Similar to the common cold, Human Coronaviruses are a strand of viruses that nearly everyone will experience at some point in their lifetime. Typically, such illnesses will only last for a limited amount of time.
In December 2019, a new coronavirus was discovered in China. As the virus has rapidly spread among countries throughout the world, there have been reports of people experiencing mild to severe ailments and even in some cases, death. Due to the recent nature of the novel coronavirus, health official’s main concerns lie on the unknown implications as a result of the virus. Every day, doctors and researchers are learning more about coronavirus including who is most likely to be affected as well as how it spreads.
Symptoms of Coronavirus (COVID-19) can range from mild to severe and may include:
Per the CDC, individuals who are most at risk for the coronavirus include older adults and people with serious chronic medical conditions such as Heart disease, lung disease, and diabetes. Interestingly enough, it has been reported that children are not inherently at risk of getting COVID-19.
Because Coronavirus (COVID-19) is so recent, there is presently no vaccine to prevent it. However, there are various measures you can take to keep you and your family safe and healthy.
Important note: If your child is exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 or has been exposed to it, call their pediatrician immediately.
Healthcare professionals taking care of individuals with COVID-19 must wear facemasks at all times. The CDC recommends that only people with symptoms of COVID-19 should wear facemasks, not those who are healthy.
If your community experiences a COVID-19 outbreak, health officials may choose to temporarily shut schools and childcare centers down in an attempt to slow the spread of the virus. If staff or students are absent, schools may also have an early dismissal. Make sure that your child’s school can contact you at any time so that you can be prepared to pick your child up or find an alternative solution if you are a working parent.
Have open communication with your employer and consider work from home options, if that is available to you. If you have a child who is in college, encourage them to learn about COVID-19 to get prepared as well.
As COVID-19 is inundating all news stations around the globe, it can become alarming to not only parents but children as well. It is encouraged for parents to take information about COVID-19 and filter it in a way that a child will better understand. Avoid setting panic in your child, which can be frightening to them by using these tips:
Parents and families are encouraged to update themselves on the facts about COVID-19 as well as abiding by all necessary precautions mentioned above to prevent the spread of the virus any further.