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Laying the Groundwork for Your Babies, Toddlers, and Pre-schoolers

October 1, 2015 by Ashley Bugea

Do you have trouble scheduling your family’s many activities? What are your older kids doing after school this fall? Maybe you started dance classes, joined a soccer team, are trying Spanish, piano, tennis, or art lessons, or giving your child a little help with extra tutoring?

Why do we as parents feel like these extra curricular actives are important?

These activities help our children grow up to be well rounded. These activities help us and our children identify their interests. And the more immediate benefit is harnessing their endless energy into productive activities.

So how do you lay the groundwork for your babies, toddlers, and pre-schoolers? PLAY!

I am not talking about putting some toys out around your toddler while you are on the phone catching up with an old friend or cooking dinner. While both of these things are important, your child craves some dedicated play time with their favorite person – YOU!

I encourage you to play with your child at least once a day. Sit down with your child, without the distraction of your phone, the tv, other devices and give your whole attention to the little person who adores you.

Make a list of play activities but don’t be afraid to repeat activities over and over – young children learn through repetition.

Ask your child a lot of questions. And LISTEN to their answers (even if it is just babbling), it will make the your child feel important. Teach them the give and take of conversation, and as their imagination blossoms encourage pretend play.

Make eye contact with your child – this has been proven to lead to more confident older children.

Talk to your child how you want them to talk, this is important before your child is talking & after they turn into a little chatterbox.

Both gross and fine motor skills need practice for developing body control. So, add in climbing, dancing, jumping, skipping, and other large muscle group work with coloring (or scribbling), puzzles, stacking blocks, and other more focused activities.

Playing with your child sounds easy, but it is hard to schedule into your busy life. If you have a class to attend, you will be more accountable for your time. Come see us at Gymboree Play & Music to spend some quality play time with your child in one of our classes – Play & Learn, Music, and Art. Our memberships are monthly and always include Open Gym free play time! Our schedule is located at www.gymboreeclasses.com.

Five Benefits of Piano Lessons – National Piano Month

September 30, 2015 by Guest Contributor

“Ask the Experts” is a series on Baton Rouge Moms where local experts will share their thoughts, opinions and answer questions relating to health, wellness and parenting. If you have a question for one of our experts, please leave it in the comments below to be featured in an upcoming article.

This is a guest post by Rebecca Bellelofrom, owner of Piano Pathways for our “Ask the Experts” series.

Learning to play the piano is a rewarding process. Playing music is a fun and enjoyable activity, but like anything worth doing well, it takes a commitment and hard work. When I think of all of the wonderful reasons to take piano lessons, what comes to mind first are the many musical benefits that piano lessons provide. Despite studies of music’s effects on the brain and improving test scores, the most powerful benefit of music lessons is, in my opinion, the gain of a musical talent!

In addition to musical benefits, piano lessons also foster many wonderful non-musical characteristics. In fact, these non-musical skills are actually very important for musicians, and quite necessary to playing an instrument! Here are five benefits that can transpire from piano lessons:

Five Benefits of Piano Lessons

1. The ability to play a musical instrument. Learning how to create beautiful sounds on the piano is a lasting reward of lessons. Every person, despite age or skill level, can learn foundational piano skills and how to create tuneful music. Piano-playing is a form of personal expression that provides a healthy, creative outlet. Playing music is a special ability, but a very teachable and accessible ability that every person can learn!

2. The ability to read music. Music reading is typically taught alongside piano playing. Reading music is certainly not the only way to learn to play an instrument, but it is an accessible skill and common teaching approach in piano lessons. Standard music notation is how classical piano literature has been passed down for hundreds of years, and how composers traditionally notate their musical creations. By reading music, a musician has the opportunity to learn endless musical repertoire from any culture, time period, or artist.

3. An appreciation for different types of music. I want my piano students to be well-rounded musicians. No matter the genre of music we are studying, for example, popular, holiday, classical, I want students to play exciting music from different history periods, cultures, and composers. By learning why music was written the way it was written and about its purpose in the culture, a student can adopt an appreciation for different kinds of music. Appreciation for different things leads to tolerance and empathy~ great life-skills for every person to emulate!

4. Goal-setting. Having a structured practice routine is essential, even mandatory, to progress in piano. The best tool I can recommend for successful practicing is to set a goal. Ask the question, “What do I want to accomplish in this practice session?” Set a goal for each time you practice, and have a practice plan in mind! Of course, goal-setting is not something unique to piano practicing. Setting and meeting goals is ubiquitous to many areas of a healthy and fulfilling life.

5. Working through “struggle”. Piano is possibly one of the first real challenges that a child comes across. Piano skills take months, even years, to develop. Children who are used to doing things correct the first time initially have a hard time understanding that this won’t happen in piano! At times, playing piano can be difficult, even frustrating. During these struggles, employ approaches such as problem solving and creative thinking. By struggling during the learning process, a child learns persistence, emotional strength, and confidence.
There are so many more empirical and antidotal benefits to piano study. What are other benefits from piano lessons that you can add to this list?
• Time management skills
• Performing under pressure
• Self-evaluative skills
• Listening skills
• Memorization
• Delayed gratification
• Fine muscle coordination
• Ability to respond to criticism
• How to handle winning and losing
• Working with others
No matter why you enroll your child, or even yourself, in music lessons, I hope piano adds joy to your life! Happy playing!

Thanks to Rebecca for this wonderful post to help us learn more about the benefits of Piano amd to celebrate National Piano Month! Rebecca operates and owns Piano Pathways, voted a Family Favorite in Baton Rouge Parents Magazine.

For more information or to register for Piano lessons, please call Rebecca at 225-767-0030.

Piano Pathways is conveniently located on Perkins Road between Bluebonnet and Siegen. You can follow them and learn more on their social media channels – Facebook, Twitter and Youtube.

Ask the Experts: Fall Trending Fashion Tips from Designer of Sharmooz

September 23, 2015 by Ann Tillage

fasCan you believe it’s Fall already? Stores are weighted down with racks of new exciting fashions but how do we know what’s really ‘in’? Check out Roberto Santiago’s Shopping Center where you can find what´s really in. In any other season pairing sleek boots with sweat pants was a faux pas, but this fall is different! The store mannequin wasn’t wrong but hasn’t really shed any light on what this season is all about so here are some tips to get you on track: Pro Fall tip: ShoesFella.com

• It’s hip to be square this season! Finally! In fact, not just square, the more shapes the better according to design houses who turned to geometric inspiration when it came time to build their fall collections. Don’t limit yourself to square! Be the Boot Bomb envy of your friends! What about rectangular, octagonal or trapezoidal! O.K, you get the idea!

• And better yet, you can be comfortable this fall. Some major collections got their runway inspiration from the gymnasium. Dress up those sweats or luxe designer kicks. It’s all about workout ready shapes in street ready fabric this year.

• Boyfriend jeans with button down shirts are out! This season’s borrow-from-the-boys trend demands a gifted tailor. Picture rich, black suit, and don’t be afraid to accessorize with a floppy bow-tie collar and a fedora hat! Wow, what a statement!

• To really nail the trend, minimal effort with maximum impact. Monotone looks are great in all shades with a contrasting accessory to complete the look.

• You don’t need attend a Woodstock like event to jump on this season’s 70’s trend. Yes, flares are back and pair yours with classic pieces to keep the look updated.

Fall 2015 is an exciting time to be alive. Electric and bold, comfortable and chic. Start with the minimalistic jacket and find your groove! Clothes with great functionality yet comfortable are in!!

Ask the Experts: Concussion – Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

September 2, 2015 by Dr. Mindy Calandro

Now that September is here it means there’s just one question on everybody’s mind: “Are you ready for some football!??!?” Whether you are most excited for the Friday night lights of high school football, Saturday nights in Death Valley (or Kyle Field for my Fightin’ Texas Aggies out there), or “Who Dat” Sundays in the Superdome, I know many people have been (not so) patiently waiting for the past 8 months for football season to start once again. But outside of the excitement of the return of the gridiron, as you’ve likely seen, there has been increasing media coverage over the past few years in regards to sports injuries. Our favorite players, whether they be our sons and daughters on the local peewee or high school teams, or the pros in the NFL, everybody seems to be getting bigger, faster, & stronger at all levels and, in heavy contact sports like football, that means bigger hits and therefore more potential for brain injuries and concussions. So as we prepare for the greatest season of the year (i.e. football season ), here is what parents need to know in regards to concussions in their young athletes.

What exactly is a concussion?

A concussion occurs when there is an injury to the brain that causes disruption of normal brain function. This mechanism of injury typical occurs after a blow to the head. In other words, your hard skull meets another object (someone else’s head, the floor, a ball, etc) that causes the brain to jostle around inside the skull. In sports, we hear the most about concussions in those contact sports such as football, hockey, rugby, and the like, but concussions are also common in sports such as soccer when players’ heads collide, in basketball when a player falls and hits their head on the hardwood, or in cheerleading when a flyer isn’t caught appropriately. It is also common to see concussions after things like car accidents, ATV accidents, boating sports like skiing, wakeboarding, and tubing or even with the occasional nasty fall around the house. In reality, anytime there is a significant enough blow to the head, a concussion is possible.

What are the symptoms of a concussion?

Just as every child’s brain is different, the exact constellation of symptoms of a concussion can vary as well. The most common symptoms include headache, dizziness, blurry vision, light or sound sensitivity, a “foggy” feeling, difficulty concentrating or remembering things, and large alterations or quick swings in mood. While symptoms will often appear immediately after the blow to the head, some symptoms may take hours or even days to appear. Less than 10% of children who suffer a concussion have a loss of consciousness – so don’t automatically assume that if they weren’t “knocked out” that they haven’t had a significant brain injury.

How is a concussion diagnosed?

First and foremost, a child who has sustained a serious blow to the head should be evaluated by a medical professional to determine if they have sustained a concussion. There is no single test that can diagnose a concussion. There are several screening tools available that focus on what symptoms the child is having that can be used in conjunction with a general medical evaluation to determine if a concussion is suspected. Most children who have sustained a concussion do not need imaging of their brain such as a CT scan or MRI. However, only a medical professional can determine if there are worrisome signs following an injury that would warrant taking a look at the brain.

What is the treatment for a concussion?

The most important treatment for a child that has been diagnosed with a concussion is both physical and mental rest. There is no debating the fact that an athlete who suffers a concussion should remain out of sports or any physical activity until 100% symptom free. Returning to sports before one concussion has resolved puts athletes at risk for “secondary impact syndrome” which can lead to more permanent brain damage. Where a bit of discussion comes about in the medical literature centers around the need for rest from all mental activities as well (i.e. schooling). While a few days away from school or reduced cognitive workload for a short period of time may be needed for certain cases of concussions, the latest research is indicating that complete mental rest may actually cause more harm than good. There are certainly more studies ongoing at this time to try and determine the best course of action when it comes to school attendance. However, one thing when it comes to mental rest that is for sure…avoidance of TV, video games, smartphones and other electronic devices is recommended along with the related social media & internet activities that accompany these things (And yes, I can almost hear the universal groan from all of those teenagers out there who read or hear this).

When can children return to sports following a concussion?

Since every brain is different, the amount of time that each brain needs to heal following an injury will also be variable. Many children may have concussion symptoms lasting 1-2 weeks after the injury, but it is not uncommon for these symptoms to linger to some extent for up to 6 weeks. Athletes should be held out of their sport until 100% symptom free at rest. Once symptom free at rest and cleared by a medical professional, a stepwise return to play should be initiated. Most high schools and colleges have a specific 6-step return to play plan of action. In the end, the most important thing to remember is, “When in doubt, sit them out!”

So what about these “baseline concussion screenings” being offered by some schools and physical therapy offices?

Now, here is where we get into the current debate in the concussion world. Should all athletes, particularly high school, college and professional athletes, be required to have a pre-season, baseline concussion screening test? There are several testing tools available, most now computerized, that are aimed at providing an objective measure of brain functioning. The idea here is that by knowing the baseline brain functioning of an individual, those results can be compared to the results when the test is given after suffering a concussion. While I think such testing can provide objective data, it should be remembered that no one single test can determine if a child has either sustained a concussion or has fully recovered from a concussion.

For parents, understanding the signs and symptoms of concussions as well as the importance of rest for a child recovering from a concussion is of utmost importance as we strive the keep our children’s growing brains healthy. What was previously referred to as “getting your bell rung,” we now understand as an injury that can have long term and potentially permanent negative mental effects especially if not allowed to heal properly. So as the countdown clock to kickoff continues to tick away, remember that when it comes to a potential concussion with your young athletes, make sure and get a medical professional involved to assess the situation and follow their recommended course of action. Be prepared to allow the proper time for mental and physical rest critical for healing the brain, and don’t get back to any athletic activities until your athlete is 100% symptom free. And if there’s ever a question, remember the phrase, “When in doubt, sit them out!”

Everyone have a safe and incredible football season, Gig ‘Em Aggies, Geaux Tigers, and Who Dat!

15 Foods That Will Survive Your Purse

July 1, 2015 by Baton Rouge Family Fun

It’s Wellness Wednesday and a holiday weekend is just around the corner. Will your family be taking a road trip, a day trip, maybe heading out for the Fourth of July weekend? Here is a great infographic from Food Insight sharing some healthy purse food ideas while on the go…

More ideas…

Trail Mix
Apple and Peanut Butter
Unsweetened Apple Sauce
Tuna Snack Packs
Popcorn trail mix with chocolate!
Almond Butter and Banana Sandwich on Whole Wheat Bread
Carrot Sticks, cucumber sticks or sweet peppers
Dry Whole-Grain Cereal
Rice Cake with Low-fat Pudding Cup
Whole fruit

What are some of your go-to road trip snacks?

Summer Trauma Prevention

June 24, 2015 by Guest Contributor

“Ask the Experts” is a new series on Baton Rouge Moms where local experts will share their thoughts, opinions and answer questions relating to health, wellness and parenting. If you have a question for one of our experts, please leave it in the comments below and they might just answer in an upcoming post.

Summer Trauma Prevention

With summertime comes lots of sunshine, heat, and of course, sports! One of the biggest challenges with kids playing sports is keeping them safe. It is estimated that 30 million children in the US participate in organized sports programs. Sports accidents reportedly account for 10-39% of all dental injuries in children! Children are most susceptible to sports-related oral injury between the ages of 7 and 11 years. Those statistics are scary to me and they should be scary to all parents out there.

Research has shown that wearing protective gear can greatly reduce the chance of injury to children and teens participating in sports-related activities. You might be surprised to learn that many organized sports do not require protective equipment for kids, even though they should. Popular sports such as baseball, basketball, soccer, softball, volleyball and gymnastics are some of the sports that are lagging in implementing required protective gear.

A properly fitted mouth guard is one of the most popular tools to help prevent sports-related injuries to the mouth and teeth. A mouth guard is a flexible device worn over teeth during athletic and recreational activities. Mouth guards act as shock absorbers to keep the mouth and jaws safe when a player is hit in the head or face. This helps protect against chipped or broken teeth, root and bone damage and tooth loss. They also safeguard against more serious injuries such as jaw fracture, cerebral hemorrhage, concussion and neck injuries by helping to avoid situations where the lower jaw jams into the upper jaw.

There are many types of mouth guards out there and choosing the right one is essential. The three main types are pre-made mouth guards, “boil & bite” mouth guards and custom mouth guards. At Ascension Children’s Dental, I typically recommend children use the boil and bite mouth guards when there is a mix of permanent and baby teeth. If all permanent teeth have erupted, then our orthodontist can create a custom fitted mouth guard.

To ensure your child is protected this summer, here are a few tips:

Ask your pediatric dentist for a properly fitted mouth guard
Ask your child’s coach if mouth guards are required. If not, find out what steps you can take to make it a requirement
Educate your child about the importance of wearing protective gear
If your child should suffer an injury to the mouth or teeth, seek immediate medical attention

For more information on mouth guards or if you have any questions, please visit www.ascensionsmiles.com or call me at (225) 402-4118.

Louisiana Summer Safety Tips for Kids

May 6, 2015 by Dr. Mindy Calandro

Nothing says summer here in South Louisiana more than biting into a scrumptiously sweet Louisiana strawberry, having the juice drip down your chin after devouring a big slice of watermelon, or enjoying a strawberry cheesecake sno-ball made the Louisiana way (i.e. the right way) with condensed milk. And, lest we forget, very soon the kiddos will be “free” for the summer, with swimming, vacations, sports, summer camps, and a seemingly endless supply of other activities (and energy) to take full advantage of that time off. So if your family is like mine and beginning to prepare for the upcoming summer season, here are a few pediatric tips to keep your kiddos healthy so that they can soak up every last second of that summer break from school.

It’s getting hot out here– As we all know, summer in Baton Rouge means temperatures in the 90s and humidity that seems to exceed 100% on most days. In order to protect your little one’s skin from those intense sun rays, begin with thin, lightly-colored clothing covering as much of the body as possible, and pair it with a nice wide brimmed hat. For those 6 months and older, sunscreen is key. You want to find a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF (sun protection factor) 15 or higher, and remember – the most important part of using sunscreen is frequent reapplication. We are talking at least every 2 hours, even with those sunscreens that are “waterproof”, “last all day,” or any other claims the manufacturers might make to entice you to buy their product.

What’s bugging you?- Have you seen those native Louisiana mosquitos that are nearly the size of small birds these days? OK, so that might be a bit of an exaggeration (albeit a small one), but all joking aside, protecting your kiddos from mosquitos is of utmost importance. Not only are mosquito bites just plain itchy and bothersome, mosquitos can be carriers of things such as West Nile Virus and other insect borne illnesses. The Center for Disease Control reported that there were 111 cases of West Nile Virus verified here in Louisiana last year, and there were 5 deaths. In order to protect children from the nasty bite of these pests, use a mosquito repellent on children 2 months and older that contains DEET of 30% or less. For infants and younger children, I recommend putting the repellent on your hand and then rubbing onto the skin of your children to keep the bugs away. You, of course, will want to avoid the area around the eyes and mouth, and for those infants and young children, avoid those hands as well since they will almost immediately make it to the mouth.

Drowning prevention– Because of the amount of water activities to stay cool during the hottest part of the year, this is part of summer that keeps me awake at night more than anything else. Here are some startling statistics:

Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional injury related death in children 1-4 years of age
70% of preschoolers who drown were in the care of one or both parents when the incident occurred
75% of children are “missing” for five minutes or less
For every child the dies from drowning, another 4 are treated in emergency rooms for near drowning
Last year alone, there were 10 children under 16 years of age who died in Louisiana, and there are on average 390 children who die from drowning each year in this country

Drowning in children is often a silent event as children do not scream or thrash around. It will not look like it does in the movies. So what is the number one way to prevent drowning in children? Constant supervision! When children are in the water, use the rule of “touch supervision” meaning that a child should always be within arms reach of an adult. While age appropriate swimming lessons are a good idea, never assume that a child is “drown-proof” no matter the number of lessons they have had. Finally, protect pools with fences that are at least 4 feet high and have a self-closing and self-latching gate, just like the modern glass pool fences, and make sure to remove all pool toys from the pool and surrounding area when done at the end of the day (these can be VERY enticing for younger children).

For more on each of these topics and much more on parenting and pediatrics in South Louisiana, please check out my website The Mommy Doctor at www.themommydoctor.com . And as you and your kids head into the impending break, make sure and have a safe, healthy, and, most importantly, fun summer this year!

World Doula Week – Empowered Birth of Baton Rouge

March 26, 2015 by Guest Contributor

March 22-28 is World Doula Week and I am thrilled to tell you more about what we as doulas do, but first I’d like to tell you why I am so passionate about this work. I have been involved in the informed birth movement for over seven years, but despite my best efforts I still wasn’t satisfied with my first two birth experiences. For my third pregnancy I hired a doula and my world was forever changed. With her help I achieved the childbirth experience I always dreamed of and a passion for serving as a doula was born in me. She gave me a gift I had never known I was missing, and I was determined to give that gift to as many other women as I could.

Shortly thereafter I became certified through Childbirth International, started my business (Empowered Birth of Baton Rouge), and jumped headfirst into birth work. It is my goal to educate and empower women to work through their fears, believe in their bodies and have their most desired and beautiful birth experience possible. Childbirth is my greatest passion outside of mothering my own children, and it is my privilege to help other women experience the same joy I have found.

“There is a secret in our culture, And it’s not that birth is painful, It’s that women are strong.” -Laura Harm

So what is a doula anyway? The word “doula” comes from the Greek meaning “servant.” A birth doula is a trained labor coach who assists you during labor and delivery, providing you with continuous emotional support, confidence, awareness, information and assistance with other non-medical aspects of your care.

The most important thing a woman needs during labor is continuous support; this means that you have someone by your side continually from start to finish. A doula never leaves your side! While medical professionals are wonderful, they also have other responsibilities and cannot attend to one patient during every minute of her labor and birth. The doula’s one and only obligation is YOU!

Women who have continuous support are also more likely to report being satisfied with their birth experience. One theory is that mothers who have continuous support produce lower levels of stress hormones during labor than women left alone or attended by inexperienced coaches. Though women in labor experience pain, your doula can help you not to suffer.

The benefits of the presence of doulas for birth and the post-partum period include (but are not limited to):

-Reduced incidence of cesareans

-Shortened length of labor

-Reduced epidural and analgesic requests

-Increased breastfeeding initiation and continuation

-Increased satisfaction of the birth experience

-Reduced incidence of post partum mood disorders

-Increased confidence in new parents of caring for their newborn

Your doula can help you before labor and delivery by answering your questions about what to expect, easing your fears, helping you develop a birth plan, and generally getting you ready for the arrival of your baby. During labor and delivery, she will provide constant, knowledgeable support physically, mentally and emotionally. She can make suggestions about positions during labor, help you with breathing through contractions, remind you to stay in control, help your relax and provide massage. She can also answer questions you and your partner have about what’s happening or any decisions that may arise.

Is a doula there to take the place of your spouse or partner? Absolutely not. We are there to serve both of you! As a doula, I both help coach Mom through labor and Dad through being the partner he desires to be. My goal is to make Dad the hero and increase the happy hormones between both partners. I talk moms through anything they don’t understand, encourage them when they feel unsure of their abilities and even run interference with family! Doulas aren’t just here for natural labor, but we serve with medicated births and cesarean sections as well. I wish for the laboring woman to feel safe, supported, confident and to have the birth she wants. You will never receive judgment, but instead support, love and a hand to hold.

I provide birth doula and post-partum doula services, placenta encapsulation, consultations, classes and am currently the only person in Baton Rouge offering belly casting! I am currently accepting clients with due dates between June-September 2015 and offer free initial consultations to answer any questions you may have!

Now have a great week, and go hug a doula!

Meghan Matt is a homeschooling mom, wife, blogger, natural-living enthusiast, director/producer of Listen To Your Mother: Baton Rouge, birth advocate and certified doula. She is married to an amazing, supportive dreamer and together they have four beautiful, dynamic children. She can be found via her website Empowered Birth of Baton Rouge, as well as on Facebook.

Meghan is currently hosting a giveaway to celebrate World Doula Week!

Enter here—> http://www.empoweredbirthbr.com/blog/2015/3/24/world-doula-week-giveaway

Babies First Dental Visit

February 4, 2015 by Guest Contributor

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month and Baton Rouge Moms is partnering with local dentists to bring you helpful information, tips and support to help your children achieve good oral health!

Did You Know Your Child Should See a Pediatric Dentist by His/Her First Birthday?

To many parents I speak with, this comes as a surprise! The sooner children begin regular dental check-ups, the healthier their mouths will be throughout their lives.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend every child should visit a dentist by age 1, or as soon as the first tooth appears. This initial, “well baby visit” teaches parents and caregivers how to care for their child’s teeth and gums to promote a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Studies have shown that preschool-aged children are getting more cavities. In fact, more than 1 in 4 children in the US has had at least one cavity by the age of four. Many children get cavities as early as age two!
The purpose of the Age One dental visit is to learn about your child’s oral health and how best to care for his or her unique needs with proper oral hygiene techniques, diet discussions and cavity prevention tactics.

We all know that many people have a fear of going to the dentist (you may be one of them) so early check-ups with a pediatric dentist can help eliminate that fear by providing a friendly and fun experience for your child. A Pediatric Dentist is trained in working with young, immature and sometimes frightened children and those with special needs. Start your child’s oral health on the right foot and schedule your pediatric dental appointment. You (and your little one) will be glad you did.

Dr. Erin Maturin
Board Certified Pediatric Dentist
Ascension Children’s Dental
www.ascensionsmiles.com

An Update on the Flu Season- Things Have Gotten Tricky

January 21, 2015 by Dr. Mindy Calandro

Now that we are settled into the winter months, I have no doubt that you have heard a lot about, and maybe even had a run in with, influenza this year. There is news coverage on a weekly, if not daily basis, about the flu this year. Some of the headlines have read, “Mutated flu strain,” “Flu vaccine not effective,” and “CDC warns ‘severe’ flu season possible.” So how is this flu season shaping up and why is this season’s flu virus making so much news?

The CDC reports that there is widespread flu activity (their highest designated level of activity) across 46 states as of the week ending on January 3, 2015. Louisiana was one of two states that started with widespread flu activity beginning in mid-November, which is pretty early for such high numbers of flu cases. Something else to grab your attention…there have been 45 pediatric deaths so far this flu season with 19 of these deaths being reported in this past week!

So now let’s talk about some of the big questions with regards to this year’s flu season.

“How do viruses mutate?”

Viruses are tricky little creatures, and one thing they are really good at is mutating. As a virus replicates, it can make changes to its structure so that the virus then looks different than it did before. There can be small changes to the structure of the virus that is analogous to people changing accessories or wearing sunglasses, which is known a “drift.” It is this drifting that allows viruses such as the common cold to make small enough changes that your body doesn’t recognize the virus right away, and therefore, allows you to get a cold more than just once. Then there is “shift” which occurs when the entire protein structure of the virus changes. When big “shifts” occur in particular viruses, it is like the virus has a complete facelift and is unrecognizable to the body. This is what occurred with the H1N1 Swine flu pandemic in 2009.

“So is this year’s flu strain ‘mutated’?”

Each year there are several strains of influenza that circulate and cause illness. The predominant strain of the influenza A virus that is circulating this year is an H3N2 drift variant strain. Now, H3N2 viruses are not new to the flu scene, but the specific “accessories” that this strain is wearing, if you will, is what makes it different. Scientists began seeing this “drifted” influenza strain in March 2014. The problem with the flu virus waiting until March to make this change? The flu vaccine was created in February 2014.

“Is this drift variant strain of the flu more severe than other strains of flu?”

Historically, when you look at past flu seasons that have had H3N2 strains of the virus, those flu seasons have been pretty significant. The 2012-2013 flu season had an H3N2 predominant strain, and that was the season where we saw 171 pediatric deaths. This was the highest number of deaths within the past decade except for the 2009-2010 which was the year of the H1N1 Swine flu pandemic. So far this year, the CDC is reporting slightly higher numbers of hospitalizations from flu related illnesses and complications compared to the past several years.

“I have heard the vaccine doesn’t work this year. Is that true?”

Production of a vaccine is not something that can occur overnight, and in order to manufacture the millions of doses of flu vaccine that are needed in this country, the work has to start early. Scientists study the strains of flu viruses seen during the prior flu season as well as flu strains reported around the world to try and determine what strains of the flu should be included in the vaccine. The final decision on what strains to include in the vaccine must be made in February preceding the flu season. Since the flu virus is ever changing, drifting, and shifting, this is like predicting hurricanes months in advance or who will play for the college football championship 6 months before college football even starts! Sometimes the predictions are correct and sometimes they are not even in the right conference by the time the games are played!

The H3N2 drift variant strain was the hiccup in this year’s prediction model. Since this H3N2 strain of flu did not even show up in the US until March, it was impossible for scientists to know that it would need to be included in this year’s flu vaccine.

“Does that mean the flu vaccine is useless this year?”

No! I still recommend for everyone 6 months and older to receive their flu vaccine this year. While the H3N2 drift variant is not included in the flu vaccine, the flu vaccine will still protect you from 3 or 4 other strains of the flu virus (depending on if you get the trivalent and quadrivalent vaccine). The flu vaccine is a good match for strains of influenza B that we are seeing, although influenza B generally only accounts for about 10% of flu cases each year. Also, for children who have received the flu vaccine and then get the flu, they are typically sick for a shorter period of time and have less severe symptoms.

Hopefully, this has answered many of your questions about what is turning out to be a very active flu season. For the most up to date information on flu statistics, you can visit the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/index.htm. Also, you can check out my website at themommydoctor.com or send me an email at mindy@themommydoctor.com if there are other specific flu related questions you may have.