With shelter-in-place orders shuttering non-essential businesses, many are wondering if Michigan State University Pediatricians are still seeing patients. Rest assured, MSU pediatricians are working to keep children healthy during these trying times. Here's what that means for our patients:
- For the time being, most of our patient visits will be conducted remotely through Telehealth. This allows our doctors to monitor many chronic health conditions and treat most minor acute illnesses without the patient needing to leave their home.
- We are seeing only a limited set of young babies and children for Well Child visits and vaccines in the office during office hours Monday - Friday.
- We are seeing sick patients that cannot be managed by Telehealth separate from the Well Child visits. Please call and speak with a doctor or nurse first to determine if your child needs to come in. We will help you decide if a face to face visit is needed or if we can take care of your child’s health using telehealth.
- If your child is scheduled for a Well Child visit and if they or any household contact develop ANY fever or respiratory symptoms (runny nose, congestion, cough, sore throat) for the health and safety of everyone, IT IS VERY IMPORTANT that you call the office BEFORE coming and speak with a doctor to determine if your child should still come in.
- If your child is scheduled for a face to face visit, bring only the child with the appointment to the clinic. Each child should be accompanied by one adult. Other family members should stay home. Our goal is to keep everyone safe and “social distancing” is important to slowing the spread of the virus.
- Any child with significant shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, should go to the Emergency Department. If you are unsure if your child should go to the ED, call us and we will help you decide.
- If you think your child or a member of your family might have COVID 19 illness, call us. We will help you know what to do. We will advise you if your child should be tested or should go to the emergency department or can be managed at home.
Resources:
For excellent, up to date information about COVID-19:
The Center for Disease Control
The State of Michigan Department of Health
For excellent information about children’s health (including COVID-19):
Don’t Forget…
- Practice social distancing of at least six feet at all times
- Wash your hands frequently
- Cover your cough
- Stay home if you’re sick
- Practice good hand hygiene avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Clean and disinfect frequently-used surfaces daily