pediatric practice may have tools or tricks to be able to do those visits virtually while some offices may not.” So start with a virtual conversation. Then, if an in-office visit is required, it can be quick and easy. Dr. Burgert says that some services might even be available in the car in a drive-thru setting. It’s beneficial for parents to familiarize themselves with the logistics of virtual appointments. Dr. Burgert explains that “these types of visits are not going away after the pandemic.” She says, “This will be something that will be a part of pediatric care as we move forward, and it has been in many offices in the past.” Can virtual appointments help parents distinguish between seasonal allergies and the COVID-19 virus? One of the main benefits of a virtual pediatric appointment this Spring might be helping
parents distinguish between seasonal allergies and viral infections, such as a cold or the COVID-19 virus. Dr. Burgert explains that seasonal allergy symptoms include itchy, watery eyes, tiredness, and occasional sore throats. On the other hand, symptoms of a viral infection include extreme exhaustion (beyond normal fatigue), fevers, aches, and pains. Headaches and sore throats may be attributed to either an allergy or an infection. Dr. Burgert explains that at a virtual pediatric appointment, parents can talk through “the entire profile of what your kid is experiencing.” Distinguishing between seasonal allergies and viral infections is incredibly important because they should be treated very differently. Dr. Burgert says, “We don’t recommend a lot of over-the-counter meds for kids who have colds anymore.” Instead, she says, we have comfort measures, such as “saline, nasal drops, and humidifiers.” On
the other hand, she says that there are “safe and effective over-the-counter treatments” for seasonal allergies. These include “longacting non-drowsy antihistamines, such as children’s Allegra.” Often, these types of medications are available for delivery, so you don’t need to risk an unnecessary trip to the pharmacy. Ultimately, Dr. Burgert believes it’s important for “families to know that common childhood illnesses are still happening, even within this pandemic.” So when you need advice about treatments and medication, your pediatrician is still available to help you. Dr. Burgert explains, “This is a bit of new territory for pediatrics.” Nevertheless, she adds, “We are trying to do as much as we can within our office setting and using Telehealth visits to be able to care for the common conditions that we still need to see our patients for.” May 2020 | Westchester Family
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