COVID-19 Specialist
Allyson Agathis, MD, FAAP
Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine located in Bedminster, NJ
You want a skilled medical professional to support your child’s health in the face of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. At her practice in Bedminster, New Jersey, Allyson Agathis, MD, FAAP, ensures that your child gets the testing and treatment needed to keep them safe during this time. Call today to schedule a diagnostic COVID-19 test for your child or an antibodies test to find out if they’ve already had the virus.
COVID-19 Q & A
Is COVID-19 a threat to my child?
If you have reason to believe your child has been exposed to someone with COVID-19 or is showing symptoms, contact Allyson Agathis, MD, to schedule a COVID-19 test and get appropriate care.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19 in kids?
Symptoms of COVID-19 include:
- Shortness of breath
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Dry cough
- Nasal congestion
- Runny nose
- Sore throat
- Body aches
- Loss of smell or taste
- Poor feeding in babies
Children may also have diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting with COVID-19.
In many cases, the symptoms in this list represent another condition, like the common cold or allergies, and are not a reason to be concerned. Only a telephone call and discussion with a medical professional can help differentiate between COVID symptoms and those of other illnesses.
You may suspect these symptoms are associated with COVID-19 if your child has been in contact with someone who did have a positive COVID test. This includes friends, family, teachers, or a fellow student at school or a member of a sports team.
COVID-19 spreads rapidly when droplets of saliva or nasal discharge from an infected person circulate in the air.
What is COVID-19 testing?
There are several types of COVID-19 tests. The office offers RAPID ANTIGEN TESTING as well as COVID IN OFFICE PCR TESTING with results within an hour. Antibody tests can be drawn in the office and sent out to reference laboratories.
Molecular/PCR tests
The molecular test requires the collection of a fluid sample with a nasal swab. The test detects the genetic material of the virus using a technique called polymerase chain reaction (PCR.)
Antibody testing
Antibody testing may detect current infection or past exposure to the virus either by being infected or being ill with COVID-19.
If you have concerns about COVID-19, the staff can help you determine which test is appropriate for your child and what actions to take after you get your test results.
How can I help prevent the spread of the virus?
Testing can help you know if your child has COVID-19 and should quarantine (along with your family) to help stop the spread to friends, family, and classmates.
Even if no one in your family has COVID-19, you should take precautions to help stop its spread. Have your family members wash their hands frequently with warm water and soap or with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. When you leave your home, wear a mask and practice social distancing.
If you need COVID-19 testing or treatment for your child, call Allyson Agathis, MD, to schedule an appointment right away.