Woodbridge Kids Clinic

You may have heard about the recall involving Hep A. Here is a link with more details http://healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/inspection/2016/57960r-eng.php

Hep A is transmitted from person to person , through water or foods washed with contaminated water or handled by people who have Hep A. This sort of outbreak is not common but can happen with foods imported from other countries. We usually discuss Hep A related to travel. 

Hep B is contracted through body fluids. Vaccination occurs in grade 7 in Ontario but anywhere else occurs at birth. 

Paediatricians recommend the TWINRIX vaccine which protects against hep a and b. It can be done any time after age 1. 

We promote Bexsero and Menactra/Menveo vaccines which are for meningitis and Twinrix. Outbreaks of meningitis and hepatitis can happen. We are familiar with this. Often parents don’t think about this until an outbreak occurs. The idea behind vaccination is to PREVENT illness. That’s why we inform parents about these optional vaccines in the office. 

We are closed for family day Feb 15. Enjoy the day with your children! The walkin across the hall is one today and Dr Cannitelli is available for messages.

If your child is ill consider one of these options:

1- if you are a block fee patient you are welcome to email Dr Cannitelli for some advice

2- Our own Innovation  walkin clinic will be happy to see your children and pass on any necessary information to us when we return.

3- The rutherford medical centre at 5283 rutherford rd ( at clarence -longo’s plaza)– 9052648311 will be open evenings and weekends– see  afterhourschildrensclinic.com

4. 2- The York Children’s walkin clinic at 10323 yonge st ( yonge north of major mac ) — 9052374632——-see www.yorkchildrenswalkin.ca

Stay healthy till we get back!

Here is an interesting discussion about ASD and why it seems so prevalent

TED talk on ASD

Hand foot and mouth disease ( HFM) is still around. We saw lots over the summer and it has not slowed down. It is caused by a virus called Coxsackie. Kids get spots on the palms and soles classically, but they can actually be anywhere. These don’t bother them much. They get mouth ulcers on the tongue and mouth and throat These  hurt a lot. They get fever for up to a  week.. It is contagious and we isolate them for a week. We use Tylenol etc for pain and fever and give Popsicles etc for throat pain.

You may have heard of the Enterovirus outbreak in the US. Enterovirus is something we see commonly.  These viruses can present with just fever often In this case it presents with an asthma -like attack. We haven’t seen any here yet but it’s probably coming. We will be prepared with some mask treatments for kids that are having these types of symptoms. I have oxygen monitors in the office as well.
If your child has a bad cough with rapid/noisy/laboured breathing it is something to be assessed.
> Hopefully it will be a quiet winter.

There is recent discussion about banning triclosan. This has already started in the US. Triclosan is found in many “antibacterial” products, especially soaps. There is concern about rising levels of Triclosan in lake water and effects like hormone disruption and possible bacterial resistance. Companies like Johnson and Johnson are looking at removing it.

Some truths:

– you don’t need antibacterial soap to wash away bacteria. Just wash properly.

-viruses cause the typical illness kids get like coughs and cold etc. “antibacterial soaps ‘ are no better than regular soaps for viruses.

-“tea tree” is effective for certain bacteria such as staph. I like to recommend this for acne.

We are at 40 innovation drive in Woodbridge ( see map above). We are in a clinic associated with family doctors, a walkin clinic, a pharmacy, optometry, audiology, speech therapy and physiotherapy.