COVID-19 FAQ


If you think your child is experiencing a medical emergency, dial 9-1-1

If your child is sick, they should stay home to recover.

1. WHAT IF MY CHILD TESTS POSITIVE FOR COVID-19?

* With Symptoms: he/she must remain in isolation for at least 10 days after the start of the first symptom. The child may come out of isolation after the 10 days, provided they have been fever free for 24 hours (without fever reducing medication) AND symptoms are improving.

*No Symptoms: if your child tests positive for COVID-19 without symptoms, the child must remain in isolation for 10 days, starting with the day of the positive test. If symptoms develop during that time, then the isolation time starts over with the first day of symptoms. 

2. WHAT IF MY CHILD IS EXPOSED TO SOMEONE WITH COVID-19?

* The CDC defines a known exposure as someone who has had close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 currently.

* Close Contact: is defined as an individual who has been within 6 feet for more than 15 minutes

* Exposure: is defined as being exposed to a person who has tested positive for COVID-19, from 2 days prior to symptoms starting (or 2 days prior to testing if asymptomatic) until the positive person meets the criteria to discontinue isolation. 

* If your child has had a known exposure, then the child must do the following:

* Quarantine (stay home) for 14 days after the last exposure

* Monitor for symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath)

* If symptoms develop, contact PAL to discuss testing 

   AND 

                 isolate for at least 10 days from the start of the first symptom

3. MY CHILD HAD A KNOWN EXPOSURE, DOES THE ENTIRE FAMILY NEED TO STAY HOME FOR 10 DAYS?

* This can be complicated but in short, no. ONLY THE PERSON WITH CLOSE CONTACT TO THE KNOWN EXPOUSRE NEEDS TO STAY HOME FOR 14 DAYS. (For example, your 10 year old child who sits next to a child in class that tested positive for COVID-19) However, with young children one parent will need to be home with the child. Try to limit exposures as much as possible in your home. One parent should isolate themselves with the child, wear a mask if around other members of the family, practice frequent handwashing and frequent disinfecting. A teenager or young adult could manage to isolate themselves at home. 

4. WHEN SHOULD MY CHILD BE TESTED FOR COVID-19?

* COVID-19 testing is available at our office by appointment only

* Due to the concern for false negative results, the following testing guidelines are recommended:

* Exposure Only (without symptoms): 5 days after the child's first known exposure

* Exposure Plus Symptoms: 3 days after the child's first known exposure

* Symptoms Only (but unknown exposure): 3 days after symptoms start

* Please note these are general guidelines but other factors should be considered such as the severity of symptoms and your child's past medical history.

5. MANY SCHOOLS AND DAYCARES QUARANTINE POLICIES VARY, WHICH POLICY SHOULD WE FOLLOW?

* Many factors must be considered when deciding to send your child to school based on an in-school exposure, including your child's health as well as others in your household. 

* It is always preferable to follow the CDC's Guidelines. 

6. MY CHILD'S COVID-19 TEST WAS NEGATIVE, WHAT ELSE COULD BE CAUSING MY CHILD'S ILLNESS?

*Currently, besides COVID-19 there are several viruses circulating that may be the cause of your child's illness including RSV, parainfluenza, enterovirus and others. Viruses usually last for 7 to 10 days and require rest and "supportive measures." 

7. WHAT ARE "Supportive Measures?" 

* Hydration - preferably clear liquids

* Fever Control - a fever is a temperature of 100.5 F degrees or higher 

*cool clear fluids to drink

*dress in 1 layer of light-weight clothing

*fever reducing medications, such as Tylenol or Motrin are recommended for temperatures of 102.0 degrees or higher. Please note that doses are based on the child's age and weight. 

* Saline Nasal Drops or Spray

* Humidifier - dry air makes cough worse

* Monitoring for worsening symptoms 

8. WHEN SHOULD I SEEK MEDICAL CARE FOR MY CHILD?

* If your child is experiencing respiratory distress (call 9-1-1 immediately)

* If your child becomes lethargic (not appropriately responding to questions or stimuli)

* If your child becomes uncomfortable

* If your child experiences a fever (temperature greater than 100.4 degrees) for more than 3 days

* If your child does not urinate at least one time every 6 to 8 hours

9. WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF RESPIRATORY DISTRESS?

* Discolored skin or nails (call 9-1-1 immediately)

* Labored or rapid breathing

* Nasal Flaring

* Skin Retractions

* Grunting

10. ARE THERE ANY SUPPLEMENTS THAT MAY HELP COMBAT THE SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19?

* The following may be helpful:

* Multi-vitamin - one tablet time daily

* Omega-3-Fatty Acid 


CDC

For further information please visit www.cdc.gov .


Contact Us

Our Office

738 Old Norcross Rd, Suite 100
Lawrenceville, Georgia 30046
Tel: (770) 277 - 6725

Hours
Monday - Friday
8AM - 5PM