Keeping kids healthy and happy in the era of coronavirus (COVID-19)
Children may make up a small portion of severe and symptomatic coronavirus cases, but the virus has still turned their worlds upside down. At Wasatch Pediatrics, we want to ensure that our patients stay physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially healthy during this global pandemic. We hope this page will provide helpful resources for keeping our communities, our families and, especially, our kids healthy. Please check back often for updated information and fresh resources.
Health and Safety for Children
COVID-19, the 2019 novel coronavirus, is a respiratory illness.
If you have fever or cough, you might have COVID-19. There are laboratory tests that can identify the virus in respiratory specimens, but not everyone requires testing.
Most people have mild illness and are able to recover at home. The majority of people who become sick with COVID-19 will not require hospitalization.
PREVENTION
- Wash your hands frequently
- Clean/disinfect high-touch surfaces
- Cover your cough/sneeze
- Stay home if your are sick
SYMPTOMS
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of Breath
- Muscle Pain
- Diarrhea
HOW IT SPREADS
COVID-19 spreads through droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes and by touching contaminated surfaces. Symptoms develop within 2-14 days after coming in contact with the virus
What We’re Doing
We are monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic closely. Our priority, as always, is to provide the best care possible to our patients and their families. Our clinics are making necessary updates pursuant to guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Utah Department of Health so that we can continue protecting the health and safety of our Wasatch Pediatrics community. We will continue to share updates through our website and social media channels.
We’re Here For You
Given the current health crisis, we know that many parents are anxious and afraid. Just as you’ve always been able to rely on us, our clinics remain open and ready to help care for your child! If your child is sick or injured, or struggling emotionally, please call your pediatrician. We are taking extraordinary measures across all our offices to keep well kids healthy, while still treating patients who have everyday illnesses or new concerns. Our precautions include:
- Enhanced screening protocols to help detect and direct potential COVID-19 cases in patients and staff.
- Limiting accompanying caregivers and family members at office visits when possible to reduce exposure and potential transmission of the virus.
- Staff members and providers are wearing personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Enhanced cleaning procedures and sanitization of exam rooms and clinic spaces.
- Separation of well visits and sick visits either by scheduling blocks or isolated areas.
- Expanded telehealth services and alternatives to in-person check-in and visits.
Well Visits & Immunizations
Despite the pandemic, we continue to recommend keeping up with well child visits and routine immunizations. Well visits are important for monitoring growth & development of your child as well as for necessary screenings and immunizations. Staying on schedule with vaccines will help you protect your child, keep them healthy, and avoid an outbreak of preventable illnesses.
Our clinics have separated well and sick visits either by time of day or designating separate areas and rooms. Some offices are offering car visits. Calling ahead is important so we can advise you on the best way to come in.
Expanded Telehealth
We are now offering virtual visits! Virtual visits allow for face-to-face consultations, including behavioral health services, from the comfort of your home. You can connect with these visits via your smart phone, tablet, or computer. Video visits are covered the same as in-clinic appointments by most insurance plans. Call us to request a virtual visit and our team will help determine which appointment type is right for your child.
Testing
Testing guidelines continue to evolve as testing capabilities and technology expand in Utah. Our clinics currently offer limited testing. Please call your office to find out more information about testing availability.
Multiple testing sites are now available throughout the state, including curbside options operated by Intermountain Healthcare, the University of Utah Health, Steward Health Care, and TestUtah.
If you are unsure if your child should be tested, please call our office, and we will help guide you! If you suspect your child is ill or has been exposed to the virus, limit their exposure to other people and call our office first to discuss the next steps.
Testing Resources
Intermountain Healthcare COVID-19 Screening Test & Appointment Tool
University of Utah COVID-19 Testing Appointment Tool or hotline: (801) 587-0712
Other Testing Locations or call Utah’s COVID-19 Info Line at 1-800-456-7707
Testing for Travel
We recommend visiting the state website of the area you are traveling to for specific information and requirements. If you’re traveling to a destination that requires a negative COVID-19 test result, testing is not available by the Utah Health Department. Currently, it is offered by Intermountain and other private companies, and there may be a cost to you for it. Be aware that test results may take up to five days, possibly longer in times of high testing demand. If you need faster results for urgent travel, seek testing at a location that offers rapid testing (sites can be found at coronavirus.utah.gov). If you don’t have a test result before traveling, you may be required to self-quarantine upon arrival until a result is available, or you may be denied entry at your destination.
FAQ
When can children get the COVID-19 vaccine?
The first vaccines released are authorized for emergency use in adults and teens who are at least 16 years old. These vaccines are being distributed according to state guidelines in a phased approach to high-risk groups first, then with other adults and teens likely to have access later in 2021.
Before COVID-19 vaccines becomes available for younger teens and children, clinical trials need to be completed to ensure they are safe and effective for these age groups. The American Academy of Pediatrics continues to advocate for adequate research in the pediatric population. Vaccine makers have now started clinical trials including children 12 years and older. More studies are anticipated to expand to include younger children in the coming months.
Based on the current pace of research, it may be possible to have a vaccine for at least some age groups of children and adolescents before the 2021-2022 school year begins.
Will Wasatch Pediatrics be offering the COVID-19 vaccine?
Yes. The timing and availability of the vaccine, however, will depend on the clinical trials in pediatric patients and state guidelines. We look forward to the day when children are safely able to go back to school and enjoy their activities and communities, thanks to safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines.
Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe for breastfeeding or pregnant moms to get?
Although the first round of vaccine studies did not include pregnant or breastfeeding women, the experts believe that it is safe and the goal is to not limit vaccine access to pregnant or breastfeeding women. mRNA vaccines are not live vaccines and are not thought to be a risk to the breastfeeding infant.
The good news is that there are very few conditions in which the risks of COVID-19 vaccine outweigh the short and long-term risks of COVID-19 infection. We recommend you contact your obstetrician to discuss your individual risk factors.
Is it possible to get COVID-19 from the COVID-19 vaccine?
No. None of the approved vaccines contain the live virus that causes COVID-19. Therefore, the vaccine cannot infect someone with COVID-19.
I have already had COVID-19, should I still get vaccinated?
Yes, it is recommended that even if you have already had COVID-19, you should still receive the vaccine when it is available to you. There is limited research on how long immunity lasts, and a vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and others.
Do I have to continue wearing a mask and social distancing after I get vaccinated?
Yes. It is still unknown how long the current vaccines will protect people from infection or if vaccinated people can continue to transmit the virus to others. While we wait for more vaccines and learn more about how long they may provide immunity, we should all continue masking, social distancing, and practicing other prevention behaviors so we can keep ourselves and each other safe and healthy.
Can I still get COVID-19 after getting the vaccine?
Yes, you can still get infected with COVID-19 after being vaccinated. The approved vaccines are highly effective – both vaccines provided about 95% protection in clinical trials. However, this means that 5% of people may still catch the virus even after the two-dose vaccine. Furthermore, it takes time to build immunity after you receive your vaccine. You can be exposed to COVID-19 right before or after being vaccinated, and there won’t be time for the body to develop its defenses. Lastly, it is still unknown how long the current vaccines will protect people from infection or potential mutations in the virus.
Is going back to school safe for children?
The answer to this question is complex and families with children should consider their individual circumstances. Some things to consider when deciding whether or not to send your child to school are: is there a high number of COVID-19 cases within your community, what is your school or district doing to mitigate the risk of exposure, and lastly what is the risk within your home if your child is exposed and exposes the virus to other family members? To help you decide on whether or not sending children back to school is right for your family, here is a helpful tool.
Is COVID-19 dangerous in children?
Thankfully, COVID-19 symptoms appear to be much milder in children than in healthy or older adults. Few children with COVID-19 have had to be hospitalized. We are closely monitoring reports from Primary Children’s Hospital and the Utah Department of Health to track testing rates, positive cases, and outcomes in our community.
Does that mean children are not getting infected?
No, children can still get infected. A number of studies where all family members have been tested suggest that children are frequently infected, but often have few or no symptoms. We’re still learning about the spread of the virus, but it’s likely that infected children can spread COVID-19 even if they aren’t sick.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19 in children?
Symptoms typically begin 2-14 after being exposed to the virus. Many children have few or no symptoms. Symptoms may include fever, runny nose, dry cough, shortness of breath, body aches, loss of taste or smell, and occasionally, vomiting or diarrhea. Some children with progressive symptoms have developed pneumonia. A very small number have required hospitalization or intensive care. When symptoms are mild, children are best cared for at home to reduce the risk of spread. It is not yet known whether children with underlying medical conditions and special healthcare needs may be at higher risk for severe illness.
When should I seek care for my child?
COVID-19 appears to be a mild illness for most children, and most cases can be treated at home. If your child has difficulty breathing, is not able to keep down fluids, or is acting extremely lethargic or non-responsive, you should seek care immediately. If you’re not sure whether to seek care or have questions, please call our office and we can help you determine what’s best for your child.
To find out if you or your child should be tested for COVID-19, visit our testing page for links to testing sites and online screening and scheduling tools.
Is there any treatment for COVID-19 in children?
As with other viral illnesses, most children can be treated at home and will do well. Currently, there is no proven drug treatment for COVID-19. Drinking plenty of fluids and taking medications to reduce fever may make your child more comfortable. If your child’s symptoms are severe enough to require hospitalization, treatment may include medications to help reduce swelling, fight infection, or protect vital organs.
Should children wear masks?
To help reduce the spread of COVID-19, the CDC recommends that everyone 2 years of age and older wear a cloth face mask that covers the nose and mouth when out in the community. This includes places where your child may not be able to avoid staying 6 feet away from others. Cloth face coverings should NOT be put on babies or children younger than 2 because of the danger of suffocation. Learn how to talk to children about wearing masks.
How should I protect the rest of my family if my child is sick?
Taking everyday precautions to avoid infection is the best way to protect against sickness.
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water, or if that’s not an option, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Reduce close contact with others by practicing physical or social distancing.
- Clean and disinfect your home using regular household cleaning sprays or wipes.
If someone in your household is sick, all of these steps become even more important, as well as taking the following precautions:
- Separate family members with COVID-19 from others as much as possible.The person with the virus should stay in a specific room and away from other people in your home. Ideally, they should use a separate bathroom, if available. Limit visitors in the house.
- Avoid sharing personal household items.Don't share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, or bedding with other people or pets in the home. After using these items, they should be washed thoroughly with soap and water.
- Extra cleaning for all “high-touch" surfaces.These include counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and bedside tables. Also, clean any surfaces that may have blood, stool, or body fluids on them. Use a household cleaning spray or wipes and follow the instructions on the label.
- Avoid contact with pets.This includes petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food.
What is MIS-C?
Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a new condition related to COVID-19. The exact cause of MIS-C is not yet known at this time, but it is felt to be due to an “overreaction” of the immune system in fighting the COVID-19 virus.
MIS-C is rare but can cause children, particularly ages 2 to 21 years, to become very ill for no apparent reason. Symptoms include a fever that lasts for several days, sore throat, headache, abdominal pain, vomiting, rash, conjunctivitis (pink eye), and swollen hands and feet. The condition causes dangerous swelling, or inflammation, in the body and can lead to problems with the heart or other organs.
It is not contagious and most children are able to recover with treatment. There is no proven treatment yet at this time, but it typically involves a hospital stay and using medications to help reduce swelling, fight infection, and protect vital organs. Since MIS-C appears related to COVID-19, precautions to prevent COVID-19 exposure is important.
Up-To-Date Information
2019 Novel Coronavirus (American Academy of Pediatrics)
Testing
Intermountain Healthcare COVID-19 Screening & Testing
University of Utah COVID-19 Screening & Testing
University of Utah’s COVID-19 Hotline:
(801) 587-0712
Other Testing Locations - or call Utah’s COVID-19 Info Line at 1-800-456-7707
Additional Resources
Coronavirus Video for Kids from BrainPOP
Healthy Minds Free mental health screenings and resources
Intermountain Emotional Relief Hotline:
(833) 442-2211 (caregivers available 7 days a week, 10am–10pm)
The Utah Strong Recovery Project:
Offers free help if you or someone you know is experiencing stress, anxiety, or depression related to the pandemic. They provide emotional support, crisis counseling, coping strategies, mental health education, and referrals if more help is needed. Call or text (385) 386-2289, 7am-7pm, seven days a week. For immediate response after hours call 1-800-273-TALK (8255).Back to School Decision Tool
Unsure about sending your kids back to school in person? It's a stressful decision, but identifying areas of risk for your family can be helpful. Check out the Back To School Decision Tool
Back to School Safety Practices
A big question parents have right now is how students can go back to school safely during the COVID-19 pandemic. Help prepare your child or teen by reinforcing these key behaviors:
- Wear a mask while in school and around others
- Wash hands often
- Keep 6 feet away from others when possible
- Stay home when sick such as a fever or other symptoms of COVID-19
To learn more about back to school safety visit, healthychildren.org
Wellness for Children
Talking to Children About COVID-19
Children may be experiencing a lot of fear surrounding COVID-19 and the changes it has brought to their daily lives. If you're wondering how best to address the topic with your child, here are some things to consider:
- Reassure your child that doctors are learning as much & as fast as they can to keep everyone safe.
- Offer your child a sense of control by teaching them what they can do, such as washing their hands and using a tissue.
- Watch your child for signs of anxiety and try to stick to a routine.
Our office has more resources and mental health services to help - call for more details!
Additional tips here: https://buff.ly/2VfwDMZ
Additional Resources
ADHD & Learning During COVID-19
Getting Children Outside While Social Distancing
Hand Washing: A Powerful Antidote to Illness
Breastfeeding During COVID-19 Pandemic
COVID-19: Information for Families of Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs
Can household disinfectants be used to treat COVID-19?
Caring for Children in Foster Care During COVID-19
Cloth Face Coverings for Children During COVID-19
Co-Parenting Through COVID-19: Putting Your Children First
Is it OK to call the pediatrician during COVID-19 even if I'm not sure my child is sick?
Parenting in a Pandemic: Tips to Help Keep the Calm at Home
Preventing Tobacco Exposure During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Simple Ways to Entertain & Boost Your Baby's Development at Home
Social Distancing: Keep On Keeping Your Distance
Stress and Violence at Home During the Pandemic
Teens & COVID-19: Challenges and Opportunities During the Outbreak
COVID-19
Staying Connected to Your Pediatrician
Good Things Utah interviewed Dr. Ryan Donnelly, President of Wasatch Pediatrics, on the importance of staying connected to your pediatrician, keeping up on well visits, and flu shots during COVID-19.
Ways to Keep Kids Connected
The need for social distancing may vary at times, but as we’ve all experienced, the need to stay connected during this pandemic is so important. Your kids and teens may feel isolated and need to reconnect with family and their friends. Below are some tips and tools on how to connect and make the most out of video chats.
- Reading aloud is a great activity for video chat! Grandparents and family can read to your child, and older children can practice reading to family or share a story they wrote themselves.
- Play together across the screen. Puppet and stuffed animals make great props for young children. For older kids, doing a craft together, like making a friendship bracelet, or working on a TikTok dance can be fun!
- Play a game together with friends or host a family game night! With Pinkamazing Family Game, everyone can play charades, dance, sing and draw using fun prompts from the game.
- Have your child interview a grandparent, aunt, uncle, or other friend or family member. Ask questions about their childhood: What was your neighborhood like? What was your favorite toy?
Well Visits
You may be wondering if it's a good idea to still bring your child into the office for well visits during the COVID-19 pandemic. Yes, we recommend keeping up with your child's check ups!
Well visits are not only important for monitoring growth & development but also for necessary screenings, like vision and hearing. Emotional & mental health screenings are especially important during the pandemic as many children are struggling to adjust to new norms and are facing hardships. Our offices have mental health support and resources to help you & your family!
And while there is not yet a COVID-19 vaccine, staying on schedule with regular immunizations is key for your child's health and to help avoid an outbreak of preventable illnesses like measles & whooping cough. Well visits are a great opportunity to get caught up on any vaccines your child may need.
Call your pediatrician's office to schedule an appointment or if you have any questions!
Building Resilience
As parents, we want to protect our children from witnessing the fear and uncertainty brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. We cannot control these circumstances, but we can work to strenghten our relationships while building our children's resilience. Some lifelong resilience skills we can teach them are:
- Self-forgiveness
- Empathizing
- Processing and releasing emotions
- Being a calming presence for others
- Stay present and live in reality
Uncertainty is frightening, but knowing that we are not alone to figure it out brings comfort. For more resilience skills and details on how to work on them, visit healthychildren.org