Let's talk about COVID
I know we are all so tired of COVID. This pandemic has wreaked havoc on our world, causing 4.5 million deaths worldwide .
During our most recent members-only virtual group visit we had local COVID expert and pediatrician Dr. Yolandra Hancock join us.
We reviewed the current statistics with a particular focus on school aged and daycare aged children. Thankfully this group is underrepresented and thankfully we are not seeing major outbreaks in childcare settings or summer camps that were in session this summer.
What we know:
children are usually infected with COVID by adults. The more adults that are vaccinated and wearing masks, the safer children are.
COVID complications in children are serious but very rare.
Dr. Yolandra and I recommend that children wear masks when indoors with folks other than their immediate family. We recommend that children and adults with any new onset of sneezing, coughing, sore throat, fever or other worrying sign, get tested for COVID and other viral illnesses depending on what their doctor recommends.
For kids in school, Dr. Yolandra recommends:
Know your school’s plan. Know their teacher and staff vaccination requirements. Know your school’s testing plan (will they test staff and students regularly). Know what they will do if someone tests positive.
Mask up!
Talk it through with your children. Talk about how school may change throughout the year. Talk to them about their excitement and things they may be fearful of.