Updated January 13, 2022
COVID-19 FAQs
What is a variant? Which variants should we know about?
Viruses change constantly, and sometimes those changes (mutations) result in a new strain, or variant. Some variants make the rounds while others disappear completely. This is normal and expected virus behavior.
Omicron is now the dominant strain of SARS-CoV-2 in the United States. It was first detected in South Africa in November 2021 and arrived in the US later that month. Early studies suggest that Omicron is more contagious than Delta, but causes less serve symptoms. Both the Omicron and Delta variants continue to spread quickly in areas with lower vaccination rates.
How does the Omicron variant affect children?
So far, there is no evidence that this variant is any more dangerous to children than other variants. We do know that it spreads more easily from person-to-person, so we must be extra careful and take precautions to minimize risk.
If infected with the Omicron variant and symptomatic, children show common COVID-19 symptoms—fever, cough, cold-like symptoms and possibly GI symptoms.
While testing is available and recommended, it is not 100% accurate as false negatives can occur. Due to the variant being so easy to transmit, until your child is well, they should remain at home.
When should my child be tested for COVID-19?
If your child has been exposed to COVID-19, we recommend they be tested within 3-5 days of exposure. Until you receive your test results, you should stay home and away from others. Please visit the testing section of our website for up to date information regarding testing availability and scheduling.
How long do symptoms last?
The most common symptoms of COVID-19—fever, cough, and other cold-like symptoms—typically appear between 2-14 days from exposure. While there can be long cases of COVID-19, most people recover within two weeks.
What are the current quarantine and isolation instructions?
There are different quarantine instructions for vaccinated and unvaccinated populations. Review our After Testing Guide for the most up to date information regarding quarantine and isolation.
If your child is vaccinated and was exposed, they do not need to quarantine unless they have symptoms.
If your child is unvaccinated and was exposed, they should quarantine for 5 days after the last known contact with COVID-19. You can carefully return to normal activity after those initial 5 days, but should wear a mask around others for 5 additional days.
Should my child return to daycare/school with the cases so high due to the more contagious strain?
Safe, in-person school is important for the mental and physical health of your child. The last school year was challenging for many families, and it is okay to feel overwhelmed with the thought of the new school year approaching. If your child is eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, that is the best protection you can give them for a safe school year. If your child is too young for the vaccine, make sure those around them are vaccinated and if possible, wear masks when you are with those outside of the household.
VISIT GUIDLINES: Providence Health Systems, and most major hospitals in the Portland Metro area, have medical staff stationed at their entrances asking patients screening questions for COVID-19 symptoms. If you are suspected to or have symptoms, a Providence employee may escort you to and from your appointment at Sunset.
We are continuing to follow the guidance of Providence and ask that only the child being seen, and one caregiver attend appointments. If it all possible, please try to keep siblings and additional caregivers at home if they do not have an appointment. If your child or family has symptoms, please only have your family ride in the elevator.
We are encouraging our patients to keep their child’s regular appointments which includes their well child checks and are taking steps to maintain a sterile environment in the clinic and to ensure minimal contact among our patients.
We are dedicated to the health and well-being of you and your family, as well as our staff and other patients. Our physicians are following the guidelines of the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) and the OHA (Oregon Health Authority). According to these authorities, there will be an increased need for patients to stay at home for minor illnesses.
Please call us if you believe your child may have been exposed. It is important to remain at home so as not to infect other individuals. Our medical staff will do their best to triage according to the guidelines of the CDC. Currently, the CDC recommends that persons who think they may have been exposed to COVID-19:
- Stay home at the first signs of illness.
- Take care of mild symptoms at home.
- For symptoms like fever or cough that are severe or cannot be managed at home, call your child’s pediatrician.
We have increased advice phone line staffing; however, we are experiencing extended wait times. We appreciate your understanding and patience.
COVID-19 Symptoms (similar to seasonal influenza):
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
To make sure that we are proactive in keeping your family and our staff protected, some of our medical staff may be wearing additional protective equipment like goggles, masks and face shields during appointments.
Ways you can prevent illness:
- Wash hands – wash with soap and water for 20 seconds (the time it takes to sing Happy Birthday) or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if unable to wash hands.
- Avoid touching your face, mouth and nose with unwashed hands.
- Stay home if you are sick.
- Avoid contact with others who are sick.
- When coughing or sneezing do so into your sleeve or into a tissue and then wash your hands.
- Clean surfaces like door handles and counter tops.
You may have heard news reports about a possible connection between COVID-19 and a rare but serious health condition in children called Multi-System Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C). For more information on what is known, symptoms, treatment and prevention, please click here.
At this time, the COVID-19 vaccine is not approved for use in the United States for anyone under 5 years of age.
Sunset is happy to answer your questions about COVID-19. Please call us if you have concerns. Here’s a list of other reliable sources to stay updated:
- For general information, call 211
- OHA Emerging Respiratory Disease page: www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus
- CDC COVID-19 page: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
- CDC travel notice: wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices
- CDC Quarantine page: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/quarantine-isolation.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fif-you-are-sick%2Fquarantine.html
- CDC COVID-19 Testing page: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/testing.html
- WHO page: www.who.int/westernpacific/emergencies/novel-coronavirus
- Other helpful resources:
