With the nonstop news coverage, it’s easy to think that coronavirus symptoms are an emergency. It is, however, important not to run to the ER at the first sign of fever. Instead, call your doctor or use our telehealth program if your child has:

• a fever
• a cough
• fast breathing or shortness of breath
• signs of dehydration, such as not peeing for 8-12 hours, no tears when crying, or being less active than usual

Our telehealth team will help you know if you can care for your child at home or if you need to go to the doctor’s office or the ER.

 

Go to the ER if your child:

• has breathing problems. Look for muscles pulling in between the ribs or the nose puffing out with each breath
• is confused or very sleepy

Healthy children do not appear to be at higher risk of getting COVID-19.

 

While your children are out of school please note these tips:

• • Limit their social interactions. Remember, if children meet outside of school in groups, it can put everyone at risk. Let’s all do our part to help slow the spread of COVID-19.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently used spaces in your home often.
  • Have everyone wash their hands often. This is a great chance to practice the alphabet! 
  • The transition to being at home will be different for preschoolers, K-5, middle school students, and high school students. Talk to your child about expectations and how they are adjusting to being at home versus at school.
  • Check with your school on plans to continue meal services during the school dismissal. Many schools are keeping school facilities open to allow families to pick up meals or are providing grab-and-go meals at a central location.
  • Watch for signs of stress in your child. Some common changes to watch for include excessive worry or sadness, unhealthy eating or sleeping habits, and difficulty with attention and concentration.
  • Create a schedule and routine for learning at home, but remain flexible. Keep your consistent bedtimes and get up at the same time, Monday through Friday, structure the day for learning, free time, healthy meals, and physical activity, and allow flexibility in the schedule—it’s okay to adapt based on your day!

The outbreak of COVID-19 is stressful for many people. Fear and anxiety about a virus can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults, children, and teenagers. Coping with stress positively will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger.

People who may respond more negatively to the stress of a crisis include:

• • Older people & those with chronic diseases who are at higher risk for COVID-19
  • Children and teenagers
  • People who are helping with the response, like doctors and other health care providers, or first responders
  • People who have Mental Health conditions including problems with substance abuse

Stress during an infectious disease outbreak can include:

• • Fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones
  • Changes in sleep or eating patterns
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Worsening of your chronic health problems
  • Increased use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs

Here are some things you can do to positively support yourself: 

• • Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories about the pandemic, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.
  • Make time to unwind and try to do activities you really enjoy (walking, cooking, reading, etc.)
  • Connect with others via talk, text, or video chat to talk about your concerns and how you’re feeling

If you or someone you care about is feeling overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression, or anxiety, or if you or someone you know feels like you want to harm yourself or others call or Call: 1-208-398-4357

— Dr. Andrew Baron

Unfortunately, there is not a vaccine for COVID-19 yet. Here are some ways you can help protect others during this time:

• First, you should learn what to do if you’re sick.
  • Stay home if you’re sick, except to get medical care.
  • Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or use the inside of your elbow.
  • Throw used tissues in the trash right away.
  • Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
  • Wear a facemask if you’re sick around other people (like if you’ve shared a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office.
  • If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes and encourage people who are caring for you to wear a facemask.
  • Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.

Facemasks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers and those at high risk.

— Dr. Andrew Baron