The COVID-19 pandemic has created unique challenges for youth and student athletes as well as the physicians who care for them.
As schools and other recreational leagues prepare for spring sports seasons in the upcoming year, the Texas Medical Association has published guidance for physicians to clear athletes ages 18 and younger who have recovered from COVID-19.
The document is based on recommendations by the TMA School Reopening Workgroup, which includes physician members of the TMA COVID-19 Task Force, Committee on Infectious Diseases, and Committee on Child and Adolescent Health, and local health authorities from throughout the state.
It is based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American Academy of Pediatrics, and American College of Cardiology, and includes information such as:
- Recommendations for patients with mild, moderate, and severe symptoms;
- A six-step return-to-play progression process; and
- Medical clearance forms.
“While most youth infected with SARS-CoV-2 have mild symptoms or remain asymptomatic, the infection can cause direct injury or inflammation to the myocardium and lung tissue, especially in patients with moderate or severe disease including those that require hospitalization,” the document says. “Evidence remains limited on the prevalence and risks of complications in children and adolescents who have had a milder form of the illness.”
Find more information, tools, and resources on the COVID-19 Resource Center and Practice Viability pages, which are updated frequently.
Last Updated On
December 23, 2020
Originally Published On
December 23, 2020