Based on available evidence, children do not appear to be at higher risk for COVID-19 than adults, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While some children and infants have been sick with COVID-19, the CDC said that adults make up most of the known cases to date.
Dr. Brian Gannon, director of the Pediatrics Clinic at University Medical Center, shares the information below. UMC is operated by The University of Alabama College of Community Health Sciences.
The CDC is encouraging medical practices and families to continue prioritizing newborn visits and vaccinations for children up to 2 years old.
Most children with COVID-19 have been mildly ill or do not have symptoms, so keeping them at home is the best way to keep the virus from spreading to older people who may get sicker.
Please be reassured that we are keeping our practice at UMC as safe as possible for young children by doing the following
- Managing children with fever at home and not bringing them into the clinic when we are open for our well-child visits.
- Doing as many visits as possible (such as behavioral visits and sick visits) through telemedicine, either by phone or video.
- Please leave other family members at home and only bring the child who must be seen. If another child or adult comes along and is sick, they will be required to stay in the vehicle.
- If at all possible, only bring one adult to the visit and leave other adults at home with children who are sick or who do not need shots.
If Your Child Is Sick With Cough or Fever
- Call us first. We can give advice for you from home.
- If you think your child needs emergency care for fever or breathing problems, we will gather information from you to help make that decision, then discuss with you and notify DCH Hospital in Tuscaloosa or Children’s Hospital in Birmingham, as appropriate, so they will be prepared for you to arrive.
- Do not walk in. We cannot guarantee your child will be seen. Your child will get better service if you call ahead.