This is the place to start before you call us. We have information about testing, how to deal with possible symptoms, and other pertinent information. We also have regular updates on how we are handling patient visits during the pandemic. Please note: If your question is not answered from a resource on our website, you will most likely need to schedule a consultation with one of our pediatricians during office hours to discuss your concerns in detail.
If you or someone else tested positive for COVID-19 refer to the CDC website for complete details.
Vaccine update 2024:
The CDC has cleared the way for the even the youngest kids to receive the COVID vaccination. Due to availability and regulatory storage requirements of Covid-19 vaccines , we do not usually stock the Covid-19 vaccine in our office – please call for information about availability if your child is under 12 years of age. We recommend a local pharmacy for older children as they have adequate supplies. Please remember to notify us of any vaccines your child gets outside of our office so that we can update their vaccination records.
Quarantine update:
The CDC’s new quarantine guidelines for COVID-19 can be found here. We have summarized it for you below.
ISOLATION
- Limit interaction with family members.
- Use own towels and utensils.
- Use own bathroom if feasible.
- Clean surfaces after use.
- Wear a face mask continuously when around other people.
If you test positive for Covid 19
Regardless of your vaccination status:
- School age children, day care kids, and those unable to mask effectively need to isolate for 10 days, or follow local school district guidelines.
- Except for the above, follow CDC guidelines of shortened isolation. If you have no symptoms or your symptoms are resolving after 5 days, you can leave your house on day 6 BUT must strictly continue to wear an effective a mask around others for 5 additional days.
If you have a fever, continue to stay home until your fever resolves.
If You Were Exposed to Someone with COVID-19 (Quarantine)
School age children, day care kids, and those unable to mask effectively need to follow local school district guidelines.
If you: are asymptomatic AND have been boosted OR completed the primary series of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine within the last 6 months OR completed the primary series of J&J vaccine within the last 2 months
- Wear a mask around others for 10 days.
- Test on day 5, if possible, so you can stop strictly masking
If you develop symptoms get a test and stay home.
If you: Completed the primary series of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine over 6 months ago and are not boosted OR
Completed the primary series of J&J over 2 months ago and are not boosted OR Are unvaccinated
- Stay home and quarantine for 5 days. After that, continue to strictly wear a mask around others for 5 additional days.
- If you can’t quarantine, you must at least strictly wear an effective mask for 10 days.
- Test on day 5 if possible
If you develop symptoms get a test and stay home
General
- If you need a letter for school please schedule a telephone visit so we can assess risk.
- All patients that are COVID 19 positive. Please keep a symptom diary. No strenuous physical exercise for 10 days after symptom being free. Cardiac clearance will need to be done prior to returning to sport for any patient 12 years and up.
- COVID PCR test which we send to Northshore LAB will have results available within 2-3 days. If we do a COVID PCR test in house, patient is financially responsible if insurance does not cover. Results will usually be available within 2 hours but never more than 24 hours.
- All patients that have had a positive test elsewhere need to schedule a video visit with a doctor to evaluate and counsel
- No strenuous physical exercise for 10 days after symptom being free. Cardiac clearance will need to be done prior to returning to sport.
More information on coronavirus (Covid-19) can be found at
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
https://www.northshore.org/healthy-you/novel-coronavirus-2019/
