Coronavirus: What You Need to Know
Unfortunately, Northlake Children’s Associates cannot test for Coronavirus.
What to Do If You Think You’re Sick
If you’re child is sick with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, you may be concerned about whether they have COVID-19. Your decision on whether to seek medical care should not change just because of this new virus. If they’re feeling ill, but you otherwise would not have sought medical care, it’s best for you all to stay at home.
If you feel compelled to seek medical care, be sure to call ahead before you go to any doctor’s office or medical facility, including Northlake Children’s. Tell them about your recent travel and symptoms and they will help direct you to the appropriate level of care.
Unfortunately, we cannot test for COVID-19 at our office. We do not have the capability or testing supplies and do not expect to have it. Per the CDC, you should contact your local health department for testing or further questions.
We request that you stay at home so that the risk of exposure is lessened for so many that come to us. This includes newborns, those who are immunocompromised, our staff, and for the grandparents (among others) who often bring their grandchildren to appointments.
What if my child may have been in contact with someone who has Coronavirus and/or is showing signs of Coronavirus?
If symptoms are mild (like a bad cold), please monitor your child at home. Again, we are following the advice of experts and will advise you to keep your child at home unless he or she has signs or symptoms that concern you. Please call us if your child is has a high fever that will not come down with Tylenol or motrin, trouble breathing, bad cough, or any other symptoms that concern you. If your child does need to be seen, we may advise going to the emergency room and we will call in advance to be sure they are prepared.
Should I go to Urgent Care or the Emergency Department if my child is sick?
Per CDC guidelines, if your child has a mild illness please keep them at home during the course of the illness. If your child has any signs of dehydration, shortness of breath or worsening symptoms please contact the office for guidance. Our office has a 24 hour triage service and can advise next best steps.
Answers to Some Common Questions about the Novel Coronavirus and COVID-19
What is the coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are not new. Like influenza, coronaviruses are a family of respiratory viruses with multiple strains. These strains have the ability to change over time, just like influenza. Coronaviruses are already common in the U.S. and have been for years.
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is the disease caused by a novel (new) coronavirus strain that currently is making so many news headlines. It emerged in Wuhan, China, at the end of 2019.
How is COVID-19 transmitted?
Just like the flu and common cold, COVID-19 is spread person to person through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
It may be possible for a person to contract COVID-19 by touching a surface or object where the virus is present and then touching their mouth or nose, and possibly their eyes. However, this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
Does the clinical presentation of COVID-19 differ in children compared with adults?
Limited reports of children with COVID-19 have described cold-like symptoms, such as fever, runny nose, and cough. Gastrointestinal symptoms (vomiting and diarrhea) have been reported in at least one child with COVID-19. These limited reports suggest that children with confirmed COVID-19 have generally presented with mild symptoms, and though severe complications have been reported, they appear to be uncommon. However, as with other respiratory illnesses, certain populations of children may be at increased risk of severe infection, such as children with underlying health conditions.
What can I do to avoid getting it?
The best way to avoid getting sick with any respiratory illness, including COVID-19, is by following these prevention methods:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe. Follow the instructions on the cleaning product’s label.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always use soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.
We truly understand the growing concern surrounding coronavirus (COVID-19) across our communities, and we want you to know that at Northlake Children’s Associates, we are doing everything we can to keep your family healthy. We have always worked hard to keep our office clean throughout the day, but we are increasing the frequency of sterilizing high touch surfaces such as doorknobs, counters, and chairs. We wash our hands regularly and have hand sanitizer in every exam room which we use before, after, and frequently- during visits.
