Coronavirus Update for Parents

Hi MercyMed parents!

Here are some answers to questions you may be asking yourself. If you have further questions regarding the health of yourself or your child, please reach out to any of these resources!

Mercy Med of Columbus
3702 2nd Avenue Columbus, Ga
706-507-9209

Columbus Department of Public Health
2100 Comer Ave
706-321-6300
CDC
- Updated CDC Information

What can I do to keep my family safe from the Coronavirus?

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food.
If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

How do I know if my child or I have the Coronavirus or just a regular cold?

Illness	Symptoms	Duration	What to do
Coronavirus	Fever Cough Shortness of breath AND Have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or live in or have traveled from an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19 within the past two weeks. High risk areas include: China Iran Europe South Korea		CALL your doctor’s office, health department or local ER right away. Do not just show up without calling! Start treatment as if for a common cold.
Flu	High fever (>100.5) Headaches, body aches Fatigue Cough, sore throat, runny nose Sometimes vomiting	7-10 days	Call your doctor’s office within 48 hours of fever for a sick visit. Bedrest Increased fluids- water, Pedialyte, hot tea/honey Zarbee’s cough syrup or children’s Robitussin Vix vapor rub Cool mist humidifier
Common Cold	Low grade fever (usually <100.5) Cough, runny nose, congestion	3-7 days	Bedrest Increased water, hot tea/honey Zarbee’s cough syrup or children’s Robitussin Vix vapor rub Cool mist humidifier Call your doctor’s office if symptoms last
Allergies	NO fever Runny nose Sneezing Postnasal drip Dry cough Itchy eyes, itchy throat Sinus pressure and headache	All spring!	Nasal saline spray 3-4 times daily Zarbee’s allergy Cool compresses over eyes and nose Children’s Zyrtec: 2-5 years: 2.5 mg daily >6 years: 5-10 mge daily

Coronavirus Update for Parents

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