Mt. Spokane Pediatrics

12/15/2025

Flu season isn’t just one virus—there are actually four types, but Flu A and Flu B are the ones we run into most.

Flu A is the heavyweight: more common, hits adults harder, mutates more, and usually peaks in fall and early winter. It often feels rougher and can leave a lingering cough or congestion for up to two weeks.

Flu B sticks strictly to humans, spreads more quietly, and tends to show up later—late winter into early spring.

Both can bring body aches, chills, fever, fatigue, sore throat, and a stubborn cough. And yes, it’s possible to have both at once.

The care is the same: plenty of rest, steady hydration, and supportive treatment. Most people bounce back in 3–7 days.

Sources:
https://www.osfhealthcare.org/blog/flu-a-vs-flu-b-which-is-worse

https://uoflhealth.org/articles/are-there-differences-between-flu-a-and-flu-b/

https://www.ncoa.org/article/whats-the-difference-between-flu-a-and-flu-b/

12/12/2025

Spokane is bursting with winter magic this weekend, and we pulled together a few kid-friendly events to help get everyone out of the house and into the fun. Know another cool family event happening around town? Feel free to drop the link below!

12/10/2025

Our office is full of holiday cheer, and we hope your season is off to a bright start. A quick reminder that our holiday hours will differ from our regular schedule. If you need medication refills, forms, or paperwork, please plan ahead so we can help you without delay.
Thank you for trusting us with your care—stay warm, stay safe, and enjoy the season.

12/08/2025

When the Light Fades, So Can Our Mood
Seasonal Affective Disorder—or SAD—is a form of depression that follows the seasons, most often showing up in fall and winter when daylight thins and we spend more time indoors. It often begins in the early 20s, but kids and teens can experience it too.
SAD doesn’t always look like classic sadness. It can show up as social withdrawal, loss of interest in once-favorite activities, carb cravings, low energy, weight gain, oversleeping, and a deep sense of heaviness or fatigue. The key clue is the pattern: symptoms that rise and fall with the calendar.
Researchers believe SAD is linked to disruptions in the body’s circadian rhythm—our internal sleep-wake clock—triggered by reduced light. Less light in, less balance inside.
What Helps
Treatment depends on severity and may include more daylight exposure, light therapy with a medical-grade light box, talk therapy (especially CBT), and sometimes medication. For mild cases, simply getting outside each day can make a real difference. Light still works quietly, even in winter.
How Parents Can Support Kids and Teens
Consistency is the anchor here. Encourage outdoor movement. Keep sleep schedules steady. Offer nutrient-dense foods instead of letting sugar run the menu. Be patient with school performance. Spend low-pressure time together. And most of all—talk about it. Naming the struggle shrinks it.
SAD is real, it’s seasonal, and it’s treatable. Winter may pull the curtain early—but it doesn’t get the final word.
To Learn More (Trusted Sources):
• Child Mind Institute – Seasonal Affective Disorder
https://childmind.org/article/seasonal-affective-disorder/
• KidsHealth – Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/sad.html
• HealthyChildren.org (American Academy of Pediatrics) – Winter Blues & SAD
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/emotional-problems/Pages/Winter-Blues-Seasonal-Affective-Disorder-and-Depression.aspx

12/05/2025

These local holiday events are kid-friendly, budget-friendly, and full of cheer. What are your families up to this frosty season?

12/03/2025

Sleep plays a critical role in growth, behavior, and overall health at every age. These are the recommended sleep ranges to support your child’s well-being. If sleep is a concern, our team is here to help.

Learn more:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/expert-answers/how-many-hours-of-sleep-are-enough/faq-20057898

https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about/index.html

11/27/2025

11/24/2025

Holiday hours are here—plan your visits early and stay in the loop. Follow us for real-time clinic updates and seasonal reminders.

11/21/2025

Holiday magic is landing this weekend in Spokane. There are also some wonderful activity options for kiddos that are easy on the wallet! We hope you have a wonderful weekend! Follow our page for our holiday hours!

11/19/2025

Chickenpox looks small, but it spreads fast. Please call us if you need to book an appointment or check on your child's vaccination status! https://mtspokanepediatrics.com

11/17/2025

In just two months, Mollee has already made a wonderful impression with her strong work ethic and genuine warmth toward our patient families. She finds great joy in getting to know our patients and welcoming new babies to the clinic. Mollee has quickly built strong connections with our providers and team members, becoming a valued part of our clinic community.
Outside of work, Mollee is happiest outdoors. She’s spent the past three summers working at a summer camp—no surprise for someone who loves nature as much as she does! When she’s not outside, you’ll likely find her spending time with friends and family, cooking up something delicious, reading, scrapbooking, or skiing. She’s also a big fan of How I Met Your Mother and The Hunger Games—and she’s eagerly awaiting the next movie adaptation.
At home, Mollee shares her space with her sweet cat, Rowdie. This winter, she’s looking forward to cozying up with family, matching outfits, and plenty of holiday cookies.
We’re so happy to have you on the team, Mollee!

11/13/2025

RSV season is here.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common virus that affects the nose, throat, and lungs. Anyone can get RSV, but it can be especially serious for infants under 6 months and older adults.
For most people, RSV feels like a cold — mild fever, cough, congestion, or runny nose — but some children develop bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways), wheezing or asthma symptoms, or even pneumonia.
Bronchiolitis caused by RSV is the leading cause of hospitalization in infants. The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that about 2–3 out of every 100 infants in the U.S. with RSV may need a hospital stay.
RSV “season” usually begins in the fall and peaks in December and January. Most cases improve in a week, but cough and breathing symptoms can last longer.
Seek medical care right away if your child:
• Is under 8 weeks old and has a fever over 100.4°F
• Has a sustained fever over 104°F (any age)
• Is lethargic or difficult to wake
• Has trouble breathing or shows signs of dehydration (no tears, dry mouth, no urine for 8–12 hours)
• Has RSV along with a chronic health condition (heart or lung disease)
Learn more from trusted sources:
Seattle Children’s: What Parents Should Know About RSV
Mayo Clinic: RSV Symptoms and Causes
CDC: About RSV