Children’s COVID-19 Help Line
402-955-3200
If COVID-19 is constantly on your mind these days, you are not alone. And when your child starts to cough or comes down with a fever, it’s natural to wonder if they have the virus.
It’s possible that your child has a cold, the flu, or any other typical childhood illness. However, depending on certain factors, such as their symptoms or exposure to someone with the virus, their provider may want to test them for COVID-19.
Who Can Get Tested for COVID-19
At this time, Children’s is not only testing children who are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms, but they are also testing children who have severe symptoms. Children’s has testing options available, please call your child’s primary care provider or Children’s COVID-19 Help Line at 402-955-3200 to schedule testing.
Caring for Your Child — and Your Family — While Waiting for Test Results
Keep your child as comfortable as possible. Make sure they rest and drink plenty of fluids. Talk to your child’s primary care provider about over-the-counter medications to help with symptoms like fever, and do not give your child any medication without talking to their provider, first.
Monitor your child’s symptoms. If they experience any of the following symptoms, get your child emergency care right away:
- Difficulty breathing
- Persistent pain or chest pressure
- Confusion
- Inability to wake up
- Bluish lips or face
Keeping Your Family Safe
COVID-19 is very contagious, so if one child is sick, anyone living in your home has probably been exposed to it. However, that doesn’t mean they all have the virus, so you should still follow preventive measures:
- Always wear a mask when with your child and keep physical contact to a minimum.
- Cancel all playdates
- If possible, keep your child isolated from the rest of the family and give them their own bathroom.
- If your child is 2 years or older, have them wear a mask when they are not isolated. Children under 2 should not wear a mask due to an increased risk of suffocation.
- Make sure to frequently:
- Wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water (or hand sanitizer that at least 60% alcohol content if soap and water are not available)
- Clean and disinfect surfaces in your home, such as doorknobs, countertops, and toys — especially ones that they share with their siblings.
- Avoid touching your face
Contact
Call the Children’s COVID-19 Help Line at 402-955-3200 or contact your child’s primary care provider with any questions.
