This post is written and sponsored by The Pediatric Center at Overland Park Regional Medical Center offers a Pediatric ER with little to no wait times, a Pediatric Inpatient Unit and pediatric specialty care and outpatient services. Learn more at oprmc.com/pediatrics.
As the COVID-19 numbers continue to rise in our area, we want to make sure that your family is prepared for a COVID-19 positive test and quarantine. Here is a quick checklist of food, hygiene, supplies and other items you may want to have on hand if your family needs to quarantine.
A plan if someone gets sick.
Choose a room in your house that can be used to separate sick household members from others. Create an emergency contact list including family, friends, neighbors, carpool drivers, ect. Make sure you have a good medical emergency plan in place, including the names and contact information of your doctors and a list of local hospitals and clinics that take your insurance (for others to reference if you’re ill). It’s also a great time to make sure your phone’s medical ID and emergency contact information are up to date. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has a Household Plan of Action list to help you get started.
Thermometer.
This is a critical tool in monitoring you and your family’s symptoms. Make sure you have a thermometer on hand to monitor temperatures. To ensure accuracy, temperatures should be taken orally or rectally. Here are tips on what parents should know about fevers.
Pain relievers and fever reducers.
Make sure you have pain relievers and fever reducers on hand to ride out the illness. You will want to have on hand adult and pediatric over-the-counter acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help with fever or pain. We have an easy pediatric medicine dosage guide that you can print and save at oprmc.com/kidser.
Prescription drugs: Make sure you have enough on hand to get you through your quarantine or ask a family member or friend who can make a pharmacy run for you. If your child has a chronic condition, like asthma, make sure they have enough medication and inhalers to last through quarantine.
Cleaning products. You will want to have sanitizing spray or wipes to wipe down highly touched surfaces including countertops, faucets, door knobs, drawer pulls, light switches, computer keyboards, tablets, remote controls, toilets, and telephones. Also, make sure you have laundry detergent, hand and body soap, dish soap, Kleenex, toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
Face masks. If you or a family member in your household is COVID positive, everyone in the house should wear a mask. You can purchase masks online and they can be delivered to your door. Masks should be changed or laundered when soiled or wet. Laundry day? Don’t forget to toss in your mask! Part of wearing a face mask is washing it. This healthy habit is essential to help prevent the transmission of germs. When drying your mask, use the highest heat setting and leave in the dryer until completely dry.
Food.
You will need to stock at least two weeks of food for you and your family. Research the grocery delivery services your area offers. The services will drop the food on your porch for a contactless delivery.
Baby necessities.
If you have a baby or toddler at home. Make sure you have enough bottles, formula, baby food and diapers on hand for your quarantine.
Pets.
If you have a fur baby, your pet will need food, medication, and other pet products too.
Phone/Computer chargers and batteries.
Make sure all of your devices are charged so you can keep in touch with family and friends as you recover.
The question I get asked daily is, how do I know if my child needs medical attention? Please seek medical attention if your child is exhibiting signs or symptoms that concern you. Symptoms such as, difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, discoloration around the lips, and difficulty arousing all require immediate medical attention. Parents know their children BEST!
Need to get tested? The Pediatric Center at Overland Park Regional Medical Center offers drive-thru testing for children with a physician order. CareNow Urgent Care locations in Kansas City offers pediatric and adult COVID-19 testing. Schedule an appointment at CareNow.com/KansasCity.
Katie Boyd, RN, is a mom of 6 kids and is the Pediatric Nurse Manager at The Pediatric Center at Overland Park Regional Medical Center. Katie lives in Kansas City, Kansas with her family.
