Tips on Quarantining your Child
Although we are doing everything as a community to combat and defeat COVID-19, it is still very much a reality. Returning to normalcy leaves many parents wondering, “what do I do if my child has been exposed to COVID-19? First and foremost, parents must understand that if a child has been exposed to COVID-19, they may be infected and can spread the infection before receiving a positive COVID test.
When a child has been exposed to COVID-19, this is a list of what parents should do:
Get your child tested. Test your child for COVID as soon as you become aware of the possible exposure. If you are not made aware of exposure risk and your child begins to show symptoms of being infected, have them tested regardless. At a minimum, parents should have their children tested for COVID-19 on or after five days of the possible exposure date.
Keep your child at home
Please keep your child home until the end of their quarantine.
Answer Health Department Calls
Watch for symptoms
Many children who have tested positive for COVID-19 have a mild illness and typically get better while at home, without having to visit their doctor. Once you have established that your child may be sick, assure that your child is well-rested and drinks plenty of fluids if they begin to experience symptoms or have tested positive. For children at least six months old, over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol®, Motrin®, or Advil®, can help with pain relief.
If your child’s condition worsens, especially if they have trouble breathing, please seek immediate medical care and contact their pediatrician. At the office of Dr. Alfonso J. Henriquez, we are here to help your children stay happy and healthy! If you believe your child has had exposure to COVID-19 or if they have already tested positive, you may call our office at 561-275-7100 so that we can guide you on the following steps you should take.