2026 Super Summer Stroll

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 17:50:50 GMT

Super Summer Stroll June 10, 2026!

Get ready for our 2026 Super Summer Stroll on Wednesday, June 10, from 6–8 PM at Highland Park , right next to Truesdale Health.

This annual community event is packed with fun activities for the whole family! Games, movement, wellness activities, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy a summer evening together.

We hope you’ll join us for a night of connection, laughter, and healthy fun.

See you there!

Follow The Science

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 03:22:00 GMT

For over 40 years, Highland Pediatrics has been honored to care for children and support families in our community.

Pediatrics has evolved thanks to science and experience. We stay current with evidence-based medicine and consult specialists when needed—whether it’s a cardiologist, neurologist, or infectious disease expert.

We also listen to public health leaders—not blindly, but with respect for their training and experience. Our goal is to help families make informed decisions based on solid, trustworthy information.
That’s why we’re concerned about the recent removal of experienced professionals from the CDC—actions that cast doubt on the reliability of its guidance. Public health only works when experts lead the way. Silencing them puts everyone at risk.

We’re encouraged that Massachusetts continues to follow expert advice, not politics—especially when it comes to vaccines. We’re grateful for the state’s leadership in protecting public health.
For reliable health info, we recommend:

We’ll keep showing up - to care, to listen, and to support you in keeping your family healthy.
— Highland Pediatrics

MANAGING VIRAL ILLNESSES: What You Need To Know

Thu, 22 Dec 2022 02:25:39 GMT

While the flu, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), and COVID are everywhere right now, don’t panic, most cases are mild to moderate and usually can be managed at home.

Rest
Plenty of fluids
Fever and body ache medicine such as Tylenol or Motrin (6 months and above)
Nasal saline and suction
Elevating the head
Humidifier
Honey - for 1 year old and older
Cough drops and lozenges - for 4 years old and older
Mentholated rubs - for 2 years old and older
OTC cold medicines – (This video offers good advice.)
Asthma medicines for asthmatics
Chicken soup

In addition to an early arrival, this season’s flu is more severe than usual. The usually cold-like RSV has been causing serious illness for high-risk children. In addition, COVID is still around contributing to much of today’s illness.

You should know that urgent and emergency care facilities are overflowing. Hospitals beds are filled to capacity. At the same time, supplies of antibiotics, flu medicine and viral tests are low.

It’s a situation that has left Highland Pediatrics struggling to keep up with phone calls and appointments -- despite increased efforts. We understand you may be feeling nervous and frustrated. We are doing everything we can, working hard to prioritize the sickest children, while not overlooking those less ill, but still in need of care.

We are all in this together

As a parent or guardian, patience, civility and using your judgement for appropriate treatment will help all of us make it through these challenging times. To provide extra help, you can refer to our A Parent’s Guide to Managing Viral Illnesses that offers helpful information for managing your child’s viral illness.

Determining the Illness:

Flu symptoms include: fever above 100.4°F, chills, a dry/hacking cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, fatigue, vomiting and diarrhea.
RSV is similar to the common cold, but can be serious for infants and those who have asthma. More serious symptoms include wheezing and difficulty breathing.

For more information, check out these resources:

COVID is usually mild in most children. The most common symptoms are a cough and a fever. Identifying even mild infection is important for proper quarantining and making adult contacts aware.

When to treat your child at home

While having any of these illnesses can be miserable, 9 times out of 10, home treatment is appropriate.

The main treatment is supportive care comprised of:

Vaccinations , even for those who have already gotten sick with the flu or COVID, may help prevent them from getting re-infected.

When to call the office

Vaccines developed specifically for the flu and COVID can often prevent infections or reduce symptoms.

Is under 3 months old and has a fever of 100.4°F or more
Has any fever that’s not responding to fever medicine
Has moderate respiratory symptoms such as retractions, persistent fast breathing, or wheezing -- check out the Cleveland Clinic video , Healthy Children website page and A Parent’s Guide to Managing Viral Illnesses section on respiratory distress
Looks more sick than expected or is not looking even a little better after the fever comes down –
Was getting better but now is getting worse again
Has already been sick for several days and is getting worse or just not getting better
Has health problems such as asthma, diabetes and disorders of the brain or nervous system (these can contribute to complications)

Prevention

Together, we can determine if your child needs an appointment. Not all do. Call if your child has respiratory symptoms and:

We recommend that everyone get vaccinated including those who have already had the flu or COVID, because it may help prevent them from getting re-infected.

Prescription medicines like Tamiflu are available for high-risk patients with the flu, but should be given within the first 2 days of illness. These anti-viral meds may make the illness shorter and milder and may prevent serious complications. However, they are currently in short supply. Remember, antibiotics will not work on viral infections!

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