COVID-19
News about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) is everywhere, and it may cause anxiety in children. Click here to learn more about talking to your child about COVID-19.
How COVID-19 Spreads
Person-to-person spread
The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
- Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
- Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
Can someone spread the virus without being sick?
- People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest).
- Some spread might be possible before people show symptoms; there have been reports of this occurring with this new coronavirus, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
Spread from contact with infected surfaces or objects
It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
How easily the virus spreads
How easily a virus spreads from person-to-person can vary. Some viruses are highly contagious (spread easily), like measles, while other viruses do not spread as easily. Another factor is whether the spread is sustained, spreading continually without stopping.
The virus that causes COVID-19 seems to be spreading easily and sustainably in the community (“community spread”) in some affected geographic areas.
What are the symptoms?
Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases. Symptoms include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
What can I do to protect myself and others?
There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
- CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
- Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
For information about handwashing, see CDC’s Handwashing website
For information specific to healthcare, see CDC’s Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings
These are everyday habits that can help prevent the spread of several viruses. CDC does have specific guidance for travelers.
Stay up-to-date
For additional information and ongoing updates on COVID-19, please refer to local and state health departments and the CDC’s Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) hub.
The information on this page regarding COVID-19 has been obtained from the CDC’s Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) hub.
Looking for information on
Are you caring for someone Sick with COVID at home, or concerned about warnings and protecting yourself. Please see the information at the following link to answer these questions: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/care-for-someone.html
The following link will help answer when your child can safely be around others after they have had or likely have COVID-19: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/end-home-isolation.html
Questions regarding when to quarantine, options to reduce quarantine time, who needs to quarantine, if I have to quarantine and steps to take to quaratine are all answered at the following link: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/quarantine.html
Televisit with our Providers and Medical Assistants
Televisits are by appointment only please call our office at (972) 208-8668 to schedule a televisit.
A Bright Future Pediatrics is now using doxy.me to conduct telvisits. This service is a very user-friendly way to connect with your provider and requires no separate app download or login information.
Please be sure to use Google Chrome on a computer, laptop or Android device and Safari on Apple's iOS or iPad. Other web browsers are NOT supported.
There will be a charge for all telehealth visits. If you are unsure of how your insurance covers telehealth please reach out to them directly. If you are doing a telehealth visit after hours and have not yet completed the telehealth authorization form please click the link below to complete and email back to the practice at [email protected]. If the physician does not have this form at the time of your visit you will be asked to give verbal consent agreeing to these terms.
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Dr. Berry
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Dr. Maun
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