Pediatric Long COVID Navigation Clinic
What is Long COVID?
This is one of the terms used to describe persistent or new symptoms that develop after a probable or confirmed case of COVID-19. According to the World Health Organization, these symptoms usually occur within 3 months of the initial infection and last for at least 2 months without another cause for the symptoms found. Common symptoms include tiredness, shortness of breath, “brain fog” or difficulty concentrating, dizziness, muscle or joint pain, weakness, and difficulty with exercise. These symptoms can be severe enough they affect your daily activities.
Other terms you may hear that describe these symptoms after COVID-19 infection include long-haul COVID, post-acute COVID 19 condition, post-acute sequelae of SARs CoV-2 infection (PASC), long-term effect of COVID, and chronic COVID.
About Us
The Pediatric Long COVID Navigation Clinic opened in April 2022 to support pediatric patients with Long COVID. We review the work-up patients have had thus far and help facilitate the evaluation to rule out other potential causes of a patient’s symptoms. To do this, we refer patients to specialist care as needed. We also assist in the management of symptoms with a goal of returning patients to regular activities and school.
This telehealth clinic can virtually see patients under 18 years old in Utah, Nevada, Idaho and Wyoming.
Patients need to be referred by their pediatrician or health care provider.
What to Expect
- Once the patient’s referral has been submitted, a patient scheduler will call to schedule the patient in this virtual clinic. Both the patient and parent need to be present on the telehealth visit.
- A preclinic survey will be sent to the email address provided. This must be completed 3 days before the patient’s appointment in entirety; this helps us to focus the visit on the symptoms the patient is experiencing and optimize time for counseling and care management.
- Our medical assistant will call 15 minutes prior to the appointment to check the patient in and obtain additional information needed for the visit.
- A link will be sent to the family to access the telehealth visit.
- The Nurse Practitioner will join the call. A thorough evaluation to assess your child’s symptoms will be performed. Based on symptoms, referrals may be placed to other pediatric specialists and may include (among others):
- Cardiology
- Pulmonology and sleep medicine
- Behavioral Health
- Rheumatology
- Neurology
- Gastroenterology
- Integrative Medicine
- Speech Language Pathology
- Physical Therapy
- Lifestyle modifications will also be recommended to assist in the daily management of symptoms.
Things To Do Prior To A Patient's Visit
- Ensure all of your child’s records including blood work, imaging (Xrays, CT scans, ECG, ECHOs), and specialist notes from outside of the Intermountain Health Care System have been sent to the Pediatric Long COVID Navigation Clinic at least 3 days before the clinic visit. This is important so we have all of the information reviewed beforehand to better understand the care that has already been received.
- Complete the online paperwork 3 days before your appointment.
- Make a list of the symptoms your child is experiencing and the approximate dates these started.
- Make a list of questions you have for the provider.
Tips For Patients Continuing To Experience Symptoms After Initial COVID-19 Illness
- Take it easy and rest as needed. Don’t push yourself to do the activities you were doing prior to COVID if you don’t feel up to it or are having symptoms with activities.
- Get a good night sleep! Check out these resources for more tips: 5 Ideas for Better Sleep (for Teens) - Primary Children's Hospital (kidshealth.org)
- Keep a journal of symptoms to help discover triggers and avoid as possible.
- Seek care with your primary care provider if you are concerned.