We all know how accident-prone kids can be. They get bruises, bumps, cuts, and scrapes from time and time. Most of the time, these boo-boos are nothing to worry about, but sometimes a cut or laceration may require turning to your pediatrician for stitches. Does your child need stitches? We know it isn’t always easy to tell. Here are some telltale signs that your child might need stitches,

• Apply pressure to the cut for five minutes. If it’s still bleeding after five minutes, it probably needs stitches
• The cut is more than ½-inch deep or longer
• The cut is around their eye
• The cut is on their face or neck and is longer than ¼ inch
• The cut is gaping open
• There is an object sticking out of it, including debris or glass
• The cut is spurting blood

• The cut was made by a rusty or metal object
• There is redness, swelling, pus, or other signs of infection
• The child has been bitten by an animal
• The cut hasn’t healed within 10 days
• There is still severe pain after a few hours

All children need to get a tetanus shot. When we think of tetanus we often think of rusty nails; however, this bacterium isn’t just found on rusty metal items, it also lives in soil and dirt. If bacteria come in contact with a wound or opening in the skin this can lead to a serious infection. If your child, like many, enjoys running around outside barefoot, they must be keeping up with their tetanus shots.

• Painful and severe muscle spasms
• Shoulder, jaw, and neck stiffness
• Difficulty breathing and swallowing
• Rapid heart rate
• Fever

Do your part to stop the spread of coronavirus among children and teens.

With COVID-19 cases on the rise across the country, it’s important that we make our best efforts to keep our families safe and reduce the spread of the virus in our communities.  The hardest part is knowing when one might be exposed, especially when children may be asymptomatic yet capable of sharing the infection.  We are providing testing for our patients, using both a quick antigen test performed on-site with results within a few hours, and the more sensitive PCR test which is sent to the reference lab and may take a few days to get a result.  However, prevention is the best medicine and there are familiar routines we advocate that can help.

Wash Your Hands

Nothing works better than hand washing.  It is most effective when using soap, washing the front and back of the hands, and doing it for 20 seconds (the time it takes to sing the Happy Birthday song twice).  If there isn’t soap and water available, make sure that your child has access to hand sanitizer that has at least 60 percent alcohol. Then have them wash their hands properly when possible.

Wear a Mask

Wearing a face mask over your nose and mouth dramatically reduces the spread of the virus.  Wearing a mask when out in public or in any group setting outside of your home down to age 5, and younger if they are willing and able.  This is a big commitment and, for some, an inconvenience, but even if it reduces the likelihood of spread by 10%, it can save lives.  Help your kids get used to and feel good about wearing a mask.  Put one on their favorite stuffed animal.  Praise them for their good behavior.  Find fun and interesting masks that they can choose and feel good about wearing.

Keep Your Distance

There is no more effective way to prevent infection or spread of the virus than social distancing.  That starts with staying at home more, at least until we see this pandemic recede.  If you are in a group setting, the common advice of a 6-foot perimeter and limited numbers of people in gatherings is the smart way to go.  If you are not in contact with infected people-and many do not know they are infected and spreading the virus because they are asymptomatic-you will not get it!

When to get tested

There are many situations where testing for COVID-19 is appropriate and even required.  If you are notified that someone you or your child was around has tested positive, testing should be considered.  It is important to know who in your household is at high risk for severe disease and to understand how to deal with a positive test.  Our offices are available for telemedicine visits (virtual visits from your home or other location) and we can provide testing in the offices and offer “curbside” services at our Fairfax, Herndon, and Aldie locations.  Please call the office to arrange an appointment and we will accommodate your needs as quickly and conveniently as possible.

If you have questions about COVID testing or any of the other services we offer, simply call us at (703) 573-2432.