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COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions


Medical Information About COVID-19

Does Children's Conduct Tests For the Coronavirus?
Children's is only conducting coronavirus (COVID-19) testing on any child who is an inpatient and is showing symptoms of a possible coronavirus infection. Children's is not a community test site for the general public. In the event a test is ordered for an inpatient in our care, the charge for this test is typically $232.50.

How Is the Coronavirus Treated?
Most people with the coronavirus, including children, do not have serious problems. After talking to a doctor, most get better with rest and fluids. People who are very ill get care in a hospital with breathing help, IV fluids, and other treatments.

How Can I Protect Myself From the Coronavirus?
As with other viruses, the best ways to protect yourself and your family are:

  • Avoid contact with people who are sick.
  • Wash your hands well and often. Wash for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Teach your kids to do the same.
  • Try not to touch your eyes, nose, and mouth if you haven't washed your hands.
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that people touch a lot.
  • Wear a mask
  • Get Vaccinated

Antibiotics can't treat viruses so they won't help with the coronavirus. Medicines for the flu don't work either because the coronavirus is different from the flu virus.

Countries like the United States are taking steps to prevent it from spreading. This means identifying people who have the virus and anyone they come into contact with.

I think my child has COVID-19. What should I do?
Please contact your child’s primary care physician first. Do NOT report to the Emergency Department unless specifically asked to by your child’s physician.
Learn more on the COVID-19 Vaccine and Resources page.

Where Can I Learn More About the Coronavirus?


Children’s of Alabama’s Response

Visitation and Appointments

Can I visit/stay with my child while they are in the hospital?
Yes. Please refer to policy below:

  • Mask must be worn in hospital common areas and while staff is in the room.
  • Inpatient visitation hours: 9am – 9pm.
  • Max of 4 people at any one-time (includes parents, siblings, extended family, and others).
  • After 9pm: only 2 parents OR caregivers permitted. All others must leave the hospital.
  • Parent/caregiver should be present in patient’s room to receive other visitors.
  • Visitation restrictions may apply when:
    • Clinically necessary
    • Infection prevention practices dictate
      • We are currently under our Seasonal Visitation Guidelines:
      • Siblings and children under the age of 12 are not allowed to visit at any time
      • Parents, family, and visitors who have fever, cough, or other flu/infectious symptoms are not allowed to visit
    • Patient is on isolation

Exceptions:

  • Visitor guidelines may vary on critical care units, including age restrictions for siblings and other children.
  • Flu vaccine is recommended for visitors on some critical care units.
  • Visitors who have received live viral vaccines in the last 30 days are not permitted on some units.
  • Visitation hours and guidelines differ on the Behavioral Health unit and are discussed upon admission to Behavioral Health.
  • Outpatient clinics, Primary Care Practices, One Day surgery, the Heart Center and the Emergency Department each follow their own visitation guidelines that may differ from those listed above.

If my child tests positive, or is waiting for their test results for COVID-19 and is hospitalized, can I stay with them? 
Children’s has implemented new visitation restrictions for patients testing positive for COVID-19 and patients under investigation (PUI). One parent/caregiver is allowed to quarantine with the patient in their room. The parent/caregiver must stay in room at all times and must also wear a mask. If the parent/caregiver leaves the hospital, they must be escorted.

How is Children’s screening visitors to campus for COVID-19 symptoms?
Children's of Alabama is screening all parents/caregivers and any others who enter campus facilities. This process includes temperature and screening questions.

Testing

Does Children's Conduct Tests For the Coronavirus?
Children's is conducting coronavirus (COVID-19) testing on any child who is an inpatient. Additionally, some children are getting a pre-surgical testing for COVID-19. This is dependent on their surgical provider. Children's is not a community test site for the general public. In the event a test is ordered for an inpatient in our care, the charge for this test is typically $232.50.
Download the COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions (PDF).