Coronavirus – What you need to know!

We are here to help you and your family understand everything you need to know about the coronavirus.

COVID-19 is a novel Coronavirus (a family of respiratory viruses) that began to spread in mainland China in December 2019. The virus causes flu-like symptoms (fever, runny nose, cough, sneezing, body aches, and fatigue). In some cases, just like the influenza virus, it can cause severe breathing issues. Most cases are in those people over 30 years of age and most serious for the 50-80 year-old range. One major issue with this virus is that it can rapidly change its genetics and therefore it is hard to predict its activity.

Currently, only hospitals and health departments can test for this virus – we cannot test in our office. As we are in peak flu season, it is imperative this year that you and your children have received the flu vaccine.

If you or your child:

• has flu-like symptoms and has visited mainland China, Italy, Iran, Japan, or South Korea in the last month or any other CDC publicized risk country

OR

• has had contact with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 or that has flu-like symptoms that has visited any of the high risk countries

THEN:
PLEASE CALL US (203-229-2000) BEFORE COMING TO THE OFFICE OR PROCEEDING TO A HOSPITAL SO WE MAY TRIAGE YOU TO THE APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE CENTER

We will direct you to the parking lot of our Norwalk office located at 40 Cross Street. We then ask that you call our office to notify us of your arrival, and a provider will come down to your car to assess your child.

Remember, controlling the spreading and minimizing the exposure of this disease is crucial! The best defense against spread of disease is strict handwashing, getting plenty of rest, staying home if you are sick as well as eating and drinking properly. Again, we are in peak flu season, and contracting both the flu and COVID-19 would not be a good combination. Getting the flu shot will ensure best practice against the flu.

You and your child’s healthcare are very important to us and we will keep you well advised. We will continue to monitor and, if necessary, adjust our protocols as more is learned about this virus. We thank you for your understanding and patience. Check in with CDC.GOV for the most up-to-date information and recommendations.

For more details about this virus from renowned Pediatric Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Paul Offitt, click:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbGGYkvyFLc&list=PLqclgkBW2KhOO45FHiMsF0snkQ8yvPauE&index=4