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We are currently seeing a dramatic increase in the number of covid-19 infections in our clinic, in our community, in our schools, and in our city. Our office has been getting inundated with phone calls regarding exposures to covid-19, school recommendations, and vaccination questions.
We thought we would take this opportunity to put out some information regarding these frequently asked questions to our patients.
What do I do if my child is exposed to someone with covid-19? If your unvaccinated child is exposed to someone with covid-19, they should immediately start isolation and be tested with a PCR test on day five after the exposure or on the first day of symptoms. Depending on the test results, your doctor will give you further advice regarding quarantine. As it stands now, vaccinated children who are exposed to covid and are asymptomatic do not need to be isolated. This recommendation may change soon due to the prevalence of the Delta variant in our community and breakthrough infections in vaccinated people.
Does Tanque Verde Pediatrics do this PCR testing on exposed children? Yes. If your child is symptomatic, they can get a rapid test in our office. If your child is asymptomatic, the gold standard of a nasopharyngeal swab sent to the lab for PCR testing will be done. The results are currently coming back in one to two days. Call the office for an appointment if your child has been exposed to covid-19. We will counsel you as to when and how your child should be tested. You may be asked to do a telemedicine visit first for screening purposes, then be given an appropriate appointment for your child's testing. There will not be two charges for these two visits.
Have we been seeing an increase in covid-19 in our office? Yes. Our office has seen a dramatic increase in the number of covid positive patients. These are overwhelmingly the children of unvaccinated, Covid + parents but we are seeing vaccinated people get breakthrough cases as well. So far, our children have continued to have mild disease. But our ICUs in town are full of Covid patients of much younger age than the elderly people we saw affected in the initial surge.
Is it still the recommendation that our children do in-person education? At this time it seems as though it is reasonable for children to continue or resume in person education. We are expecting increasing numbers in covid infections over the next four to six weeks. We will continue to monitor the situation.
What is the recommendation on mask-wearing for vaccinated versus unvaccinated children in schools? It is the recommendation of the AAP and CDC, as well as our office, that children wear their masks in school regardless of their vaccination status. It is also an CDC and AAP recommendation that all staff members and teachers of the schools wear their masks as well.
Where can I get more information on Tanque Verde Pediatrics recommendations? Please see our website home page, or our covid information page to get more information on these recommendations. We will update them frequently.
How can I best protect my child? Please consider vaccination for any child or adult greater than or equal to 12 years old. Vaccinations are safe and effective. They are the best means for protection of our community, our immunocompromised children, and our families. Please call your doctor to discuss vaccinations if you have any questions or concerns. Also, wear your mask whether vaccinated or unvaccinated.
Why did I get vaccinated in the first place if I just have to wear a mask? If you contract covid-19 as a vaccinated person, it will be a minor inconvenience. You will miss minimal work or school and you will largely avoid severe disease, hospitalization, or death. But there is still a chance of contraction of this illness due to a large portion of our community that is unvaccinated and due to the Delta variant. The mask that you wear allows you to “plug the leaks” that these unfortunate factors create. It makes it less likely that you contract and pass on covid-19 to those who cannot get vaccinated. Thank you for considering your community and getting vaccinated and wearing your mask!
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