COVID-19 Specialist

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is an infectious illness caused by a newly discovered coronavirus. Coronaviruses are a large collection of viruses that cause a range of respiratory illnesses, including the common cold and more severe illnesses. COVID-19 spreads through the droplets of saliva or nasal discharge that you expel when you cough or sneeze.

While these droplets are airborne, your chances of infection are low unless an infected person coughs or sneezes near you or if you touch a surface a sick person might have touched after sneezing or coughing into their hands.

What are the signs of COVID-19 in children?

Like other viral upper respiratory infections, COVID-19 causes:

• Fever
• Shortness of breath
• Tiredness
• Dry cough
• Nasal congestion
• Runny nose
• Sore throat
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Pink eye 
• Loss of taste and smell

COVID-19 symptoms usually develop slowly. Some people are asymptomatic, which means they have the virus but don’t show symptoms. Experts believe children are more likely to be asymptomatic than adults, but they can still spread the disease to others.

Around 80% of people who get a coronavirus infection recover without any special treatment. Only one in six people with COVID-19 become very ill and experience difficulty breathing.

Individuals with a high risk — those over the age of 65 or with certain pre-existing conditions — should be especially mindful of the risk and practice social distancing and excellent hygiene.

When should my child get tested for COVID-19?

A fever is one of the primary warning signs of COVID-19. 

However, children can present with many different symptoms that could indicate a COVID-19 infection. If there is a direct exposure and your child becomes ill with any symptom, they should be tested. If your child develops a fever, shortness of breath, and other flu symptoms, like a dry cough, trouble breathing, and body aches and pains, call Great Destinations Pediatrics for advice and to schedule an appointment for testing.

Health care professionals can provide specific information on what you need to do to take care of your child and your family.  

If you or your child has had a direct exposure to someone positive with COVID-19 in the last two weeks, please let the team know. The team is happy to care for your child by going to your car, which allows them to keep the rest of their patients safe. 

How can my family avoid the spread of COVID-19?

Hand-washing is one of the best ways to protect your family from the spread of COVID-19.

Show your child how to wash their hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds. Always wash your hands after using the bathroom and before you eat, but get in the habit of washing them any time you leave the house and when you return. Soap and water and alcohol-based hand sanitizers kill any virus or other germs that are on your hands.

Teach your child to avoid touching their face. When you touch your eyes, nose, or mouth, any virus present on your hands can enter your body and lead to sickness. You and your family should also maintain a distance of at least six feet from others, whether they are coughing and sneezing or not, as part of social distancing.

If your child has a fever and other flu symptoms and you want to know if they should be tested for COVID-19, call Great Destinations Pediatrics today or schedule a consultation online.