As the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak continues to spread, many of you may have understandable concerns. We want to ease your fears and provide you with accurate and timely information via the links provided below. 

 

Nunez Pediatrics is committed to the well-being of all children and to providing the safest environment for patients, employees, physicians and our community. For the safety of our patients and staff, we are kindly asking that each patient be accompanied by only ONE healthy caregiver when possible. This will minimize the amount of people entering our offices and in our waiting areas.

 

You may have heard of the new coronavirus that began in China. Now called COVID-19, it has spread rapidly to a number of countries. Cases are now starting to emerge throughout the United States. In response, we have been preparing to care for children with the virus at all of our locations.

​

Coronaviruses are common causes of colds, upper respiratory infections, and, in some cases, lower respiratory infections like pneumonia — this is just a new form of it. The virus spreads through droplets sent into the air when people cough or sneeze. The virus causes a fever, cough and, in some cases, trouble breathing — much like the cold or flu. Fortunately, worldwide evidence so far has shown these infections are usually mild in children, and very few become severely ill. Unfortunately, a small percentage of adults can have severe respiratory disease.

​

*** Updated March 23, 2020- New Policy

 

WE ARE NOT CURRENTLY TESTING FOR CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)!

• At this time, our office is providing telemedicine guidance.

• Patients will continue to be screened for potential exposure to the coronavirus upon scheduling an appointment  by answering three questions:

  • In the past 14 days, has the patient, their caregiver, or any other close household contact, traveled at all  or taken a cruise?

  • In the past 14 days, has the patient, their caregiver, or any other close household contact, been in any gathering or closed environments (plane, concert, school, meeting, etc.) with any person with a laboratory diagnosis of Coronavirus (COVID-19)?

  • Are you experiencing a  fever (100.4 degrees or greater) or active cough?

  • If the answer is yes to any of the questions, such information will be included in the telemedicine guidance and placed in consideration for treatment.

• Please note- Our office WILL NOT perform any test involving a swab (which includes flu and strep screening), fluoride application, spirometry and nebulization. 

• Patients will still be treated and evaluated for the flu and strep throat via clinical diagnosis, but without a test, and through telemedicine. 

​

What are the symptoms?

 

Symptoms can range from mild to severe. The most common are fever, cough, and shortness of breath. There also may be others, such as sore throat or runny nose, and some people may have no symptoms at all.

How does is spread?

The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person, through respiratory droplets which are sprayed all around when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It is also possible that a person may catch COVID-19 by touching something that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes.

 

How long can a person be contagious?

 

The incubation period can be up to 14 days. This is the time from when someone catches a virus until the time they start to feel sick. Some people may be contagious even before they show symptoms. People should be considered contagious until their symptoms are gone and they have had at least 24 hours without fever, without taking fever medicine.

 

The Florida Department of Health has a dedicated call center for COVID-19 questions and concerns. The phone number is 866-779-6121, or you can email: COVID-19@flhealth.gov.
For more information, please visit the COVID-19 Traveler Health Alert.

 

What can you do to best prevent catching or spreading a virus? 

 

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipes.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

• Vaccinations – Stay up to date on vaccinations, including the flu shot.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Stay at least 6 feet away from anyone showing obvious symptoms.  Avoid traveling to areas where the virus is spreading rapidly.

• Stay home when you are sick.

 

 

Should I wear a mask to protect myself?

​

People who are well should not be wearing a facemask, because it is not designed to protect the person who is wearing it.  Regular facemasks should be worn by people who are sick with COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others.  The use of a special N95 facemask is only recommended for health workers and others who are taking care of someone who is sick with COVID-19 in a close setting.

 

 

What should I do if I think I have Coronavirus or if I think I have been exposed?

 

If you are not sick, you should stay at home, avoid public places, and self-monitor for 14 days from the time you think you were exposed. If you develop fever or any other symptoms, you should contact your local health department for further instructions. There is no specific treatment for COVID-19. Typical care for a mild case should be the same as would be provided for a flu-like sickness.

 

Any individuals who believe they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should call their respective county information lines below. Please call one of these lines prior to traveling to any medical office or facility.

Miami-Dade 305-324-2400
Broward 954-412-7300
Palm Beach 561-671-4184

 

Social Distancing 

 

According to the Florida Department of Health, social distancing is recommended when the risk of infection is possible. This can include limiting gatherings of large groups, or postponing events. 

 

Travel Precautions 

 

As we enter spring break, we encourage our patient families to limit or postpone unnecessary travel to a Level 3 or Level 2 advisory location, based on the latest CDC advisories. These advisories are updated frequently, so for the most up-to-date list on current travel precautions, please visit: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html.

 

About the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

 

The novel coronavirus known as COVID-19 that originated in China is making international headlines. It’s important to know that the risk of contracting this coronavirus is still low in the United States. Be sure that your family members get flu vaccines and wash hands frequently to protect against infection.

 

What You Can Do to Stop The Spread of Germs- CDC FACT SHEETS

 

In an effort to inform our patient families about the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19), we're providing the CDC Fact Sheets currently available:

·       Novel Coronavirus: What you need to know

·       Novel Coronavirus: What to do if you are sick

·       Novel Coronavirus: Symptoms

·       Novel Coronavirus: CDC Protects and Prepares Communities

 

 

For the latest information on the COVID-19, please visit: www.cdc.gov/nCoV

 

Important Resources 

 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Florida Department of Health

Travel Information

Pregnant Women and Children Information

 

​