If your child develops a sore throat, dry cough, or fever that lasts for more than a day, consider COVID-19 testing. At Manchester Pediatric Associates, the team of experienced pediatricians offers COVID-19 vaccines and testing. To make an appointment for your child at the practice in South Windsor, Torrington, and Tolland, Connecticut, call the nearest office today or schedule online.
COVID-19 refers to the novel coronavirus, a highly contagious respiratory illness first detected in China at the end of 2019.
If your child is exposed to the coronavirus or they begin to exhibit COVID-related symptoms, get them tested right away. If they test positive for COVID-19, it’s important they’re isolated to prevent it from spreading to others.
Symptoms of COVID-19 include:
In some cases, COVID-19 also presents gastrointestinal issues like vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea.
The team at Manchester Pediatric Associates diagnoses COVID-19 by conducting a comprehensive physical exam and asking you about your child’s symptoms, including when they started and their severity.
Afterward, they conduct a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. During a PCR test, your child’s doctor swabs the back of their nose or throat and sends the sample to a laboratory. Technicians at the laboratory analyze the sample for the presence of viral proteins.
After your child undergoes a COVID-19 test, it takes about 24 hours to receive the results. While you’re waiting for them, stay at home and avoid contact with friends or family. Even if your child’s symptoms are mild, they could pass the virus on to others.
Yes. Three vaccines have received emergency use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Currently, only one of those vaccines is approved for children between the ages of 12-15, but that’s expected to change in the coming months.
If you have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine or want to see if your child qualifies, contact the team at Manchester Pediatric Associates during normal business hours.
Yes. If your child is old enough to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, the team at Manchester Pediatric Associates highly recommends they do so. The potential benefits far outweigh the risks. Plus, each vaccine undergoes extensive testing and review before being released to the general public.
To make a COVID-19 testing or vaccine appointment for your child at Manchester Pediatric Associates, call the nearest office today or schedule online.
