By Karen McBride
We are well aware that adults can contract COVID-19, but, unfortunately, children and teens are also susceptible. However, there are certain precautions we can take to reduce the chance of becoming ill with COVID-19 or the flu.
Wash your hands often, avoid touching your face, limit exposure to people outside the home, and wear masks.
Hand washing should last for 20 seconds. Try to make it fun with your child by singing his or her favorite song while hand washing.
Encourage your child or teen to practice social distancing. Limit the people they are exposed to whenever possible. If you can leave them at home with a family member while you go to the store, then do so. If they must go out in public, they should wear a cloth mask and use hand sanitizer often.
Clean and disinfect your home, especially toys, doorknobs, tables, light switches, television remote controls, and, of course, bathrooms.
As in flu prevention, eating a healthy, well-balanced meal, getting enough sleep as well as plenty of outdoor exercise in the fresh air and sunshine, can help to build your immune system to fight off the illnesses.
If you suspect your child has been exposed to COVID-19, the symptoms can include fever, cough, nasal congestion or runny nose, sore throat, shortness of breath, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, poor appetite, new loss of taste or smell, or belly pain.
If your child is exhibiting any of these symptoms, call to schedule an appointment with Dr. Michele Johnson-Towson of Pediatric Place of Tampa, a board-certified pediatrician with over 30 years of experience in caring for children ages newborn to 21 years old.
Pediatric Place of Tampa is located at 1338 W. Fletcher Avenue, Tampa, FL 33612. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 813-264-2288.
Same-day appointments and after-hours care are available (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 8:00am-7:00pm; Wednesday 8:00am-6:00pm; Friday 8:00am-5:00pm and Saturday 8:00am-12:00pm).
New patients are welcome, and the practice accepts all insurance.