If your child needs a COVID-19 test and they don’t have symptoms or have very minimal symptoms, the best place to go is one of the many drive-thru testing centers around the Louisville area.

Story by: Norton Children’s on January 28, 2022

If your child needs a COVID-19 test and they don’t have symptoms or have very minimal symptoms, the best place to go is one of the many drive-thru testing centers around the city. This includes Norton Healthcare Express Services or the site at Churchill Downs operated by Louisville-Jefferson County Metro Government.

“Providers at Norton Immediate Care Centers are seeing patients who are high risk for severe disease and have COVID-19 symptoms,” said Mary Rademaker, M.D., executive medical director, Norton Immediate Care Centers and Norton Prompt Care at Walgreens. “If your child does not have COVID-19 symptoms or has only mild symptoms and is not considered high risk, you likely will need to be prepared to wait based on need and number of patients present.”

Dr. Rademaker also advises going to an emergency department only if you are experiencing a true medical emergency.

If you are not sure whether your child should see a health care provider, contact their primary care provider, especially if they have a preexisting condition that would put them at high risk for severe illness if they get COVID-19.

COVID-19 vaccines continue to be the best way to prevent severe illness from the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

Guidelines for COVID-19 testing and care if you are concerned your child has COVID-19

1. They are unvaccinated with no symptoms or have mild symptoms, but they do not need to be seen by a medical provider for an evaluation:

Testing is best if your child has been exposed to COVID-19 at least five days ago. A testing appointment can be scheduled at NortonHealthcare.com/COVID-19, or you can visit the Louisville-Jefferson County Metro Government’s listing to find other locations.

2. They are vaccinated and have mild symptoms, but they are not high risk:

If your child has been exposed to COVID-19 at least five days ago, has mild symptoms but no health conditions that make them high risk for severe disease from the coronavirus, before going to get tested, contact their primary care provider to determine if your child needs to be seen by their provider.

3. They are at high risk and/or they have moderate to severe symptoms:

You should seek care promptly at a Norton Immediate Care Center or Norton Prompt Care at Walgreens clinic if your child:

• Has mild symptoms of COVID-19 and is considered high risk for severe disease from the coronavirus
• Has moderate to severe symptoms

If your child’s symptoms are life-threatening, seek care at the closest hospital emergency department.