Affordable Pediatrician in East Chicago, Indiana

Learning that your child has tested positive for COVID-19 is likely to trigger fear and anxiety in any parent — especially given all the news stories about surging COVID-19 hospitalizations and complications among children. However, COVID-19 will manifest as a simple upper respiratory infection (URI) for most children. A “barky” cough is the most common symptom in infants and toddlers, whereas cold symptoms, a sore throat (also known as “pharyngitis”), and a cough are common presentations in older children.

So, as a parent, what should you do in this situation? Our top-rated pediatricians in East Chicago, Indiana are going to explain below.

Remain calm.

Although we are seeing a higher prevalence of COVID-19 infections in children, most of them tolerate the infection well. The number of cases is so high right now that even those who have “done everything right” are testing positive. First and foremost, it’s important to remain calm — beating yourself up about your child catching COVID-19 isn’t going to help the matter. Children get sick from time to time. The best thing to do in these situations is schedule an appointment with a reputable pediatrician in East Chicago, Indiana.

Compile your essentials.

Put together a list of the items you will need in your “sick kit.” You should consider the following items:

Saline solution
Nasal aspirator
Tissues or baby wipes
Fluids such as Pedialyte electrolyte solution, baby formula, and apple juice
Thermometer
Over-the-counter fever-reducing medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen

If the COVID-19 test was positive at home, there is no need to go in for a presumptive and confirmatory COVID-19 test. However, it’s still important that you get in touch with a pediatrician in East Chicago, Indiana to discuss any questions you may have and receive recommendations.

Focus on comfort.

As with most URIs, supportive care should be prioritized. This includes the following:

Salt or steam inhalation and nasal suction using a bulb syringe or nasal aspirator
Fluids such as Pedialyte electrolyte solution, baby formula, and diluted apple juice
Over-the-counter fever-reducing medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
Rest and watchful observation for symptoms worsening

Stop the snowballing effect.

Unfortunately, the Omicron variant is highly contagious. Therefore, you must do everything possible to limit the spread of COVID-19 within your household — get vaccinated, wear a well-fitting mask, wash your hands with soap and water, cover your coughs and sneezes, and clean and disinfect all the rooms.

Watch out for complications.

Keep an eye out for worsening COVID-19 symptoms, and if you notice any, contact your pediatrician in East Chicago, Indiana as soon as possible. Some of the most common symptoms include:

Shortness of breath or “dyspnea”
Chest pain
Dehydration
Confusion or decreased alertness
Lethargy
Severe pain
High fever

Watch out for signs of the multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) two to six weeks after your kid tested positive since this is a very rare complication associated with COVID-19. Common symptoms of MIS-C include:

High fever that lasts a few days
Headaches and stomach pain
Swollen lymph nodes
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Dehydration
Swelling in legs or hands (also called “peripheral edema”)
Pink eye or “conjunctivitis”
Chapped lips and swollen tongue
Tiredness
Fussiness with food
Cough
Shortness of breath or “dyspnea”
Skin rash

Looking for Affordable Pediatric Care in East Chicago, Indiana?

Most symptoms related to COVID in children can be managed if properly diagnosed and treated. If you are looking for more information, or if you would like to schedule an appointment with the top-rated pediatricians in East Chicago, Indiana, 219 Health Network is here to help. We have licensed pediatric physicians on staff who specialize in preventative care for infants and children.