Pandemic & Infection Control

CORONAVIRUS: INFECTION CONTROL POLICY as of 7/1/20
Information about the new Coronavirus is coming in rapidly. We at CAPA will work to stay up to date with medical recommendations and will observe the following polices in response. IN ORDER TO REDUCE COMMUNITY MOVEMENT WE HAVE CLOSED THE OFFICE FOR FACE-TO-FACE VISITS AND ARE MOVING TO CHANGE APPOINTMENTS
TO PHONE AND TELEHEALTH SESSIONS.
All visits will be via telehealth platforms until further notice.
PREVENTION
As with all infectious conditions, prevention of spread/contagion is the first line of action. If a patient or household/family member is sick with fever, cough, shortness of breath, runny nose, sneezing, etc., please stay home and do not come to the office. Please seek medical attention if these symptoms are severe. (Be sure to call doctor's office or ER ahead to tell them you may have COVD19 symptoms so they can prepare or refer you to the right place.) Our usual 24-hour cancellation policies will be automatically waived during this time.
Basic hygiene such as frequent handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, and avoiding touching mouth, nose and eyes should be followed more intently during any period of high contagion, as with typical flu season.
Our staff will also follow these recommendations so there may be times when appointments are cancelled unexpectedly or the office is short-staffed.

ONGOING CARE DURING ANY PERIOD OF ISOLATION
If prolonged periods of isolation (quarantine) are indicated by health officials we will close the office. We will be able to send prescriptions to you and we can call in some prescriptions to your pharmacy.

ANXIETY ABOUT THE EPIDEMIC*
World events like epidemics can be frightening to children and adults alike. Anticipatory anxiety can resemble anxiety resulting from stress or trauma. Talking about the epidemic with children can decrease their fear. It is important to explain the event in words the child can understand, and in a way that will not overwhelm them. Distraction and emotional support can also be helpful ways to cope with stress.
Several factors affect a child's response to anticipated stress. The way children see and understand their parents' responses are very important. Children are aware of their parents' worries most of the time, but they can be very sensitive during a crisis. Parents should talk about their worries to their children, and talk about their abilities to cope with the anticipated stressor. Pretending there is no danger will not end a child's concerns. Parents who model anxiety control can help their children cope. Sometimes simple things like turning off the TV can protect the family from continuous information stress.
A child's reaction also depends on how much distress he or she experiences or sees. A child's age affects how the child will respond to the stress. For example, six-year-olds may show their worries by refusing to attend school, whereas teens may minimize their concerns, but argue more with parents and show a decline in school performance.
Parents should be alert to these changes in a child's behavior as an indication of possible anxiety:
Refusal to return to school and "clinging" behavior, including shadowing the mother or father around the house
Continuing fears about the event (such as fears about being permanently separated from parents)
Sleep disturbances such as nightmares, screaming during sleep and bedwetting, persisting more than several days
Loss of concentration and irritability
Jumpiness or being startled easily
Behavior problems, for example, misbehaving in school or at home in ways that are not usual for the child
Physical complaints (stomachaches, headaches, dizziness) for which a physical cause cannot be found
Withdrawal from family and friends, sadness, listlessness, decreased activity, and preoccupation with the possible epidemics

We will work with health authorities, our patients, their families and our staff to respond to infection risks and reduce related distress. As information about the level of threat changes we may modify our response, but will work to keep everyone informed.

*Adapted from AACAP Facts for Families