In light of the recent COVID-19 cases in the greater Nashville area, we wanted to post an update for our patients and families.
This new coronavirus (COVID-19) is actually a part of a bigger group of coronaviruses that are known to cause the common cold. As you all probably know, this novel coronavirus can have a range of illness from mild respiratory symptoms (fever and cough) to more severe illness (pneumonia, etc.). Fortunately, children seem to not have severe illness, and there have been no pediatric deaths attributed to COVID-19. Older individuals, immunocompromised individuals, and adults with chronic illness or underlying conditions (asthma, diabetes, COPD) are at higher risk when infected with COVID-19.
Treatment for COVID-19 is the same as treatment for the common cold – supportive care. Supportive care includes increasing fluids, rest, and acetaminophen or ibuprofen as needed for pain/fever (ibuprofen can only be given in children older than 6 months).
Our clinic is open for regular business hours. If your child has cold symptoms, you should seek care if:
- Fever greater than 102 for longer than 24 hours, fever (100.4F or higher) in kids 2 months and younger, or fever lasting longer than 5 days
- Breathing difficulties (barking cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, or respiratory distress)
- Persistent ear pain
- Sore throat without runny nose or cough
If you are concerned that your child may have COVID-19 (based on recent travel to a high-risk area or contact with someone who has confirmed COVID-19), please call our office and notify the front desk. We will give you instructions on how to proceed. Keep in mind that most outpatient clinics cannot test for COVID-19, so please don’t call or schedule an appointment just to check.
Ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19 (and other viral illnesses) are as follows:
- Wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water (sing Happy Birthday twice) or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your face.
- Stay home from school if you have respiratory symptoms and fever.
Please call us if you have any questions, and we will keep you posted as recommendations change. Thank you for trusting us with the care of your children!
– The Maryland Farms Pediatrics Team
Resources for information:
Tennessee Department of Health – https://www.tn.gov/health/cedep/ncov.html
CDC – https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html
COVID-19 Public Information Hotline: 877.857.2945 (available daily, 10am – 10pm)