Masks are Required for Sick Visits

A mask worn over the nose and mouth is required if you or your child are visiting our office with symptoms like fever, sore throat, runny nose, cough, vomiting, rash, or recent exposure to an infectious disease. Parents, the sick child, and all children who come with the sick child should wear masks even if they’re not sure if they’re contagious. Please wait in the “sick patient” waiting area and wear your mask from the time you enter the building until you leave the building.If you are visiting for a well visit, injury, consultation, or visit not related to a current infection or exposure, masks are optional. Infants and children less than 2 years of age do not need to wear a mask.Masks are not required for our staff, but some of our staff will continue to wear masks as an extra precaution since we see sick patients every day. You are always welcome to wear a mask for your own protection.

Why You Should Still Wear a Mask in Our Office:

We encourage you to bring your own masks to ensure the best fit and maximum comfort.

We see vulnerable infants too young for vaccines and people with compromised immune systems in our office every day. It is our job to protect them!

The number of new COVID-19 cases has certainly dropped as more and more people have been vaccinated. Most of our eligible patients have been vaccinated for COVID-19 and many have already had COVID-19.

Just because you’ve had COVID-19 or a vaccine doesn’t mean you can’t get sick again. Previous infection and/or vaccination may or may not protect you against new variants that are circulating and won’t protect you from other viruses like flu or RSV. Only a mask can do all that.

Flu, RSV, and other serious seasonal viruses are no longer following their usual seasonal patterns. Keep in mind that flu vaccination, while extremely helpful, can wear off by the end of the season. That means that you can be susceptible to the flu if it’s been more than a few months since your last vaccine. Most of our patients are not eligible for RSV immunizations and our most vulnerable patients under 6 months of age are too little for flu and COVID-19 vaccines.

Without physical distancing, hand washing, and mask-wearing, surges in flu and RSV cases are likely and they can be just as serious, and for many, more serious than COVID-19.

Because symptoms of colds, RSV, and flu are in many ways identical to COVID-19, you still need to isolate and/or get a COVID test if you get sick regardless of previous infection or vaccination.

Didn’t you enjoy having fewer colds and flu-like illnesses during times of required masking? We encourage you to keep up the good work and continue wearing a mask, washing your hands, and physical distancing, especially in medical facilities or crowded public places. It is your right to protect yourself and your family!

Be safe and stay well.