COVID 19: Facts, Updates, Changes at DPC

January 1, 2022
by Dekalb Pediatrics


Please read this practice statement, updated 1/3/22 including a TESTING UPDATE, and VACCINE UPDATE we have put together to provide accurate information, help you understand the impact of COVID 19 on children, and learn what we are doing at DPC to care for our patients in the safest way possible. We will continuously update with new information as it becomes available.

Since this pandemic began, we have learned and continue to learn every day more about COVID-19.  All data so far continues to show that COVID-19, for most children, is a mild illness, very similar to colds and other viral illnesses. Symptoms, like so many other viruses include fever, cough, sore throat, GI upset and fatigue. Older children have also reported a loss of smell and/or taste. Some children have more serious symptoms that require evaluation and/or hospitalization. Research is ongoing to determine the likelihood that children with no symptoms, and or children with symptoms and positive for COVID-19 spread their infection to adults or other children. We also have learned that some children with mild initial symptoms have some long term sequelae from Covid infections. MSIC is a post infection inflammatory reaction that affects a small number of children and presents with high fever  weeks after the initial covid infection.

We know for sure that the best way to get things under control and stop the spread of infection is for everyone eligible to get vaccinated (currently children over age 12), to wear a mask in public, practice social distancing and good hand washing, avoid crowds and stay home when sick. We are quite certain that asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic adults and possibly children can spread the virus unknowingly. The Delta variant is still circulating as the highly contagious Omicron is taking over, sending the number of positive cases skyrocketing.

1/3 The Omicron variant has arrived at the same time we have seen a big uptick in seasonal viral illness including flu, school starting after the winter break, and in general less adherence to social distancing and mask wearing. Exposures, quarantines and isolation are things we all thought were in the past, but are affecting all age groups despite vaccination status. It is very clear that vaccination and boosters prevent serious disease and death, but more mild, yet contagious disease is hitting the vaccinated population hard. We are here to help you sort through the guidelines, which seem to change regularly, vary from school to school and can be confusing.

The most recent  CDC guidance released 12/27 can be reviewed HERE. In summary:

Exposed: Exposed (no mask, greater than 15 minutes , less than 6 feet) unvaccinated persons should quarantine. New: for 5 days, then strict mask wearing for 5 days. A test should be done anytime if symptoms develop, or can be done day 5 after exposure, if possible. (OLD: If negative quarantine can end after day 7. If no test is done quarantine is 10 days.)

An exposed vaccinated person with no symptoms can continue to be out and about with strict mask wearing, observing for any symptoms. A test could be done on day 5 if possible, and any time if symptoms develop.

Symptomatic: Test if exposed at symptom onset. If not exposed testing may or may not be indicated – there are many other viruses going around. For mild symptoms observing, home care and staying away from others may be all that is needed. For anything more than mild symptoms call us.

Covid positive: Old: Isolate for 10 days from symptom onset or positive test. May be out of isolation if symptoms resolved after 10 days.  NEW: Isolate for 5 days, then strict mask wearing for 5 days. Day of positive test or onset of symptoms is day 0. No further testing is indicated for at least the next 90 days.

We have learned that vaccination is the best defense and although there are many breakthrough case reports they for the vast majority have been mild compared to the unvaccinated cases that are filling up our hospitals. Boosters are now indicted for all over 16. The official recommendation will be out soon – adding boosters for ages 11-15 and allowing for boosters 5 months (instead of 6) after the second Pfizer vaccine.

What can you do?

Get vaccinated!  Get boosted! WE HAVE PFIZER VACCINE for 5 yr and above, parents, and community “friends” of DPC. Read all about it! We schedule vaccines daily.

Practice social distancing – stay 6 feet away from other people whenever possible.

Take personal hygiene measures seriously, such as hand washing with soap for 20 seconds, covering a cough or sneeze, and keeping your hands away from your mouth, nose and eyes.

Wear a mask, covering your mouth and nose in public. (2 years and up)


What are we at Dekalb Pediatric Center doing to support you and this effort?

1/3/22 We continue to change as we deal with the highly contagious Omicron variant.

 “Sick” patients are seen on our EXIT side – enter and leave through the EXIT door. Well visits enter on the Entrance side. We do not have any sick patients waiting inside the building and they are only seen in designated room. We are being particularly vigilant to remain open and available to our families in the safest possible way. 

1. We launched our telemedicine service March 23, 2020 and continue to use when medically appropriate. Learn more and download the app to get registered HERE.

2. We are putting a temporary hold on online “sick” appointments so we can screen patients first, and set up an office visit, telemedicine visit or phone advice. As a reminder we do not accept walk- in patients – all patients must call first.

3. ALL patients with RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS or exposures – fever, cold, cough, sore throat are seen by appointment on the EXIT side, one by one in designated rooms.

4. We continue to wear full PPE and require anyone entering the building (over 2 yrs) to wear a mask.

5. We are successfully using our Nurse Practioner led phone triage and telemedicine for many other concerns, such as rashes, allergies, pink eye, GI symptoms, and behavioral health follow ups. Call for an appointment.

6. At this time testing for COVID-19 is recommended in certain situations. WE CAN  DO RAPID TESTS FOR COVID-19 AT OUR OFFICE.  We are following the guidelines for testing and using our resources to test our sick patients and high risk exposures.  This is a dynamic situation as the supply, demand, and guidelines continuously change.

We test when indicated at sick appointments and outside at a designated time each day. Please call for more details and to schedule. 

Following the AAP, CDC, and CHOA guidelines we are continuing to do well visits, immunizations, and newborn care, with the following measures:

1.We kindly ask that only one adult accompany the patient inside for an appointment. (Both parents, for newborns, young infants and multiples)                 

2.The adult and child will be screened before entering the building for fever/illness/exposure. We will reschedule an appointments if there is a pending covid test or within a quarantine period. 

3. Masks that cover your mouth and nose MUST be worn (age 2 and up) the entire time in the office.

4.We are not using the waiting room and we are spreading out the appointments to minimize your time in the office. Please complete the online portal forms prior to coming in.

Our staff is doing an amazing job at streamlining your visit, while practicing exemplary social distancing and hygiene measures. The office is obsessively and continuously being cleaned throughout the day.

We understand that there is a lot of uncertainty, messages that change daily, and no clear ending to what we are all experiencing. We feel that keeping up with immunizations, newborn care, care for kids with chronic conditions and mental health issues is essential and are doing our best to maintain staffing and balance this need alongside with caring for our sick kids,  administering covid vaccines and testing that we continue to offer. Thank you for your patience and understanding!

We are here and available to work with you through this public health crisis, answer your questions and provide accurate information. Our sources are the CDC website which is embedded on our website and updates regularly, WHO, and locally CHOA and the Ga Dept of Public Health.

Please check these sites first and then call if you have additional concerns.

In addition, here is a link with resources you may find helpful to reassure children about COVID-19. 

We continuously update policies as as new information becomes available. Please remain flexible and patient, and check back here often. We will get through this together. Thank You!

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