hurricane, whether through words, art, or play. Listening to their concerns without judgment can help them process their emotions.

2. Maintain Routines

Children thrive on routine, so try to keep their daily schedule as normal as possible. The includes morning and bedtime routines. This can provide a sense of stability amid the chaos. Incorporate activities that your child enjoys to help distract them from stress.

3. Educate and Communicate

Talk to your children about the hurricane in an age-appropriate manner. Explain what happened and reassure them that they are safe now. Open communication can help alleviate fears and misconceptions.

4. Encourage Expression

Allow your children to express their feelings. This could be through drawing, writing, or talking. Validate their emotions by acknowledging that it’s okay to feel scared, sad, or confused.

5. Seek Professional Help

If your child is showing signs of prolonged distress, consider reaching out to a mental health professional. There are many psychologists in Tallahassee who can provide support. Here are a few resources you might find helpful:

These professionals can offer coping strategies and additional support tailored to your child’s needs.

6. Access Medical Care if Needed

In case your child requires medical attention, whether for physical or emotional health, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. For adult medical care, Access Direct Primary Care can provide immediate care and support.

Conclusion

Hurricane Helene has left a significant impact, but with love, support, and the right resources, families can help their children navigate this challenging time. Remember that you are not alone—Canopy Pediatrics is here to support you and your family through every step of recovery.

For more information on how we can assist, visit our website at Canopy Pediatrics. Together, we can foster resilience in our children and help them thrive even after adversity.

Beyfortus for RSV Illness Prevention

Beyfortus (nirsevimab), developed by Sanofi and AstraZeneca, is a monoclonal antibody (see next paragraph) designed to protect infants from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Approved in July of 2023, it is recommended for infants who are less than 8 months-of-age during the RSV season, and it is given right around the start of RSV season.

In our area, RSV season starts in October and runs through April.  The first large post-release study in Spain (published August of 2024) showed that Beyfortus is highly effective, reducing hospitalizations due to RSV-related lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) by 82%!  It has proven safety, with no significant adverse events reported in real-world conditions.  In placebo-controlled trials, the patients in the placebo group and the Beyfortus had the same amount of adverse events.  

A monoclonal antibody is a lab-made protein designed to mimic the immune system’s ability to fight infections. It’s “monoclonal” because it comes from a single type of immune cell, meaning it’s highly specific in targeting a single substance, like a virus, in this case, the RSV virus. By binding to the virus, they block its ability to spread, offering protection to those who might not have developed strong immunity naturally, like infants.

Synagis (Palivizumab) is the “original” RSV monoclonal antibody.  It was released in 1998, and we still use it, but it is very expensive and only lasts one month.  Since it only lasts one month, babies have get the shot every month for the entirety of RSV season.  For this reason, Synagis has only been used for high risk babies (such as babies who are premature or have lung or heart issues).

To schedule your child’s RSV shot, log into your patient portal and select a “nurse or vaccine appointment.”  Christi Arrington, RN will be administering shots from 8:45 am to 1:45pm, and Hannah Frost, RN will be administered shots in the late afternoon.