Location Map FAQ
St. Maarten Medical Center
Obstetrics and GynecologyDepartment
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COVID-19 is a respiratory disease caused by a novel (new) coronavirus that was first detected in China and has now been detected in more than 100 countries across the world.
The virus spreads from person-to-person contact through droplets after a person coughs or sneezes into the air. The virus can spread through contaminated surfaces which have these droplets on them (doorknobs, etc.). It is important to avoid touching your face (eyes, nose and mouth) as this is causes spread.
Symptoms can vary from mild to severe but include fever, cough, fatigue, and shortness of breath.
Fever
Cough
Fatigue
Sore throat
Shortness of breath
Unlike influenza (Flu), there is no vaccine available for COVID-19 at this time.
The best way to prevent infection is to avoid exposure. The following prevention measures are recommended:
We do NOT recommend people that are well wear facemasks.
Pregnant women should follow the same precautions as non-pregnant patients (see above Prevention section).
We do not know the answer to this question. High fevers during the first trimester of pregnancy can increase the risk of certain birth defects. It is important to contact your healthcare provider if you have a fever. It is also unknown if infants with COVID-19 or those exposed in utero will be affected. COVID-19 could produce premature contractions.
The virus that causes COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly by close contact with an infected person through respiratory droplets (in the air). It is still unknown whether a pregnant woman with COVID-19 can transmit the virus to her fetus or neonate through vertical transmission (before or during delivery). In the limited known cases, none of the infants born to mothers with COVID-19 tested positive for the virus and the virus was not detected in amniotic fluid or breastmilk samples.
We do not know whether mothers with COVID-19 can transmit the virus via breastmilk.
The CDC recommends that a mother with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 should take all possible precautions to avoid spreading the virus to her infant. This includes washing hands before touching the infant and wearing a facemask while breastfeeding. If expressing breast milk (manual or electric), wash your hands before touching the pump or bottle parts and follow manufacturer's recommendations for proper pump cleaning after each use. If possible, have someone is well feed the expressed milk to the infant. (Centers for Disease Control, Pregnancy and Feeding: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/pregnancy-breastfeeding.html).
No. There is no evidence that children are more susceptible. In fact, most confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been in adults; however there have been reported infections in children. Children should:
In the limited reports that are available, children have described cold-like symptoms such as fever, runny nose, and cough. Most children had mild symptoms. Although uncommon, severe symptoms have been reported in children. Children with underlying health conditions may be at increased risk of severe infection, as with other respiratory illnesses.
Currently, there are no anti-viral medications recommended for COVID-19 infection. It is important for the child to rest and drink plenty of fluids.
If you have a fever and cough, follow the steps below to help limit the spread to people in your home and community:
WASH HANDS WHEN VISIBLY SOILED! OTHERWISE, USE HANDRUB
Duration of the entire procedure: 40-60 seconds
Wet hands with water;
Apply enough soap to cover all hand surfaces;
Rub hands palm to palm;
Right palm over left dorsum with interlaced fingers and vice versa;
Palm to palm with fingers interlaced;
Backs of fingers to opposing palms with fingers interlocked;
Rotational rubbing of left thumb clasped in right palm and vice versa;
Rotational rubbing, backwards and forwards with clasped fingers of right hand in left palm and vice versa;
Rinse hands with water;
Dry hands thoroughly with a single use towel;
Use towel to turn off faucet;
Your hands are now safe.
RUB HANDS FOR HAND HYGIENE! WASH HANDS WHEN VISIBLY SOILED
Duration of the entire procedure: 20-30 seconds
Apply a palmful of the product in a cupped hand, covering all surfaces;
Once dry, your hands are safe.