East Greenwich Pediatrics

COVID Frequently Asked Questions

I was just notified that my child was in close contact with someone with COVID-19, what should I do?

We recommend that your child be tested about five days after the contact or sooner if symptoms develop. This can be an at home rapid test or a PCR test.

To find a COVID test in Rhode Island: https://covid.ri.gov/testing

My child is sick, do they need to be tested for COVID-19?

Symptoms of COVID-19 in children include fever, coughing, runny nose and congestion, vomiting/diarrhea, aches/chills, loss of taste or smell.  Your child can have one or all of these symptoms.  Unfortunately these symptoms overlap with many common childhood illnesses and even allergies! If your child has respiratory symptoms it is a good idea to test them, start with an at-home rapid test if you have one available. If you are concerned about your child and want them seen in the office for a sick visit, please call any day after 8am. We can do COVID / influenza / RSV / strep testing as needed with your child’s sick visit.

I did an at-home rapid COVID test on my child that was positive, what should I do?

First, do your best to isolate your child or put a mask on them if possible. Try to cohort your family so the positive people are sharing space in the home. We know this is really difficult for families, especially with small children. You can report the test to the health department at https://portal.ri.gov/s/selftest.

Do I need to come in the office to repeat a positive at-home rapid test with a PCR test?

No. Unless you are worried and would like your child seen for a sick visit, you do not need to bring them to the office to confirm the result. Feel free to call to let us know (we will note in the chart) and of course if you have any questions.

How should I treat my child who is sick with COVID? Should they come into the office to be seen?

For children, treatment of COVID is just like treatment for any respiratory illness. Rest, fluids, and treat the symptoms of fever / aches with ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen Dosing Chart

https://eastgreenwichpediatrics.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/tylenol-dosage-chart.pdf

What symptoms should I watch for?

If your child has a fever that lasts more than three days, your child looks very ill, is having any difficulty breathing, has not urinated at least 3 times in the last 24 hours, is complaining of ear pain, or you have any concerns please call us.

How long does my child need to be isolated from other people after testing positive?

Day 0 is your first day of symptoms or a positive viral test. They should stay home for 5 days and try to stay away from others in the home who are COVID negative. They can end isolation after 5 days if they are fever free for 24 hours without medication and symptoms are improving. They should wear a mask for 5 additional days. If they are unable to wear a mask they should stay home for 10 days. Do not travel during these 10 days.

Check out this online calculator that can walk you through the steps.

Does my child need to start on the prescription Paxlovid? 

If your child is 12 or older and has a health condition putting them at risk, please call the office to be evaluated and to get a prescription started. Please refer to this list of conditions that would put your child at higher risk.

What do I need to know about MIS-C (multi-inflammatory syndrome in children)?

https://health.ri.gov/publications/factsheets/MIS-C-factsheet.pdf

How can I order free COVID at home tests for my family?

https://www.covid.gov/tests

Does East Greenwich Pediatrics offer COVID vaccination?

Yes!  We have COVID vaccine available! If you would like your child vaccinated / boosted please give us a call.  We have a weekly vaccine clinic on Friday afternoons by appointment.

Where can I find good information online about COVID with regard to my children?

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/COVID-19/Pages/Ask-the-Pediatrician-COVID-19-Round-Up.aspx

https://tickencounter.org/prevention/tick_removal

What if a piece of tick is still left behind after I remove the tick?

Do not worry if you cannot get the tick entirely removed, just do your best.  If a piece of tick (like the head) is still stuck, treat it like you would a splinter with warm soaks and apply a topical antibiotic ointment like neosporin or bacitracin.

How do I treat the site of the bite after I get the tick out?

Wash the area with soap and water and apply a topical antibiotic ointment like neosporin or bacitracin.

How do I identify what kind of tick it is?  

https://tickencounter.org/tick_identification/tickid_nonflash

Should I save the tick or send it for testing?

We assume that most ticks in Rhode Island carry the bacteria that causes Lyme disease and treat patients accordingly.  You do not need to save the tick or have it tested as it will not change how we treat your child.

What symptoms of Lyme disease should I watch for?

https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/signs_symptoms/index.html

https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/tickbornediseases/lyme.html (scroll down for excellent pictures of Erythema Migrans rashes AKA “bulls-eye”)

Is there a medicine that helps to prevent Lyme disease if my child has been bit by a deer tick?

We recommend one dose of doxycycline as Lyme disease prophylaxis (to help prevent Lyme disease) in children if the tick was embedded (stuck in) for more than 24 hours and it has been less than 72 hours from the time you removed the tick.  Please call the office to discuss with the doctor.  This is only necessary if it is a deer tick.

What other diseases are transmitted by ticks?

https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/diseases/index.html

How can I prevent my child from getting bit by ticks?

https://tickencounter.org/prevention

When should I call the office?

Any symptoms of Lyme disease (especially rash, fever, joint swelling) or other tick borne illness or any questions or concerns.