Respiratory Viruses Update

Respiratory Viruses Update Respiratory Viruses Update FACULTY: Tess Barton, MD is a pediatric infectious disease expert professor at the University of Texas Health Science Center.   OVERVIEW: In this episode, we delve into the challenges faced by pediatric practitioners during the height of respiratory virus season. Host Holly Wayment is joined by Dr. Tess Barton, pediatric infectious disease specialist, to discuss RSV, influenza, pneumonia, Covid and more. Dr. Barton addresses concerns about the RSV vaccine, especially the recent FDA warning about Guillain-Barre syndrome, and clarifies that the warning does not pertain to vaccines for infants. She provides valuable advice for clinicians handling inquiries from parents and pregnant women, emphasizing the rarity of severe vaccine side effects. The discussion further explores the importance of distinguishing between viral and bacterial infections, the judicious use of antibiotics, and the body's natural responses to viruses, such as mucus production and fever. The episode also touches on the challenges of obtaining updated health data due to recent communication halts from the CDC and NIH. OVERALL LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Increased awareness and education for pediatric providers DISCLOSURE TO LEARNERS: Tess Barton, MD 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: 1/31/2025 EXPIRATION DATE: 8/31/2027