COVID-19 and Cancer and Blood Disorders Patients

The novel coronavirus has caused a pandemic of respiratory illness, which the World Health Organization (WHO) named COVID-19 in February 2020. Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that cause the common cold and more severe diseases, such as SARS and MERS. COVID-19 spreads much like the flu and can cause severe breathing problems in some people.

The situation surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic is evolving, and there’s a lot of information out there to read. It is especially important during this time to keep communication between you and your kids open so that they don’t feel like they are being kept in the dark.

Learn more about how to talk to your child about COVID-19.

How does it spread?

What are the symptoms?

Reported symptoms of COVID-19 range from very mild to severe and even fatal. Most COVID-19 infections in healthy children are mild and do not require hospital care.

Signs of COVID-19 can include:

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Cough
• Congestion or runny nose
• Fatigue
• Sore throat
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Refusing liquids with decreased urine frequency
• Crying without ability to be consoled
• Fever that is not responsive to fever-reducing medications
• Behavior that is not normal for your child

What if my child has symptoms?

When and where can I get tested?

Testing is recommended based on specific criteria which can be discussed with your medical team. Please contact us with any questions or if you feel your child needs to be tested.

Find a testing site.

Children’s is working closely with local and national health agencies to protect and care for our patients, families and staff. As part of our standard infection prevention practices, we have put plans in place to identify and limit the spread of COVID-19 in our community. Our priority is to do no harm and protect our patients.

The Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center is working diligently to identify safe processes to see our patients when and how appropriate. Your child’s clinical team will be following recommendations and determining what method is appropriate for your child. Be aware that the following are possibilities for your child’s care:

• Telemedicine (e.g., videoconference)
• Postponement
• Regular in-person visit as scheduled

1. Your child may need to get a COVID-19 test prior to your child’s clinic visit or hospital admission. Your child’s nurse will contact you to schedule testing if needed.
2. You should arrive on time for your appointment. Schedules have been adjusted in order to avoid overcrowding and maintain social distancing in our waiting rooms and seating areas.
3. Patients over the age of 2 and families are required to wear masks:
   • In all Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center units and clinics due to the risk factors of patients receiving care in these areas.
   • Please ensure that a well caregiver is bringing the child in for services. If not possible, please notify the clinical team before your arrival for options.
   • Family members, visitors of patients and caregivers with potentially contagious illnesses should not visit Children’s facilities. If there is an issue, please notify the clinical team immediately.

*If you are unsure if your child is at high-risk for infections, please ask their care team.

4. You should limit visitors to two healthy adults for clinic, outpatient visit, or hospital admissions.

We understand that these adjustments may affect the lives of our patients and families. Know that the safety of our patients and community is our most important concern, and we deeply appreciate your patience and understanding during this public health emergency. If you have questions or concerns about delays in clinic appointments, contact the nurse advice line at your respective campus.

Everyone can do his or her part to help prevent the spread of illness. The most important things you and your family can do to help slow the spread of COVID-19 are to get vaccinated and follow the three Ws:

• Wear a mask.
• Watch your distance—stay at least 6 feet from others who don't live with you, particularly in crowded areas.
• Wash your hands—use soap and water for 20 seconds, or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

Here are other steps you can take to help protect your child and others during the COVID-19 pandemic:

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Stay home if you are sick.
• Avoid close contact with those who are sick.
• Cover your mouth with a tissue or the inside of your elbow when coughing and sneezing.
• Clean frequently touched surfaces, such as counters, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, phones and tablets, with a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Get a flu shot.

As with other viruses, it is possible that patients receiving chemotherapy or immunosuppressive therapy, patients undergoing BMT, or patients with sickle cell disease are at higher risk and could develop a more severe infection than healthy children. The best defense against COVID-19 is to get the vaccine when it is available to you, focus on hand hygiene, cover coughs and sneezes, and stay at home as much as possible. To learn more about how to protect higher-risk individuals, visit the CDC’s webpage on people at increased risk.