COVID-19

What is COVID-19?

• COVID-19 is the illness that is caused by a novel coronavirus (SARS-COV-2).
• Symptoms vary. Some with COVID-19 have no symptoms. Others may have a cough, runny nose, fever, chills, shortness of breath, muscle aches, loss of taste and or smell, vomiting, nausea, or diarrhea.
• A person with COVID-19 can infect someone 2 days before they start showing symptoms until 10 days after they show symptoms.
• Most children have mild cases of COVID-19 and recover well. Some children, however, can develop more serious illness and may need hospitalization.

How is COVID-19 treated?

• Currently, there is no universally effective treatment for COVID-19. Like a cold or flu, it is important to get plenty of fluids. Children can also take acetaminophen for fevers.

What should I do if I suspect my child has COVID-19?

• Guidelines for testing, treating, and quarantine for the coronavirus have been changing as more is being learned about the disease.
• If your child has symptoms of COVID-19, call your doctor to discuss being seen. They should not attend school or daycare while sick. With schools being open, it will be especially important to test patients.

What should I do if a close contact has COVID-19?

• What is a close contact? Someone who you have been in contact with closer than 6 feet for greater than 15 minutes (siblings, the same preschool class, roommates)
• If your child has no symptoms: Quarantine for 14 days. Even if they are tested and are negative, they still need to quarantine for 14 days after the last known contact with the positive person.
• If your child has symptoms: they should be tested. Even if the test is negative, they should quarantine for 14 days from the time of exposure to the positive source. If your child is positive, they should isolate until they are at least 24 hours fever free and 10 days from onset of symptoms.

What should I do if my child has symptoms of COVID-19 but is not tested and has no other explanation for his symptoms (such as a positive flu or strep test)?

• Stay home until fever free for 24 hours and ten days from the onset of symptoms.

What should I do if my child has a positive COVID test?

• Stay home until fever free for 24 hours and ten days from the onset of symptoms.

Do I need to get my child tested for COVID-19 even if s/he just has the sniffles?

• This is the best way you can help us stop the spread of disease.
• COVID-19 can be very mild in children and mimic the common cold or a vomiting/ diarrhea bug.
• While testing is mildly uncomfortable, it is no worse than a flu test. It is important to test and isolate your child as best as we can until we know that they do not have COVID-19.

How do we test for COVID-19?

• Our TriHealth pediatricians can test your child in our offices with a nasal swab. The test may come back as quickly as 24 hours.

Should my child still come in for a well-visit?

• YES! It is very important to keep your child up to date on well-hild care. We want to make sure your baby or child is growing and developing appropriately. It is VERY important to keep your child up to date on vaccines, so that he or she does not catch a serious preventable illness.

How are you keeping kids healthy and safe during their visit to the office?

• We continually clean waiting areas, doorknobs, and other common areas. Each exam room – including chairs, exam tables, and counters – is thoroughly wiped down between each patient.
• We are doing our best to separate sick children from those who are well. This may be by time or space. We are limiting time spent in the waiting room. There are times you may be asked to check in from your car.
• All children over 2 years of age and caregivers must wear masks upon entering any office.
• Masks with ventilation ports are not acceptable. If you are wearing a mask with a ventilation port, you will be given a surgical mask to wear over or instead of your mask.

Why does my child have to wear a mask to school?

• Masks have been shown to help reduce the spread of droplets that contain coronavirus. They help the wearer protect others around them and provide some protection for the wearer.
• There is currently a state-wide mandate to wear masks in schools.

Should my child wear a mask in public?

• The answer is yes! The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends everyone over age two wear a mask. There may be exceptions, such as those with a developmental disability. Speak with your doctor if you think your child should not wear a mask.
• Masks may initially seem uncomfortable. It takes practice to get used to them. It is important to know that masks are safe to wear and do not decrease oxygen availability.
• If your child has difficulty wearing a mask, try practicing at home. Having a well-fitted child-sized mask is important. Try to remind your child to not touch their face.