NEWS

What Is Considered a Positive Test:

A. Positive Molecular Test – Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) or Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) – These are different but equivalent ways of finding the genetic material of Covid- They have similar sensitivity and specificity.

B. Positive Rapid Antigen Test (home test) – During this covid spike if your child has symptoms or a known contact a rapid test is diagnostic

Treating Symptoms and When to Call the Office:

A. most children and teens have mild symptoms that don't require medical attention or treatment. For fever, aches and pains acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be used. Treat cold symptoms as you typically would.

B. If your child has any shortness of breath, or chest pain or a fever lasting more than 5 days or you have other concerns, please call the office

C. If your child has asthma and they have been prescribed an inhaled steroid (Flovent or Qvar) you should begin as prescribed until all symptoms are gone.

Where to Get a Test:

MA Testing Sites

Testing at PAW:

A. In the office, we perform a rapid molecular test (NAAT, Abbot ID Now) – In essence this is a “rapid PCR test” accepted by schools, work and for travel.

B. We send out a slower molecular test, (PCR, to lab) when our capacity for the in-house test is overloaded.

When Patients Have Covid (Positive Test):

A. Your child, any age, who is positive must isolate for at least 5 days or until fever free and symptoms are improving (whichever is longer); then they must be diligent with masking for another 5 days

B. Children under 2 or anyone who cannot mask must still isolate for 10 days. Permission to return to daycare will be based on daycare center rules. PAW will not write any letters to override daycare policy.

Those Exposed to Covid:

A. If you have received a recent vaccination or a booster shot, you do not need to quarantine following an exposure but should wear a mask for 10 days after the exposure. For all those exposed, best practice would also include a test for COVID-19 at day 5 after exposure. If symptoms occur, individuals should immediately quarantine until a negative test confirms symptoms are not attributable to COVID-19.

B. If you are unvaccinated or more than 6 months out from your second mRNA dose (or are more than 2 months after the J&J vaccine) and you are not yet boosted, CDC recommends a quarantine for 5 days followed by strict mask use for an additional 5 days

C. For families of children who cannot isolate, the "last day of exposure" is 10 days after the onset of symptoms of the child with COVID.

Timing of Vaccinations:

A. patient diagnosed with COVID and due for a dose of Covid vaccine (either #1, #2 or a booster) or other vaccines can get dose when patient is symptom-free and out of isolation

Links to CDC:

CDC Isolation and Quarantine Recommendations
CDC Recommendations on COVID 19 Exposure

Clearance for Sports After Covid:

B. Symptoms of illness with known exposure will be seen virtually - testing arranged if appropriate

C.If your child has moderate symptoms (≥4 days of fever >100.4°F, ≥ 1 week of muscle aches, chills or lethargy) or more severe symptoms, please call the office for an in-person visit for evaluation and clearance.

Reasons For an In-office Visit at PAW:

Symptoms of illness without a known exposure will be seen in the office – testing will be done if appropriate

Symptoms of illness with known exposure will be seen virtually - testing arranged if appropriate