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Update 3-11-2020
We’ve been hearing from lots of families about their coronavirus concerns and we are here to help.
If BOTH of the following statements apply to your child, please call the office at 847-295-1220 for direction about COVID-19 testing and treatment:
1. Your child has a fever and/or respiratory symptoms
AND
2. Your child has recently traveled to China, South Korea, Japan, Iran, or Italy
or
Your child has been potentially exposed to family/friends that have recently traveled to China, South Korea, Japan, Iran, or Italy
Coronavirus and Helpful Resources
We at Lake Forest Pediatrics are aware of your concerns regarding the COVID-19 coronavirus and are closely monitoring reports from the CDC, AAP, and WHO regarding the diagnosis and spread of this disease. One reassuring point that’s become apparent as cases of COVID-19 have been studied is that children infected with coronavirus have experienced very mild symptoms. However, if you are concerned that your child may have coronavirus, please call our office rather than bringing your child in for evaluation since we are unable to test for COVID-19 but want to assist you in getting your child the appropriate medical evaluation. Here are two helpful articles that discuss COVID-19 and how to protect you and your family:
https://parentingpediatrician.com/2020/03/03/coronavirus-covid-19-
information/
https://www.luriechildrens.org/en/specialties-conditions/2019-novel-coronavirus-ncov/
PROTECTING YOURSELF FROM CORONAVIRUS
What is Coronavirus?
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to
person. Symptoms can include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China.
Prevention
The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19.
There are simple everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses,
including:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
If you are sick, to keep from spreading respiratory illness to others, you should:
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Travel Warnings
CDC recommends that travelers avoid all nonessential travel to China, South Korea, Iran, and Italy. CDC also advises that older adults and those with chronic medical conditions consider postponing nonessential travel to Japan. Travelers should practice usual precautions when traveling to Hong Kong. If you plan to travel internationally, you can enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive important messages, alerts, updates, and travel advisories while you are there.
More Information
Experts have been working hard to understand this new strain of coronavirus. Because new
information is coming out every day, please visit the sites below to stay up to date.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides updates on the virus and safety information for the public and healthcare professionals.
The Illinois Department of Health provides updates on the disease’s spread within the state, as well as frequently asked questions available here.
The US Department of State provides a list of travel advisories for those who are planning to fly outside of the United States.