Pediatric Medical Archives - Health Partnership Clinic

Keeping Kids Healthy: Why Immunizations Matter

April 24, 2026/in Pediatric Medical/by Health Partnership Clinic

By Emily Bush, MD, Pediatrician

As any parent will tell you, there are countless ways to raise children. Some strategies work well for one child but may not work as well for another. The approaches we use to help children grow and thrive can even change from one day to the next. However, some habits are always in children’s best interests, such as ensuring access to healthy, nutritious foods, maintaining regular sleep schedules and good sleep hygiene, and allowing plenty of time for play and exercise.

One of the most effective ways to keep children healthy is to keep them up to date on immunizations. Health Partnership Clinic remains committed to keeping patients healthy by helping them stay current on vaccines recommended based on age, occupation or other circumstances, such as underlying health conditions.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines immunization as the process of gaining protection against a disease. While the term is often used interchangeably with vaccination, vaccines are the tools used for immunization. They are designed to stimulate the body’s immune response against diseases. Vaccines are usually given as an injection, but some are administered in other forms. For example, the rotavirus vaccine is given orally to infants at two and four months.

Vaccines protect against many dangerous, preventable diseases, including varicella (chickenpox), influenza (flu), hepatitis, measles, mumps, meningococcal disease, pneumonia, shingles, pertussis (whooping cough) and polio. They not only protect individuals and their families but also help prevent the spread of disease to people who are unvaccinated or unable to receive certain vaccines, such as infants or those who are immunocompromised.

Vaccines prevent serious illnesses that once caused significant disability or death in earlier generations. For example, polio paralyzed many people less than a century ago, including President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Introduced in 1955, the polio vaccine helped eliminate the disease in the United States by 1979.

The end of the school year often brings reminders about vaccine requirements for certain age groups. Staying up to date on required vaccines is important, but recommended vaccines are just as critical for protection against disease. For example, the HPV vaccine is a safe and highly effective way to prevent infection with certain types of human papillomavirus, which can cause several cancers and genital warts. The CDC recommends that nearly everyone age six months and older receive an annual flu vaccine, typically administered in the fall before the start of flu season for optimal protection.

To help keep your child protected and up to date on recommended vaccines, schedule an appointment by calling Health Partnership at 913-648-2266.

Protecting Our Future: The Lifesaving Power of Vaccines During National Immunization Awareness Month

August 4, 2025/in Adult Medical, Pediatric Medical/by Health Partnership Clinic

By Emily Bush, MD, Pediatrician

August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM), an annual observance first recognized in 2013 to highlight the importance of vaccination for people of all ages. Health Partnership Clinic remains committed to keeping patients healthy by helping them stay up to date on recommended vaccines based on age, occupation, or other factors, such as underlying health conditions.

This is a valuable opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of vaccination and encourage individuals to speak with their health care providers about staying current on their immunizations.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines immunization as the process of gaining protection against disease. While the terms “immunization” and “vaccination” are often used interchangeably, they are slightly different: vaccines are the tools used for immunization, designed to stimulate the body’s immune response against diseases. Most vaccines are given by injection, but some—like the oral rotavirus vaccine, given to infants at two and four months of age—are administered differently.

Vaccines protect us from many dangerous, preventable diseases, including varicella (chickenpox), influenza (flu), hepatitis, measles, mumps, meningococcal disease, pneumonia, shingles, pertussis (whooping cough), polio and more. Immunization not only helps protect individuals and their loved ones from getting sick, but it also helps prevent the spread of disease to those who cannot be vaccinated, such as infants or individuals with compromised immune systems.

Vaccines have significantly reduced, and in some cases eradicated, serious illnesses that once caused widespread disability and death. Polio, for example, crippled thousands—including President Franklin D. Roosevelt—before the vaccine was introduced in 1955. The widespread use of the polio vaccine led to the elimination of the disease in the United States by 1979.

August is also back-to-school season, which often brings reminders about vaccine requirements for children entering certain grades. While it’s important to stay on top of these requirements, there are also other recommended vaccines that are just as vital for protecting against disease. One example is the HPV vaccine—a safe and highly effective way to prevent infection with certain types of human papillomavirus, which can cause various cancers and genital warts.

Many people think of vaccines as something for children, but adults also need to stay up to date. Routine adult immunizations may include the Tdap booster—recommended every 10 years to protect against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis. The Tdap is also advised during each pregnancy to help protect newborns from these infections. Adults over age 50 should receive two doses of the shingles vaccine, and those 65 and older should receive the pneumonia vaccine. The CDC also recommends that nearly everyone age 6 months and older receive an annual flu vaccine, typically administered in the fall before flu season begins, for the best protection.

Vaccines remain one of the most effective ways to protect ourselves, our families and our communities. This August, take a moment to review your immunization history and give us a call at 913-648-2266 to schedule an appointment or attend our Pediatric Walk-In Clinic Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 407 S. Clairborne Rd., Ste. 104, Olathe, KS 66062.

Don’t forget to Schedule those Back-to-School and Sports Physicals Now.

July 14, 2025/in Adult Medical, Pediatric Medical/by Health Partnership Clinic

By Patricia Fowler, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, Family Nurse Practitioner at Health Partnership Clinic

Health Partnership Clinic is ready to help with Back-to-School and Sports Physicals!

With summer upon us, it is a great time to begin preparing for the next school year to start! One consideration all of us parents should have for the summer schedule is when we can get our kids into the doctor’s office for next year’s school physical. While it may seem redundant to have to go back for another physical year after year, it is an important part of managing your children’s health and setting them up for success each school year.

School Physicals Key to Learning and Success

School physicals might feel like another thing on your to-do list, but really, it’s an important piece to the puzzle of each school year. Children seem to grow in the blink of an eye, and their needs are constantly changing. At the annual appointment, the provider seeing your child will have a chance to obtain updated measurements, screen for vision and hearing changes, and get an overall picture of where your child is developmentally. All pieced together, these factors contribute greatly to the success each child will have throughout the school year!

As a parent or guardian, it also gives you the chance to ask pertinent questions about what to expect over the next year of your child’s development. It opens doors to conversations that are crucial to understanding what to expect next for each individual child. These conversations and the overall physical exam will best determine what needs, if any, your child might have as they enter the next school year.

Sports Physicals Key for School-Aged Athletes

A sports physical is a separate type of visit, although depending on when it is needed, your provider may complete it along with the school physical. To participate in sports at a certain level in the state of Kansas, a child must have completed a comprehensive evaluation for full participation. The sports physical takes an in-depth look at the patient’s history as well as the family history. Many problems and health conditions can be caught during these evaluations that can help reduce morbidity and mortality through organized activities. When left unaddressed, your child is at a greater risk of major health problems and concerns related to participation in strenuous activity. Not only is it necessary to have this done for the school, but it is also imperative this full assessment of a child is done for their own safety.

Healthcare Close to Home and Affordable

At Health Partnership Clinic, there are a variety of providers available to see patients for their annual school physicals and sports physicals, as well as all ailments that come up in between. A variety of practitioners are in place with multiple different focuses within our four locations that can see not only your child but the rest of the family as well.

At the Paola clinic, we strive to provide a welcoming environment and maintain a community feel while also respecting the individual care that you and your family need. To schedule an appointment, call 913-294-9223 and speak with one of our patient representatives. Same day appointments are available in each of our clinics. For our other clinics, call 913-648-2266 for an appointment.

Did you know? Health Partnership will be offering physicals and dental screenings at several locations during the summer. Check out the flier!

Don’t wait–get a head start on the 2025-2026 school year so you can make sure your child goes into the next grade well prepared for another successful year of learning!

Ten Healthy Habits to Teach Kids

May 5, 2025/in Pediatric Medical/by Health Partnership Clinic

By Catherine Rice, Vice President of Marketing/Outreach at Health Partnership Clinic

10 Healthy Habits Kids Can Follow for Life

As parents and caregivers, one of the greatest gifts we can give our children is the foundation for a healthy, balanced life. Good habits, when introduced early, have the power to stick with kids throughout their lives — influencing their physical health, emotional well-being and overall outlook on life.

Here are 10 essential healthy habits every child should learn and follow from an early age:

1) Brush Twice a Day

Dental hygiene is vital for a healthy smile and overall wellness. Teach your children the importance of brushing their teeth in the morning and before bedtime. Explain how it keeps their teeth strong, prevents cavities and helps them avoid dental problems in the future. Encourage them not to eat after brushing at night for extra protection.

2) Bathe Regularly

Help your kids understand the importance of personal hygiene by making regular baths a routine. A fun way to encourage this is with colorful soaps, bubble baths and bath toys. Teaching this early helps them stay fresh, clean and germ-free.

3) Never Skip Breakfast

Breakfast truly is the most important meal of the day. It fuels the brain and body for the busy hours ahead. Teach your kids to enjoy a balanced, nutritious breakfast filled with fruits, veggies and whole grains to help them stay energetic and focused throughout the day.

4) Wash Hands Regularly

Handwashing is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to prevent illness. Teach your children to wash their hands before eating, after playing outside and after using the restroom. Make it fun by singing a 20-second song or using foamy soaps they will enjoy.

Check out our hand washing flier in English or Spanish!

5) Choose Water Over Soda

It is never too early to teach children that water is the healthiest drink. Explain how sugary sodas can harm their health while water keeps them strong and hydrated. If plain water feels boring, try infusing it with fruits for a tasty twist.

6) Stay Active Every Day

Limit screen time and encourage your kids to play outdoors, ride a bike, dance, or play sports. Physical activity not only builds strong bodies but also supports mental health, improves sleep and builds confidence.

7) Read Every Day

Foster a love for books early on. Reading improves vocabulary, comprehension and creativity. Make story time a daily routine — whether it is at bedtime, after school, or during quiet moments in the afternoon.

8) Make Time for Family

Family time is crucial for a child’s emotional well-being. Make it a point to eat at least one meal together each day, sharing stories and moments from the day. It strengthens bonds and helps children feel valued and connected.

9) Spend Time with Friends

Friendships teach kids social skills like cooperation, empathy and conflict resolution. Encourage your child to make friends, play together and build meaningful connections — lessons that will benefit them for a lifetime.

10) Stay Positive

Life comes with challenges, and kids need to learn resilience early. Teach them to stay optimistic, embrace mistakes as learning opportunities and believe in their uniqueness. A positive mindset helps children handle disappointments and face life with confidence.

Encouraging your child to develop these healthy habits is not always easy — but consistency, patience and leading by example can make a world of difference. These simple routines lay the groundwork for a lifetime of good health, strong relationships and personal growth.

About Health Partnership

At Health Partnership Clinic, we are here to support your child’s health journey. We offer comprehensive medical, dental and behavioral health services for children, including physicals, immunizations, dental exams and more. Our Pediatric Walk-In Clinic is open weekdays, from 7:30 a.m. to Noon, for minor illnesses and injuries.

New patients are welcome! To schedule an appointment, call 913-648-2266, or visit our Getting Started page to learn more about our services and locations.

Avoiding Influenza

August 19, 2024/in Adult Medical, Pediatric Medical/by Health Partnership Clinic

By Kelly Kreisler, MD, MPH, FAAP, Chief Health Officer and Pediatrician

With fall right around the corner and more time in close quarters on the horizon, it’s time to start thinking about how to protect ourselves from influenza. There are many ways to keep your immune system strong and healthy and prevent illness, such as getting enough sleep, eating a variety of healthy foods, managing stress and consistent exercise. Frequent hand washing or using an alcohol-based hand rub is another good way to prevent illness in yourself and others. Covering your cough with your elbow or a tissue instead of your hand can also help avoid spreading all kinds of germs to others.

Flu Vaccines

Experts agree the best way to prevent getting sick with influenza is by getting a yearly flu vaccine. It’s important to get the vaccine every year to help update your body’s immune system. Your body’s immune system needs updated just like your computer’s software needs updated to prevent new viruses from wreaking havoc. The flu changes every year, so the vaccine also changes yearly to keep your body prepared.

The flu causes millions of Americans to get sick enough to see a doctor every year. Complications like pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections and worsening of chronic conditions like asthma or diabetes are common. Over 100,000 people are hospitalized with the flu each year and between 9,000 and 50,000 die each year from the flu in the U.S. More than 100 children died of influenza last season and over half of those deaths were in otherwise healthy children. In addition, healthy individuals can spread the virus to vulnerable people such as children under the age of five, elderly people, or people with compromised immune systems. People can even spread the flu to others before they know they are sick. Getting the flu shot doesn’t just protect you, it helps protect our entire community.

Yearly Flu Shot

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, (CDC) recommends a yearly flu shot for everyone over the age of six months with rare exceptions. There are a few facts to keep in mind when deciding the best timing for getting the flu shot: First, flu activity is generally highest in the U.S. between October and March. Second, it takes about two weeks for the body to make antibodies after getting vaccinated. And third, children eight years old and younger need two vaccines four weeks apart to be considered protected.

Getting a yearly flu vaccine will reduce your risk of severe complications of the flu, hospitalization and death. I always get my yearly flu vaccine to protect myself, my family, and my patients and recommend the same for all of my patients.

COVID-19 and flu vaccination and testing are offered at HPC, contact us at 913-648-2266 to schedule your appointment.

HPC’s School-Based Clinic at SMW provides essential health care

September 18, 2023/in Pediatric Medical/by Health Partnership Clinic

By Catherine Rice, Vice President of Marketing/Outreach

School is in and so is our School-Based Health Clinic at Shawnee Mission West (SMW) High School in Overland Park, Kan.! The clinic is open on Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is available to Shawnee Mission School District students and their siblings, three to 20 years old.

The clinic offers quality and comprehensive primary, dental and mental health care. Services include physical exams, sports physicals, immunizations, including COVID vaccines, age-appropriate health screenings, preventive education, referrals to specialty services, sick visits, management of acute and chronic problems, dental screenings, fluoride treatments and mental health services.

Most insurance plans are accepted, including KanCare/Medicaid. As a community health center, HPC offers a sliding-fee discount program which is based on income and household size. Fees are waived for students experiencing homelessness.

We offer in-person or virtual appointments. Walk-ins are accommodated if the schedule permits. To schedule an appointment, Shawnee Mission School District parents should call 913-648-2266.

To learn more, view our video below about the clinic. (The video was created and produced by SMW senior Lily Heffner as part of an internship project!)

Tips to Avoid Flu, Covid-19 and the Common Cold

August 14, 2023/in Adult Medical, Pediatric Medical/by Health Partnership Clinic

By: Inessa Sergeyeva, APRN MSN, ANP-BC, FNP-BC, Family Nurse Practitioner

As we head into Fall the common cold, flu, and Covid-19 will return to disrupt your usual routine and keep you from doing the things you enjoy. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) many of the symptoms of the common cold, flu and COVID-19 overlap, so it may be difficult to determine what you have. Overlapping symptoms can include fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat and body aches.

The good news is there is rapid and laboratory testing available for both flu and COVID-19, and HPC offers flu and COVID-19 testing at all of our clinic locations. It is best to call the clinic so that we can offer the safest way to complete testing.

Please keep in mind that you can dramatically lower your risk of getting the flu and COVID-19 by getting vaccinated. Flu vaccines are 40-60 percent effective, and COVID-19 vaccines are 70-95 percent effective in preventing transmission and illness. Flu vaccination is recommended for children and adults six months of age and older. COVID -19 vaccination is recommended for children and adults 12 years of age and older.

If you do still get the flu or COVID-19 after vaccination, you are less likely to get very sick or die. Getting vaccinated against flu and COVID-19 also helps protect the people around you who are at high risk, such as older adults, people with medical conditions and pregnant women. In addition, there are effective FDA approved anti-viral medications available by prescription that help reduce the duration and severity of illness for COVID-19 and flu.

Here are some simple healthy habits you can follow to lower your chance of getting a cold, flu or COVID-19:

Stay home if you are sick.
Isolate from others in your home as much as possible.
Cover your face with a cloth or other mask when you are unable to maintain a safe physical distance from others (at least six feet) especially when inside.
Wash your hands (this is best) or use a hand sanitizer that is at least 70 percent alcohol after touching hard surfaces or other people, before eating, and after using the restroom.
Avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes as it is easier for viruses to spread this way.
Clean the hard surfaces in your home frequently, especially countertops, door handles and tables.
Keep your immune system in great shape by eating a plant rich diet, exercising regularly and getting enough sleep.
Vaccinate prior to peak flu and COVID-19 season.

COVID-19 and flu vaccination and testing are offered at HPC, contact us at 913-648-2266 to schedule your appointment.

Sleep and Organization Key to Preparing for a New School Year

July 24, 2023/in Adult Medical, Pediatric Medical/by Health Partnership Clinic

By Kelly D. Kreisler, MD, MPH, FAAP, Pediatrician and Chief Health Officer for Health Partnership Clinic

The start of the new school year is just around the corner. Preparing for back to school is key to a successful transition. Two key components are sleep and organization.

Sleep

Getting enough sleep is an important foundation of physical and mental health and school success. Children and caregivers are often surprised by the amount of sleep children need at every age. Children three to five years of age should sleep 10 to 13 hours per 24 hours. Children six to 12 years of age should sleep nine to 12 hours per 24 hours. Teenagers should sleep eight to 10 hours per 24 hours.

When deciding on a bedtime, start with the time the child needs to be at school, then determine how much time is needed to get ready, and finally look at the recommended amount of sleep for your child’s age. To move from summer bedtime to school year bedtime, gradually move bedtime earlier by 30 minutes every week. No phones, tablets, or TV in the bedroom is an essential rule for quality sleep.

Organization

Depending on the age of your child, write down or have them write down everything they have to do to get ready for school. Be very detailed. Have them practice doing these things and time them to make it a game.

To avoid morning stress, do as much as possible the night before. Make lunches, lay out clothes and place homework and school supplies by the door. Create a checklist that includes visual aids for children with special needs like anxiety, ADHD and autism. Involving your child in the process ahead of time will help avoid frustration. Don’t forget to get all of your child’s prescriptions refilled, vaccines and a school physical completed to be prepared for a successful school year.

Health Partnership Clinic offers back-to-school and sports physicals at all our clinic sites, including Olathe, Shawnee Mission, Paola and Ottawa. At the Olathe site, we offer a Walk-In Pediatric Clinic, Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m. to Noon.

To schedule an appointment at one of our sites, call 913-648-2266.

In addition, this summer, the clinic is offering school and sports physicals and well child checkups, including immunizations, vision, hearing and dental screenings, fluoride treatments and behavioral health visits, if needed, to children and adolescents attending Shawnee Mission School District on Thursday, Aug. 3 and 10 at the Shawnee Mission West High School in Overland Park, Kan. We are also accepting appointments for Saturday, Aug. 12, which is Children’s Health Day in celebration of Community Care Clinic Month, at the Olathe clinic located at 407 S. Clairborne Rd., Olathe, Kan.

To make an appointment, call 913-648-2266.

Summer Back to School Events (PDF)

References

https://aasm.org/resources/pdf/pediatricsleepdurationconsensus.pdf

HPC kicks off Patient Safety Awareness Week, March 12-18, 2023

March 13, 2023/in Adult Medical, Pediatric Medical/by Health Partnership Clinic

By Lee Champion, MSN, FCN, RN, Clinic Director/Risk and Compliance Officer at Health Partnership Clinic

The COVID-19 pandemic and increases in flu and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV cases continue to remind us of the importance of patient safety in everything we do at Health Partnership Clinic. During March 12-18, we celebrate Patient Safety Awareness Week. Although patient safety is an integral part of our processes and protocols, March is dedicated to building awareness among our staff and patients. Bottom line, safety is everyone’s responsibility.

To learn more, watch our newest video:

Improving Patient Safety Begins With You

Here are a few steps to ensure your safety when visiting the clinic:

Most importantly, wash your hands on a regular basis (before eating, after eating, after using the restroom, etc.) and sneeze in your arms not in your hands.
Everyone working at or visiting our clinics must wear masks while on campus. Masks work to decrease the droplets that can carry COVID-19 and other germs.
Chairs are spaced apart in our lobby areas to provide less contact between patients and visitors.
We offer telemedicine visits if you would prefer to stay at home for your visit. If you are sick with COVID-19, a telemedicine visit allows you to discuss your care with a provider.
Dividers have been installed in our Olathe Pediatric lobby to separate patients who are sick from patients who have appointments for physicals and preventative care.
We are participating in the Federal program to distribute COVID-19 Home Testing Kits. You can pick up kits at our clinic locations by asking the front desk. Limit two per household member.
We also continue to offer COVID vaccines on the second Friday of the month in Olathe. To schedule, call 913-648-2266.
Keep an eye on your children at all times. Running and playing are not permitted in the clinic.

For updates on how we are addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit us at https://hpcks.org/coronavirus.

Six Questions Parents Are Asking About COVID-19

August 23, 2021/in Pediatric Medical/by Health Partnership Clinic

By Cheri El-Halawany, MD, FAAP, Pediatrician at Health Partnership Clinic

As a board-certified pediatrician at Health Partnership Clinic (HPC), Cheri El-Halawany, MD, FAAP, is always fielding questions from worried parents. With a spike in COVID-19 cases, there are growing concerns of parents regarding the vaccine, navigating a new normal and prevention. Dr. El-Halawany responds to six questions parents are asking most about COVID-19.

Q: My children’s elementary school has notified us that all students will be back in person 100 percent of the time in August. My kids are too young for the vaccine, should I be worried?

A: I hear this a lot from concerned parents. Unlike last year, we have a lot more data on this virus, including how it impacts our elementary school age children. Fortunately, children in this age group have proven remarkably resilient to the virus. While there is still a chance that a child will come down with a serious case, most children that catch the virus avoid serious illness and don’t experience long term symptoms. I am not saying that COVID is no big deal in children, but it is a much more manageable risk in this population. Most health professionals agree that the negative impacts of remote learning on intellectual and social development (as well as child temperament) more than outweigh the risks of illness in this age group.

Q: So, what does the “new normal” look like for families? It seems like we just got our kids used to wearing masks, and now they don’t have to anymore. Are there any habits we should continue?

A: One of the few pleasant side effects of our “COVID Year”, as I sometimes call it, was the low rate of flu infections. We were too busy taking care of COVID patients to celebrate, but our influenza admissions to the local hospitals were the lowest in several decades. Many of the most common COVID practices (hand washing, disinfecting surfaces, limiting exposure to crowds of people during the flu season, etc.) are effective strategies for avoiding seasonal illnesses. Also, the focus on vaccination as the most important part of our nation’s COVID recovery plan applies to so many other serious diseases for which vaccines exist. We should all be asking our primary care physicians if we need any booster shots or vaccines at our next appointment.

Q: How do you feel about vaccinating children? I have heard of side effects, some minor and a few severe. Does the risk warrant it?

A: I believe in each of the COVID vaccines. Many of the vaccine manufacturers have been studying their effects in children and young adults for several months prior to their recent approval. I agree with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) recent approval of vaccinating individuals 12 and over. I believe the regulators have done a nice job of balancing the benefits of vaccination with a measure of deliberateness needed to make sure each vaccine is safe in younger age groups. Bottom line: I would not hesitate to give my own child a vaccine approved for use by the CDC.

Q: Are there any activities that we should avoid?

A: We all know that kids will be kids, and sometimes it feels like they are walking petri dishes. I, along with many other pediatricians, have been very encouraged by the relatively low transmission rates in elementary schools that reopened toward the end of this last school year. While scientists are still studying how the virus is spread within the child population, we suspect that children benefit from a number of circumstances, including a more resilient immune response, to coronaviruses in general.

That being said, I would still encourage caution with very high traffic play areas that are challenging to keep clean. Ball pits may be fun, but they were kind of gross even before the pandemic, and it’s best to stay clear for a little while longer. However, in line with CDC guidance, it’s generally safe to resume organized sports, choir and band.

Q: We have put off all non-necessary visits to the doctor, as well as non-emergency in-patient procedures, during the pandemic. Is it safe to go back to the hospital and my doctor’s office?

A: The short answer is yes. In the early days, we were concerned about a lack of PPE and potential cross-transmission between patients. The PPE shortages have been resolved, and patient cross transmission never proved to be a widespread problem. Almost every hospital has strict rapid COVID testing requirements prior to admission as well as for all Emergency Room patients, so there is at most a minimal risk of contracting the virus in the hospital. To be honest, you’re more likely to get it at the grocery store than at a hospital or doctor’s office.

At HPC, we still require masks and screen for COVID-19. In addition, adult patients (and their legal guardian/caregiver) may attend an appointment. Family or friends must wait in their cars or at home. For our pediatric patients, one parent/guardian is allowed along with minor siblings. We also continue to practice social distancing (minimum of six feet). Our clinics in Olathe, Shawnee Mission, Paola and Ottawa provide COVID testing after assessment from a health provider.

Q: My child has had COVID and recovered from the main illness but is still struggling with some lingering symptoms. What do we know about the long-term effects of the virus?

A: As the experts have said all along, COVID is a serious infection, and like many other serious infections it can leave some patients with a longer road to full recovery. There’s been a lot of talk about COVID “long-haulers” that are still suffering from significant symptoms months after initially contracting the virus. While significant, this is a comparatively small group of patients, and we are still learning about what the road to recovery looks like for patients with lingering effects.

However, there are other infections that patients continue to improve from for months and even years after the onset of symptoms. So, I would encourage those who may still be suffering to not lose hope and be patient as we continue to better understand the effects of the virus and how to best treat them.