MEMPHIS CHILDREN’S CLINIC STATEMENT ON COVID-19

COVID-19 is a scary infection for everyone, but especially for parents who worry about their children. Memphis Children’s Clinic is dedicated to keeping your kids healthy and safe, so we wanted to go over the most recent information with you.

First off, COVID-19 is part of a larger group of coronaviruses we see all the time and usually cause a mild illness. COVID-19 was discovered in December 2019 and has spread throughout the world. The illness can include no symptoms at all, mild illness, and severe illness. As of right now, the elderly or medically fragile seem to be the most vulnerable.  Children can get infected with COVID, but thankfully do not have the same chances as adults of developing severe illness. Even if asymptomatic, children can still spread the COVID infection. So, it is still important to follow protective measures (see below).

The symptoms for COVID-19 are:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath

If your child has these symptoms or was exposed to someone that has COVID-19, call us!  MCC Has the ability to provide rapid COVID-19 testing in each or our offices.

Ways to protect your family:

  • IF YOU ARE 12 YEARS OLD OR OLDER GET VACCINATED WITH THE COVID-19 VACCINE.
    1. MCC does not currently offer the vaccine at our clinic but there are several options through the Shelby County Health Department. Click here to visit the Shelby County Health Department website for more information.
  • Wear masks if two years old and older.
  • Wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer with 60% or more alcohol content.
  • Keep your kids away from anyone that is sick and keep them home if they are sick.
  • Teach them to cough, sneeze into their elbow or a tissue.
  • Teach them to avoid touching their face (which is really hard with kids anyways, but you can break out the old fidget spinners or stress balls to occupy busy hands).
  • Clean and disinfect you home as usual using regular cleaning products.
  • Outside of your home, practice social distancing (6 feet between people).

Facemasks are now recommended for 2 years and up!

Kids pay attention to the news so they might be frightened or anxious. As a parent, you should try to filter it and explain it to them in a way they can understand.

Here are some tips:

  • Simple reassurance. Remind them that lots of doctors and scientists are working to keep them safe.
  • Give them control. Encourage them to take charge and wash hands, cough in their elbow, get plenty of sleep.
  • Watch for symptoms of anxiety. Kids may not have the words to express concern so look for other behaviors like crankiness, clinging, trouble sleeping, and distraction.
  • Monitor their media access and avoid scary images or disturbing scenes for the younger children. For your older children, make sure you keep them informed and correct any misinformation they may have heard on the internet.

Keeping ourselves informed is very important, so look for local and national updates. Also look for updates on our website as well as our Facebook page as we get more medical information on COVID-19.

Updated 8/26/2021