COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that can cause fever, cough, and other symptoms in children. Families can help reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses by encouraging frequent handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, cleaning frequently touched surfaces, and keeping children home when they are sick. If you are concerned about your child’s symptoms or possible COVID-19 exposure, contact your pediatrician for guidance. Seek emergency medical care if your child is having difficulty breathing.
The novel Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, is at the forefront of public health discussions and on the front page of every newspaper. It is a serious illness and while there have been no confirmed cases in the Washington, D.C. area as of March 1st and the immediate risk to the general American public remains low at this time, our office has developed practice guidelines, based on the CDC’s recommendations, to respond to our patients’ concerns. We will continue to provide the best medical care and information for you and your family. Please follow us on Facebook (Spring Valley Pediatrics, PLLC) and Instagram (@springvalleypediatrics) for the most up-to-date information on COVID-19.
COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that causes fever, cough, and shortness of breath. COVID-19 spreads by respiratory droplets when a person coughs or sneezes, similar to influenza. Symptoms may appear anywhere from 2 to 14 days after exposure to the virus.
COVID-19 was first reported in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China, on December 31, 2019, but has since spread to 47 countries, including the United States, as of March 1st. There have been no confirmed cases in the Washington, D.C. area as of March 1st. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) is partnering with the World Health Organization (WHO) in monitoring and making recommendations for containing the outbreak and management of suspected cases.
During an outbreak, preventing the spread of illness is of utmost importance. Thankfully there are simple steps you can take to help prevent the spread of germs, whether from the flu, pink eye, or COVID-19:
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are unavailable, use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
• Avoid touching eyes, mouth, and nose with unwashed hands.
• Stay home when you are sick. The CDC recommends that individuals remain home for at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever or signs of a fever (i.e. chills, feeling warm, flushed appearance).
• Cover your cough with your elbow. Sneeze with a tissue, then immediately discard the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Take any antiviral medical prescribed to you as instructed.
How Spring Valley Pediatrics Will Care for Suspected Cases of COVID-19:
Our physicians and staff at Spring Valley Pediatrics are prepared to provide guidance to any of our patients who are concerned about exposure to COVID-19. We have a specific office protocol for evaluating and managing these patients and families.
If anyone in your family has recently traveled to China, Korea, Japan, Thailand, Italy, or Iran, or your child has been directly exposed to anyone with COVID-19, and your child has fever, cough and shortness of breath, please call our office immediately and speak with a physician before scheduling an appointment. Our front desk, upon hearing your concern for exposure to COVID-19, will directly connect you with a physician or nurse. If your child is experiencing difficulty breathing, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
We will continue to monitor the CDC’s recommendations and update our patients on our website. You may read more about the CDC’s response to COVID-19 here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common COVID-19 symptoms in children?
COVID-19 can cause respiratory symptoms in children. The original Spring Valley Pediatrics article highlights fever, cough, and shortness of breath as important symptoms for parents to recognize.
How does COVID-19 spread?
COVID-19 is a contagious respiratory illness. The original article explains that respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes can contribute to transmission.
How can I help protect my child from COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses?
Encourage frequent handwashing with soap and water, teach children to cover coughs and sneezes, avoid touching the eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands, and regularly clean frequently touched objects and surfaces.
How long should children wash their hands?
Children should wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. The article recommends alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water are unavailable.
Should my child stay home when sick?
Keeping children home when they are sick can help prevent respiratory illnesses from spreading to others. Parents should follow current school, childcare, and healthcare guidance about when a child can safely return to normal activities.
