Stay well everyone!
We are open every day 9-5 and you can call me anytime!
We have strictly limited in-office visits so that those that need to come can be safe.
In the office, we are seeing the following:
MORNINGS
- well infants and toddlers for checkups and vaccines
- well kids of any age who are due for vaccines (vaccine visit only)
AFTERNOON
- sick kids via telemedicine
- not "sick" but having a problem, via telemedicine (ADHD, injury, developmental issues etc.)
- sick kids in the office in the rare cases that telemedicine is not appropriate
Friday, March 13, 2020
COVID-19 recommendations and office changes
As more cases of community spread have been reported in Los Angeles, it has become clear that it is time to not only be vigilant about hygiene (using hand sanitizer, soap and not touching our faces) but also to practice social distancing. This means staying home as much as possible and avoiding unnecessary contact with others. Please do this if you or your child shows any sign of illness, but even if not.
Kids appear to be at low risk for serious illness, fortunately, but are frequently carriers of illness to friends and family members, as we all know. For this reason, I recommend that as much as possible kids are kept away from older family members (over 60) who are at higher risk for serious illness. Even kids who appear perfectly healthy can be less than 24 hours from developing fever or cough (and thus contagious during this asymptomatic time).
If we can "flatten the curve" so that the virus spreads more slowly, then we can avoid overwhelming hospitals. Here's a great explanation:
https://www.wired.com/story/whats-social-distancing-flattening-curve-covid-19-questions/
If your child is sick, I am always available to talk.
Here are some FAQs:
1 - Well visits
We are sanitizing frequently in the office and moving all well visits to the morning so babies can stay up to date on their shots and checkups as safely as possible. We are also asking for well visits 2 yrs and up to be temporarily deferred. Sick visits are being moved to the afternoon. Please keep in mind that patients will be asked to stay in the rooms, so try to avoid bringing siblings.
2 - Mild runny nose/cough, no fever or low fever (under 102)
Ideally, I would love to test everyone for COVID-19, but we have very few test kits. I am looking forward to wider availability of testing, either in our office or drive-through. As of today, we are being asked to limit testing to those who have fever, cough AND a known contact with COVID-19 or recent travel from Italy, Iran or China. For now, children with mild respiratory illnesses should stay home and avoid contact with others until they are completely well. They may also be brought to the office if you are concerned and would like them to be seen.
3 - Moderate respiratory illness (fever over 102 or lasting >72 hours, fever that started after 3 days of a cold, cough more than every 10 minutes, labored breathing that is relieved by asthma medicine)
Should come in & be seen in the office or at urgent care.
4 - Severe respiratory illness (labored breathing, decreased drinking so not urinating at least every 8 hours, lethargy even after ibuprofen)
Call me but may need to be seen in ER.
Kids appear to be at low risk for serious illness, fortunately, but are frequently carriers of illness to friends and family members, as we all know. For this reason, I recommend that as much as possible kids are kept away from older family members (over 60) who are at higher risk for serious illness. Even kids who appear perfectly healthy can be less than 24 hours from developing fever or cough (and thus contagious during this asymptomatic time).
If we can "flatten the curve" so that the virus spreads more slowly, then we can avoid overwhelming hospitals. Here's a great explanation:
https://www.wired.com/story/whats-social-distancing-flattening-curve-covid-19-questions/
If your child is sick, I am always available to talk.
Here are some FAQs:
1 - Well visits
We are sanitizing frequently in the office and moving all well visits to the morning so babies can stay up to date on their shots and checkups as safely as possible. We are also asking for well visits 2 yrs and up to be temporarily deferred. Sick visits are being moved to the afternoon. Please keep in mind that patients will be asked to stay in the rooms, so try to avoid bringing siblings.
2 - Mild runny nose/cough, no fever or low fever (under 102)
Ideally, I would love to test everyone for COVID-19, but we have very few test kits. I am looking forward to wider availability of testing, either in our office or drive-through. As of today, we are being asked to limit testing to those who have fever, cough AND a known contact with COVID-19 or recent travel from Italy, Iran or China. For now, children with mild respiratory illnesses should stay home and avoid contact with others until they are completely well. They may also be brought to the office if you are concerned and would like them to be seen.
3 - Moderate respiratory illness (fever over 102 or lasting >72 hours, fever that started after 3 days of a cold, cough more than every 10 minutes, labored breathing that is relieved by asthma medicine)
Should come in & be seen in the office or at urgent care.
4 - Severe respiratory illness (labored breathing, decreased drinking so not urinating at least every 8 hours, lethargy even after ibuprofen)
Call me but may need to be seen in ER.
Wednesday, March 4, 2020
Coronavirus recommendations
The Los Angeles County Dept. of Public Health website is the best way to stay informed!
Here is a wonderful, detailed guide to what you can do to protect yourself: http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/GuidanceParentsEnglish.pdf
You can also subscribe to their twitter feed for updates!
Here is a wonderful, detailed guide to what you can do to protect yourself: http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/GuidanceParentsEnglish.pdf
You can also subscribe to their twitter feed for updates!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)