Visiting the office with suspected Coronavirus
- All families will be escorted to and from our office to avoid exposure to any germs. Please call us when you arrive. If you arrive before we open, you can page the on-call doctor.
- All staff will wear masks and gloves when interacting directly with the patients and their families. Every room is sanitized between each patient family. All instruments are sanitized between patients.
- All sick visits will be conducted in person or via Telemedicine visit.
- Please let the front desk know if you or your child has a cough or fever. We will provide face masks so that the staff does not get infected and can continue to help treat families.
- We now have rapid test as well as the PCR test for Covid.
What do we know about the Coronavirus?
Coronavirus is a family of viruses that cause symptoms similar to the common cold. The new strain is a mutation that we have not been exposed to before and, because of this, we have not developed natural immunities to the new strain.
What are the symptoms of coronavirus?
Fever, cough, and shortness of breath are the major symptoms.
Who is at risk?
- Older adults
- People who have serious chronic medical conditions like:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Lung disease
- Suppressed immune systems
- Children do not seem to be at higher risk per CDC.
How do you protect the family?
- Washing your hands is always the best thing you can do!!!
- Hand sanitizer can also be effective, but make sure to use at least 2-3 squirts and get sanitizer with greater than 60% alcohol. Rub into hands for 10 seconds just like handwashing.
- Avoid public places of 10 or more people as much as possible and buffet style restaurants.
- Avoid sleep overs and play dates.
What to do if you think your child has Coronavirus
- Stay home and try to isolate them (as much as possible) from the family until they are symptom free. If positive, all family members should self-quarantine for 2 weeks or 3 days after everyone is symptom-free.
- The person with the illness should wear masks to avoid getting others sick.
- If your child has cold symptoms, keep them away from grandparents and people with underlying medical problems or compromised immune system.
- Talk with your pediatrician if your child has difficulty breathing (shortness of breath), unable to drink liquids, fever is not coming down with medication, inconsolable, or is exhibiting behavior that is not normal for your child. Let your pediatrician know that you are worried about coronavirus exposure so they can triage you appropriately.