COVID-19

COVID-19 Advice Page 

Updated 8/10/2023

Our understanding of COVID-19 and the guidelines and recommendations about COVID-19 continue to change and evolve.  The CDC website has the most accurate and up-to-date information and guidance.  We encourage you to reference the CDC COVID-19 homepage with any questions that you have.  Additional trusted sources are also listed below.  If you have questions after referencing these resources, please contact your provider via portal or call our triage team. 

• CDC COVID-19 homepage

  • CDC Community Transmission Levels – Stay up-to-date with current transmission levels and mitigation guidelines

  • CDC COVID vaccines – Stay up to date with the latest COVID vaccine recommendations

• HealthyChildren.org – COVID-19

• Maryland Department of Health covidLINK

If your child has COVID-19:

General management:

If your child has COVID-19 please rest assured that the majority of children will experience only mild symptoms. For all children: 

• They should isolate per CDC guidelines (See above)

• Provide supportive care:

  • Give acetaminophen (any age) or ibuprofen (6 months or older) as needed for fever or pain 

  • Drink plenty of liquid to stay hydrated 

  • Use a humidifier or stand in a steamy bathroom to help with congestion or cough

  • You can give 1 teaspoon of honey as often as needed to help with cough if your child is at least 12 months old

  • Kids 12 years of age and older can use over the counter decongestants

  • Use nasal saline drops or sprays for congestion

• Expect symptoms such as sore throat, headache, fever, fatigue, muscle aches, chills, or GI symptoms to last for a few days

• Expect some symptoms, such as cough, congestion, change in sense of taste or smell, to potentially last longer

• Avoid exercise during the isolation period

For children 12 years old and older and at high-risk for severe disease there are antiviral medications and monoclonal antibodies available.  You can find more information about these therapies here. If your child is high-risk, please contact your doctor to discuss the risks and benefits of these treatments.  

When to be evaluated in the office:

Your child should be evaluated by a medical provider if:

• They are having any trouble breathing, wheezing, or have significant chest pain

• They have signs of dehydration or if they are lethargic

• They have fever 100.4 or higher lasting 5 days

  • Note:  Infants under 3 months of age should be evaluated for any rectal temperature 100.4 or higher, and they should go to the ER right away if under 2 months of age

  • Infants under 12 months of age should be seen if fever lasts 72 hours

• They have muscle aches, chills, or significant fatigue lasting more than 4-days

• Note: most kids who test positive for COVID-19 will not need to be evaluated during their isolation period as most children’s symptoms (which are usually sore throat, runny nose, cough, body aches, or GI symptoms) remain mild and improve after a few days