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Pediatric Care and COVID-19: What You Should Know

COVID-19 is an infection that’s highly contagious and has potentially dire effects on your health. You’re doing your best to keep your family at home during the pandemic – but don’t do so at the expense of your child’s health.

Pediatrician Margaret Lubega, MD, stresses the importance of keeping up with regular appointments. And if your child has extra health concerns, such as allergies, asthma, or eczema, in-person appointments with the doctor are especially important for maintaining good health.

At First Pediatric Care Center, we’re taking extra precautions to keep you and your family safe. If your child is due for a visit, or you have one already scheduled, feel free to call our office with any questions you have about check-in protocols, extra sanitation, and any other concerns.

Are pediatric visits necessary right now?

Well-child visits are essential to your child’s long-term health. They’re particularly important in the first two years of life, as most vaccinations are given during this time. Vaccinations keep your child safe from life-threatening, preventable diseases, which can be much more dangerous for children than COVID-19.

Well-child visits are also a time to evaluate your child’s growth and development. These visits allow for any underlying conditions to be identified early, when they’re correctable and before they cause serious complications.

If your child has a chronic condition, such as asthma, it’s important they see Dr. Lubega as scheduled to avoid complications and to evaluate their asthma treatment plan.

The presence of COVID-19 doesn’t mean that emergencies go away, either. If your child has a rash or experiences a fall, you need to call our office to get care.

Should I worry about my child and COVID-19?

Children have a lower risk of contracting COVID-19 as compared to adults, but they aren’t immune. Symptoms in children are usually mild cold-like issues such as cough and fever. Vomiting and diarrhea has also been reported.

If you believe your child has been exposed to COVID-19 and is showing symptoms, call our office right away. We can help you take the right steps to get tested and treated.

How can I keep my child safe from COVID-19?

Mask wearing among older children and adults along with rigorous cleanliness helps prevent the spread of COVID-19. Have your child diligently wash their hands with soapy, warm water often, especially after touching things like toys, doorknobs, or remote controls. 

Limit playdates and trips to the playground, even if they’re open in your area. Also stay away from crowded public areas -- social distancing is an excellent strategy against COVID-19.

At our office, rest assured that we’re taking the necessary steps to keep you safe from the infection. We have separate waiting areas for sick and well kids. We limit the number of people in the waiting room at any given time, and we even give you the option to wait in your car until we’re ready to see you.

Exam rooms are thoroughly disinfected after each patient, and the waiting areas are cleaned every 30 minutes. Dr. Lubega also offers telehealth visits and emphasizes the importance of wearing a mask when you enter the office. Of course infants, toddlers, and preschoolers may need to opt out of face coverings.

Ever-changing information and ongoing outbreaks of COVID-19 may be distressing to you and cause concern about your children’s risk of illness and their possibility of unknowingly spreading it to other family members. Your caution is understandable, but don’t sacrifice your child’s health as a result. 

Trust that our team at First Pediatric Care Center is ready and able to help your child get the care they need – whether it’s a routine well-child checkup, a follow-up visit for a chronic condition, or an urgent need. 

Call today for your in-person or telemedicine appointment, or use the online tool to schedule.

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