Resources
- Family doctor tips on caring for children with respiratory symptoms (OCFP)
- Available in multiple languages including French, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Hindi, Farsi, Tamil, Portuguese, Arabic, Urdu, Italian and Spanish.
- Managing respiratory illnesses in kids (COVID-19 Community of Practice for Ontario Family Physicians) (watch the recording)
- Pediatric Acetaminophen Using Tablets
- Therapeutic alternatives to amoxicillin for common pediatric conditions (Canadian Pharmacists Association)
- Guidance for clinical assessment centres: Clinical support for COVID-19, febrile respiratory and influenza-like illness (Ontario Health)
1. Virtual Appointment (phone or video)
Do they just need a COVID swab and have non concerning viral symptoms? No need to be assessed in person office – get caregiver to perform rapid test if they have access to one and assume and act as though COVID until swab obtained i.e., 10 days of isolation. Virtual follow-up as clinically indicated.
Concerning acute symptoms needing in-person exam, but low suspicion due to COVID – in person assessment with full PPE
Concerning acute symptoms needing in person exam, but high suspicion due to COVID – in person assessment with full PPE – given illness trajectory consider whether emergent transport to ED required for in person assessment.
2. Assessing patient who booked for in-person and clearly needs COVID swab
Perform in-office swab. See “Testing in your clinic” for how to order supplies and collect and transport swabs.
Red flags for in person assessments of infants and children
- Diarrhea and vomiting + has no tears, dry mouth, or is not peeing.
- Baby under three months of age has a fever over 38oC or 100.4oF.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Non blanching rash
- Fever and/or is difficult to rouse/very sleepy
- Significant fall/injury
- Assessment of infants/newborns for acute or routine care