A quick word from your Doctors’ Pediatric staff:

 Schools and activities are now closed in our area. This is the right thing to do to flatten the curve and slow the spread of COVID-19. As citizens we NEED to do our part now. Please stay home, avoid play dates, birthday parties, outings. It is going to be a marathon, not a sprint. As medical providers, we are doing our best, but we need your help. Take self- care measures, but take them at home. This will pass and we will enjoy each other again.

1. What are the differences between COVID-19 and flu?

COVID-19 has symptoms of fever, cough, body aches, and shortness of breath. Its incubation period is 2-14 days. Because one can be asymptomatic for such a long time, the risk of spreading it without knowing is high.  Flu symptoms tend to develop sooner in that the average time of starting to feel sick is 2 days. It appears that COVID-19 has less mucous and congestion associated with it than the flu, but our understanding is still evolving.

2. How long is someone contagious for if they have coronavirus?

As mentioned, the incubation period for seeing symptoms is 2-14 days. After about 10 days of being symptomatic from the virus, the contagiousness of that individual becomes much lower.

3. How do you get COVID-19?

This virus is spread by droplet.  It is not aerosolized (meaning breathing in normal air). Because it is spread by droplet, you need to be within about 6 feet of someone who is “spreading droplets” (cough, sneeze, etc.) to be at risk.  It can also be contacted through surfaces if an infected droplet landed there. Right now, it is unclear as to the exact incubation period, but it appears that it can live up to about 9 days on an uncleaned surface.  If someone touches that surface and then touches their face, nose, eyes, then they can infect themselves.

4. Who is at risk?

Anyone can get COVID-19, but it seems that cases in children are more mild so far. The immunocompromised, those with underlying conditions, and the elderly are the most vulnerable.  These individuals truly need to stay home and avoid contact with others.

5. How do we protect ourselves?

The same tried and true practices of good hand washing, sneezing/coughing into tissues or our elbows, staying home when we are ill, and limited time with close contacts holds true.

6. How do we protect others?

The main way that we are going to keep the vulnerable safe is to practice social distancing. It is important to stay home as much as possible to prevent the spread. With such a long incubation period, individuals do not know that they are ill and can spread the virus for days without realizing it. Avoiding large gatherings, working from home, avoiding playdates, birthday parties, and school is the only way to help stop the spread of things.

7. Will DP be doing testing?

The information regarding COVID-19 testing for individual practices in the area is evolving. We are currently awaiting guidelines, information, and equipment for possible testing as things become available.  At this time, we don’t have a clear answer, but we will be posting updated information as it becomes available.

8. How will DP keep me safe?

We are currently keeping up to date with the AAP, CDC, and WHO guidelines. We are also looking to local hospitals such as Nuvance, Yale, and CCMC for updated information. Next week, we plan to change the flow of our office so that we have an office for well visits and an office for sick visits. We realize that this may seem a little inconvenient for some families.  We apologize for any inconvenience, but we promise that this is done for the sole purpose of keeping sick and well patients separate and safe. As an office, you will also see that we are examining patients in appropriate gear of masks, gowns, and eye wear.  If you have questions, please reach out.