Many families have been asking us for advice about returning to school during COVID-19. Every family and child is different and it is important to make a personalized family decision in choosing if your child should return to school. We advise you to look at your child and family's risk factors including autoimmune disorders, uncontrolled asthma and other chronic conditions affecting the heart and lungs. Many schools are preparing for the school year under the guidance of the American Academy of Pediatrics who recommends social distancing, mask wearing, hand hygiene, extra cleaning precautions and temperature monitoring if possible. It is important to never send your child to school if they develop fever above 100.4 or have close contact with a known positive COVID-19 case.
Here is a great excerpt from the AAP website regarding the positives of returning to school:
"The AAP guidance is based on what pediatricians and infectious disease specialists know about COVID-19 and kids. Evidence so far suggests that children and adolescents are less likely to have symptoms or severe disease from infection. They also appear less likely to become infected or spread the virus.
Schools provide more than just academics to children and adolescents. In addition to reading, writing and math, children learn social and emotional skills, get exercise and access to mental health support and other things that cannot be provided with online learning. For many families, school is where kids get healthy meals, access to the internet, and other vital services."
You can view the entire article at https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/COVID-19/Pages/Return-to-School-During-COVID-19.aspx
Please do not hesitate to call us if you have any futher questions or concerns at (904) 260-2565. Be sure to schedule your annual wellness visit if due before school starts and we will be offering Influenza Vaccines in office starting next month.