COVID-19
(CORONAVIRUS)

WHAT WE DON'T KNOW

The COVID 19 virus is called a novel virus because it is new to humans.  This means that we don't know a lot about it and information will change as more is known. 

We are not sure how long somebody can have the virus before developing symptoms but think it may be between 2 and 12 days. 

It is not known how long a person remains infectious after they develop the infection, which is why 14 days of isolation is recommended. 

​ It is not known whether a person who has had the infection can be infected again.
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Please stay up-to-date with recommendations for Maryland department of health.
​https://coronavirus.maryland.gov/

SYMPTOMS OF COVID 19

While the disease is often less severe in children, some of the following may be experienced by children.
  • fever - most common symptom
  • dry cough
  • tiredness and irritability
  • headache
  • sore throat
  • chest tightness
  • body aches
  • diarrhea 
  • loss of taste and smell
  • rash

WHAT YOU CAN DO

  • GOOD HAND WASHING with soap and water for 20 seconds frequently.
  • Use hand sanitizer outside the home.
  • WEAR A MASK in all social settings outside the home.
  • stay home when possible and limit your social group to reduce risk.  Avoid large gatherings.
  • GOOD HAND WASHING
  • cover your mouth with your arm or tissue if you need to cough.
  • GOOD HAND WASHING
  • avoid Emergency rooms or urgent care settings unless it is a true emergency.  They are busy and you can expose your child to an infection.
  • GOOD HAND WASHING!
  • call our office or the on-call doctor if your child has a health problem, so that we can help you.
  • reassure your child.  This is a scary time for everybody.  Let them know that they are safe and keep them active.  Know what they are watching on screens.  Talk about how they are feeling.  Keep it simple!   https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/17/parenting/coronavirus-kids-talk.html

WHAT YOU WILL NEED!

Having some routine supplies on hand will make this difficult time a little easier.  Here are a few suggestions.  Avoid hoarding to ensure there is some for everybody!
  • Fever medicines  e.g. Tylenol
  • Thermometer to check temperatures
  • Make sure you have an adequate supply of prescription medicines and inhalers.
  • Popsicles to help keep the fever down
  • Cough medicine for children over 5 yrs.
  • Honey helps the cough for children over 1 yr.
  • Humidifier
  • Tissues


​WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Most children are experiencing only mild symptoms from the COVID-19 virus.  Unless they have underlying health problems they often present with mild flu-like symptoms, which will usually resolve in less than one week.    As with the flu they should be treated at home whenever possible. Serious infections amongst young children are uncommon. Some children may have few symptoms but can still be infectious.  
​The major concern related to children is that they can spread this virus to those around them.  If your child has any symptoms of illness, they should be isolated at home and away from the elderly of the community and those with chronic health conditions.
If your child should develop an unusual rash and feels unwell, please contact us as soon as possible.

 CHILDREN WITH CHRONIC HEALTH CONDITIONS.

If your child has asthma, please be sure to use the maintenance inhaler as you were instructed.  If you are unsure, call the office for guidance.  
For children with chronic health conditions, please call the office if the child should develop a fever and cough.  We would rather hear from you as soon as symptoms present.

WHEN TO SEEK HELP!

  • If a child is having severe shortness of breath or trouble breathing- SEEK HELP IMMEDIATELY!
  • If your child has a fever 104 degrees or greater that cannot be reduced - seek help.
  • If your child refuses all fluids for more than 8 hours - seek help.
  • ​If your child develops an unusual rash and feels unwell - seek help.

INFANTS LESS THAN 3 MONTH

There is some evidence that newborn infants may experience more severe symptoms of COVID-19 than older children. 

As with all newborns, avoid exposing the baby to more people than necessary.  Limit contact to close family caregivers only and stress good hand washing! Avoid persons who are going into large group settings, have travelled out of state in the past 14 days, or anybody who is sick.

Although it is not known whether COVID-19 can be passed in breast milk, there is currently no evidence that it is and breast feeding should be continued whenever possible.

Vaccines should be administered as per the recommended routine schedule.

WHEN YOUR CHILD IS SICK.

 If your child is sick, care for them as you would if they had the flu.
Manage their fever with medicine, warm sponging and cool drinks
https://www.webmd.com/first-aid/fever-in-children-treatment#1

Keep them drinking small amounts frequently.  Don't worry if they don't want to eat.  They will eat when they feel better.

​Rest at home and isolate until back to full health.

Call the office or on-call doctor if you have any concerns or need advice.

KEEP THEM ISOLATED!  The family should also remain isolated.

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