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Father checking on his sick daughter at home who might have COVID, RSV, or the flu.

Comparing Flu, COVID-19, and RSV: A Guide for Parents

Does your child keep getting colds? Runny noses? A cough that just won’t go away? How can you tell if it’s COVID-19, the flu, or RSV? According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, even healthy kids get about 6–10 colds each year.  There are a number of different viruses that make the rounds, especially during fall and winter months, and here are some things to watch for when it comes to making decisions about diagnosis, home care, and potential visits to the doctor. What are flu symptoms, COVID symptoms, and RSV symptoms? There is a lot of overlap between symptoms. This means some of the symptoms of flu, COVID, and RSV can appear similar to other respiratory illnesses, up to and including the common cold. It would require a test to confirm a diagnosis for flu, COVID, or RSV. Plus, it’s also possible to have more than one of the […]

Associate Highlight: Jenny Pfieffer, PCNS-BC, APRN, ESMHL

At Nemours Children’s Health, our nursing staff is integral to our mission of providing exceptional care to our patients and families. Jenny Pfieffer, a Clinical Nurse Specialist in our Pediatric Diabetes Center, embodies the dedication, compassion, and innovation that defines our nursing team. With over 20 years of experience, Jenny has made a lasting impact on the lives of countless children and families. Inspired by her mother’s belief that “the sky is the limit,” Jenny began her nursing journey in pediatric emergency care. Her work was driven by a deep love for helping others and making a difference. After relocating to Nemours Children’s Health, Jacksonville from Delaware, she transitioned into nursing administration and eventually found her calling to return to the bedside as a Clinical Nurse Specialist at the Diabetes Center. In this role, Jenny helped create a transition program that supports adolescents moving from pediatric to adult diabetes care. […]

Meet Amaia.

Lee la historia de a Amaia en español In January 2024, Amaia’s family brought their two-year-old daughter to the ER at Nemours Children’s Hospital in Florida after noticing staring seizures. Staring seizures are a type of short focal seizure, during which a child will stare blankly, confused or lose awareness of their surroundings, often without any noticeable symptoms.  Her mother Stefanie remembers the exact day: “Amaia started bleeding through her nose and was behaving in a way that was not her normal, such as turning/looking to her left side in a very strong way and not moving – even turning purple [blue]. Then we decided to take her to the ER at Nemours.” That visit revealed a life-changing discovery: a brain tumor. The impact was immediate. “The impact of this news on our lives was extremely strong. I had to stop working to care for Amaia, take her to the […]

Navigating Kidney Stones: Vincent’s Story

At 13 years old, Vincent found himself facing a painful and unexpected health challenge. What began as a nagging low back pain quickly escalated when he noticed blood in his urine. Alarmed, his family took him to urgent care, where the initial tests confirmed the presence of blood but also revealed a more serious issue: a kidney stone. The urgent care team, recognizing the severity, referred them to the Nemours Children’s Health, Lakeland and then to the hospital in Orlando for further evaluation. “I was nervous about the wait time, but their staff worked to fit us in quickly,” says Vincent’s mom, Jessica. “From the beginning, they were responsive and attentive.” The pain Vincent was experiencing disrupted every aspect of his daily life. “He couldn’t rest, enjoy his normal activities, or even feel comfortable sitting or lying down,” Jessica explains. “It was also very stressful for me as a parent […]

Kissing bug on a leaf that carries Chagas disease

Chagas Disease: What Parents Should Know

More than 7 million people worldwide are estimated to be infected with Trypanosoma cruzi (or T. cruzi), the parasite that causes Chagas disease. In the United States, the number of cases is relatively low but appears to be growing, especially in certain regions. According to experts at UCLA Health, approximately 45,000 people in Los Angeles County are infected, among more than 300,000 in the United States, and fewer than 2% of them are aware they carry the parasite. However, these reports are not as current as the clinical community would like, given the calculated risk of exposure. This has led the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to advocate for reclassifying certain states as endemic (en-DEM-ik) areas where infected parasites live and potentially transmit the disease. What is Chagas disease? Chagas (SHAH-gus) disease is caused by the T. cruzi parasite, which is harbored by approximately a dozen species of bloodsucking triatomine bugs, commonly referred […]

Kinsley’s Story: A Journey of Hope

Our daughter Kinsley’s story began with a broken leg at a very young age. When the cast came off, she refused to walk. Although she showed some other symptoms like a relentless fever and sleeping a lot, “we never anticipated she had cancer,” her parents added.  “Kinsley was diagnosed at age 2 with a very rare form of leukemia known as near haploid B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. This type of leukemia makes up less than 1% of all leukemias worldwide, and comes with a very dismal prognosis.” The months that followed were painful and overwhelming. Kinsley suffered severe side effects during and after treatment. “Watching your child suffer through this horrendous journey is gut-wrenching. It’s brutal, especially when as a parent you can’t do anything but sit on the sidelines and watch. Watch and pray,” her parents said. Despite the challenges, Kinsley showed incredible resilience. She had four bone marrow […]

girl making a face while eating a vegetable

Tips for Helping Your Picky Eater Enjoy Healthy Foods

You are at your pediatrician’s office for a well-visit, and the doctor asks you to describe your toddler’s diet. You want to say they eat a variety of healthy foods, but in reality, your child refuses to look at anything green or remotely healthy and is hooked on pizza, chicken nuggets, and mac and cheese. Does this sound familiar? Don’t worry — you’re not alone, and we’re here to help! Let’s work together to find creative ways to get more fruits and vegetables into your picky eater. Better Tricks for Better Eating Habits You may have heard about ways to sneak healthy options into foods your child already likes, such as zucchini in muffins and blended broccoli into spaghetti sauce. While this is a great way to increase fruit and vegetable intake, there may be more long-term benefits in helping your child learn to want to eat these foods. To […]

Associate Highlight: Erin Baker, PT, DPT, ATP, CPST

As a young athlete, Erin had faced her share of injuries, requiring her to go through physical therapy (PT) several times. These transformative experiences that ignited a passion within her. “The care I received sparked a desire to help others regain their ability to participate in the sports and activities they love,” Erin reflects. Initially, she envisioned a career focused on pediatric rehabilitation, driven by her understanding of the challenges young athletes face. However, during her physical therapy schooling, a neurology rotation at the MS Comprehensive Care Center exposed her to world of neurologic rehabilitation.” I was drawn to the complexity and challenge of working with the neurologic population and discovered a passion for adaptive equipment,” says Erin. After graduating, Erin gained valuable experience in both acute care and outpatient settings. Her skills and knowledge grew with each patient she treated. A few years into her career, she was encouraged […]

young girl gamer sits at a computer with a Feel Free kratom drink

Feel Free Drinks and Kratom: Essential Information for Parents

People often assume that natural products are harmless or non-addictive. However, natural products can have side effects just like pharmaceuticals. In March 2025, Botanic Tonics’ CEO reported that Feel Free had surpassed a quarter of a billion dollars in annual sales profitability during its third year. According to NielsenIQ data, as of July 2024, Feel Free held the No. 1 spot for eight consecutive quarters in the ‘Shelf Stable Energy & Supplements in Convenience’ category. By August 2025, Botanic Tonics stated it had sold over 129.7 million servings of Feel Free. Yet, despite its commercial success, some users have begun to question the product’s true cost, with some even referring to it as “Feel Trapped” due to concerns over dependency or side effects. What are the ingredients in Feel Free CLASSIC? Unlike pharmaceuticals, natural products like Feel Free aren’t subject to rigorous regulation, leaving consumers uncertain about their actual composition. […]

Meet Allie Likely

Allie’s Light: Finding Support Through Nemours PATH

Meet Allie Likely. At just 12 years old, she was diagnosed with adjustment disorder with an anxious mood. Using the Pediatric Acute Telemental Health (PATH) program available at Nemours Children’s Health in Florida, Allie and her family found the care and tools they needed to move forward with confidence. Her mother remembers when she first noticed something was wrong. “It appeared as though she was losing her light,” she said. “As a parent, I tried talking to her but felt that she was holding back. I felt she needed to talk to someone, so I started looking for resources.” The changes in Allie’s behavior left her mom feeling uncertain and worried. “I noticed she wasn’t her usual self and was unsure if it was just the typical tween behavior, the newness of middle school, or the recent transition we had endured as a family. I felt as though I couldn’t reach my […]

From Patient to Future Doctor: Freya’s Story

In early May 2024, Freya was diagnosed with B-cell leukemia at just 5 years old. Her family’s world changed overnight. Support from Nemours Children’s helped them through. “Thankfully, everyone at the hospital has been incredibly supportive. They’ve not only provided expert care but also made us feel like part of a family, so we never felt alone. I connected with other families facing similar challenges, and I’m genuinely grateful we were guided to Nemours Children’s Hospital, Florida. I wouldn’t choose any other place for her care.” Freya’s mother credits Nemours Children’s and Dr. Douglas for giving her hope. “Knowing that she cares deeply makes me feel relieved about the continuation of Freya’s care. I’m confident she will ring the bell in August 2026. Even if that doesn’t happen, I know that Dr. Douglas will do everything possible to support Freya. I used to worry endlessly, losing sleep and not eating, […]

A young boy with a bandana and an IV drip beside him draws with crayons. He in indoors, sitting at a desk in a treatment centre.

How to Support a Child or Family with Cancer: Expert Q&A

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month — a time to honor the strength of children and their families navigating the challenges of a cancer diagnosis. Alongside doctors and nurses, Child Life Specialists play a vital role in supporting young patients and their families cope with the emotional and developmental impacts of cancer, guiding them through what can be an overwhelming journey. In this Q&A, we had the opportunity to speak with Joli Craver, one of our Child Life Specialists at Nemours Children’s Health, who works in the PLAYERS Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders. Joli provided valuable insights for friends, classmates, neighbors, and extended family who are looking to offer meaningful support. Whether it’s knowing what to say, how to help, or simply how to be present, her perspective can help you feel more confident in showing up for children with cancer and their families during their most challenging moments. […]

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