Cook Children’s in Fort Worth says COVID-19 tests for kids are causing overload

Cook Children’s Health Care System is urging parents to test their children for COVID-19 at home amid overwhelming demand for testing in its emergency departments.

The system’s emergency departments and urgent-care centers are experiencing high volumes of children who have been exposed to COVID-19 but are not showing any symptoms.

On Monday, Cook’s Children emergency department staff saw more than 600 patients — more than double the typical number, the system said in a news release.

“We are seeing patient volumes equivalent to our worst winters, and it’s taking a toll on our staff,” Kara Starnes, medical director of Cook Children’s Urgent Care, said in a written statement. “We need everyone’s help by staying home if you only need a COVID test or if your child has mild symptoms.”

About 23% of COVID-19 tests at Cook Children’s urgent care centers are coming back positive. Home tests and appointments with pharmacies and test providers are sufficient for children with minor symptoms, the health system said.

Emergency departments and urgent care systems should be used only for more-serious symptoms of COVID-19: trouble breathing, persistent chest pain or pressure, new confusion, inability to stay awake and play, and gray- or blue-colored skin.

“If your child tests positive for COVID at home, you can trust the test. You don’t need to have a health care provider confirm the results,” Starnes said. “If a COVID test comes back negative, it’s safe to monitor minor symptoms at home and re-test in 48 hours.”

The system said other issues — including ear pain, sore throat, diarrhea, vomiting or rashes — should be directed to the child’s primary-care provider or pediatrician.