The Buzz About: Mosquito Borne Illnesses, Polio, and HPV

Link for CME Credit Coming Soon!

In this episode of Pediatrics Now, Host Holly Wayment and Infectious Disease Expert Tess Barton M.D., discuss the West Nile virus. Learn about the virus's impact on the U.S., including recent cases and preventive measures. The discussion highlights the crucial role of mosquito avoidance and public health surveillance in mitigating the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.

Dr. Barton also talks about the broader world of mosquito-borne illnesses, including Eastern equine encephalitis, and the alarming outbreak of Polio in Gaza the effectiveness of the Polio vaccines plus an update on the HPV vaccine. Dr. Barton also delves into how to talk to families who are vaccine hesitant.

COVID and Flu: Updates, Insights, and Best Practices

Link for free CME credit:

https://cmetracker.net/UTHSCSA/Publisher?page=pubOpen#/getCertificate/10097919

Join host Holly Wayment in this episode of Pediatrics Now as she welcomes back infectious disease expert Dr. Tess Barton from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. Together, they dive into the latest developments in pediatric care concerning COVID-19, including the risk factors, the importance of vaccinations, and the current CDC recommendations.

Dr. Barton shares her personal experiences with COVID and discusses the ongoing challenges and misconceptions surrounding the virus. She also sheds light on the rare but significant MIS-C condition in children and the importance of timely vaccinations to prevent severe outcomes.

The conversation shifts to the upcoming flu season, where Dr. Barton provides insights into what to expect and the significance of flu vaccinations, especially in the context of the potential bird flu threat. The episode emphasizes the need for proactive measures to protect both children and adults against these respiratory viruses.

This informative discussion is essential for pediatric practitioners and parents alike, offering practical advice on vaccination schedules and addressing vaccine hesitancy. Tune in for a comprehensive overview of managing COVID-19 and flu risks in the pediatric population.

Episode 4: Understanding and Managing School Refusal in Children

https://cmetracker.net/UTHSCSA/Publisher?page=pubOpen#/getCertificate/10097915

School Refusal: Insights from Pediatric Psychiatrist Thomas Matthews

FACULTY: Dr. Thomas Matthews, is a Professor with UT Health San Antonio and an expert in pediatric psychiatry with over 20 years of experience. Dr. Joseph Blader is a child and adolescent clinical psychologist at UT Health San Antonio.

OVERVIEW: Thomas Matthews, MD shares his insights on the various factors that contribute to school refusal, including anxiety, social interaction, and emotional well-being. He discusses the impact of COVID-19 on children's anxiety levels, the importance of social interaction, and how different learning styles can affect anxiety. He also provides valuable strategies for identifying the root causes of school refusal, such as specific school situations that may trigger anxiety and the role of parental anxiety.

This episode is packed with practical advice for clinicians, including how to progressively increase school attendance, the role of homebound programs, and the importance of a multifactorial treatment approach. It also includes some insights from Dr. Joseph Blader.

OVERALL LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Increased awareness and education for pediatric providers

DISCLOSURE TO LEARNERS: Thomas Matthews, MD has no financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.

Joseph Blader, PhD has no financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.

The Pediatric Grand Rounds Planning Committee (Deepak Kamat, MD, PhD, Steven Seidner, MD, Daniel Ranch, MD and Elizabeth Hanson, MD) has no financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.

The UT Health Science Center San Antonio and Deepak Kamat, MD course director and content reviewer for the activity, have reviewed all financial disclosure information for all speakers, facilitators, and planning committee members; and determined and resolved all conflicts of interests.

CONTINUING MEDICAL EDUCATION STATEMENTS: The UT Health Science Center San Antonio is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians. The UT Health Science Center San Antonio designates this live activity up to a maximum of 0.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™.

Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

CERTIFICATE OF ATTENDANCE: Healthcare professionals will receive a certificate of attendance and are asked to consult with their licensing board for information on applicability and acceptance. Credit may be obtained upon successful completion of the activity’s evaluation. RELEASE DATE: 9/27/2024

EXPIRATION DATE: 8/31/2027