After a year-long of distant learning, children are now returning back to school. Here are the top preventative strategies to protect children against COVID-19.
Kids are returning to school, and with it, a new worry for parents with COVID cases surging. Here we have listed the top frequently asked questions by parents now that kids are returning back to school.
Are face masks effective?
YES! The CDC is now recommending wearing facemasks in indoor settings, even if they are vaccinated. Face masks are effective to help protect against COVID-19, the common cold, and the flu. Make sure your kids are wearing a well-fitted mask in school and in crowded areas. Encourage wearing facemasks by providing fun masks for kids. Try picking one with their favorite character to make masks both safe and fun.
How many times should kids wash their hands?
The answer is all the time! Frequent hand washing is important to help keep germs from spreading. Teaching kids the proper way to wash their hands will keep them clean and germ-free. Here are 5 easy steps to handwashing; wet, lather, scrub, rinse and dry.
What can we do if children can't wash their hands?
We understand handwashing is not always possible so we recommend using hand sanitizer and alcohol wipes. Hand sanitizer is the second best thing to use when handwashing is not available. There are so many portable hand sanitizers, you can easily attach one onto their backpack or pocket to quickly sanitize after coming in contact with a frequently touched surface. Please advise your children while at home to wash or sanitize their hands before eating, and after coming in contact with a dirty surface.
How do we prevent cross-contamination when the kids get home from school?
To prevent cross-contamination, it's a good idea to encourage children to shower and put on clean clothes immediately after school. We understand this is not always possible, so the next best thing is to sanitize their clothes with a quick spray of Lysol, wash their hands, and immediately throw away an old mask or wash a reusable mask.
What should I do if my child is sick?
If your child is sick or has a fever of 100.4 degrees or greater, it is important to keep the child home to prevent the spread of COVID. Provide multiple temperature checks, monitor child's symptoms, quarantine, and get tested immediately for covid.
What if my child tests positive for covid?
Quarantine and stay at home
Reach out to anyone the child has been in contact with within the last 48 hours
Rest, hydrate and eat well
When should I call my doctor?
The majority of children with COVID-19 will experience mild symptoms.
But in rare cases here are alarming symptoms to look for.
Fever (100.4 degrees or more) lasting over 24 hours
Diarrhea or Vomiting
Neck pain
Rash or change in skin color
Bloodshot eyes
Trouble breathing
Pressure in the chest that doesn't go away
Becoming confused
Unable to wake up or stay awake
Bluish lips or face
Are COVID vaccines safe for children?
Yes! COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective.
COVID-19 vaccines have been used under the most intensive safety monitoring in U.S. history, which includes studies in adolescence.
Your child will need to be fully vaccinated in order for them to be protected.
Your child can’t get COVID-19 from any COVID-19 vaccine.
Who can get vaccinated?
All adults and children over the age of 12 are now eligible to get the COVID vaccine. Call your provider to see if your child qualifies for the vaccine.
In order to help stop the spread, Tucson Clinica Medica Familiar is NOW offering Telemedicine (Telehealth/video call). Please call us at 520-257-4907 or to schedule, your flu shot or COVID vaccine click on the link https://www.tucsonclinicamedicafamiliar.com/booking-calendar
Tucson Clinica Medica Familiar is a family medicine practice that offers medical treatment to the whole family. We specialize in Geriatrics, Pediatrics, and Family Medicine. Our bilingual providers are located in Tucson, AZ in the Santa Cruz Plaza. We are here to meet all your healthcare needs. Please give us a call to request more information.