What parents need to know about the coronavirus (COVID-19)
/By: Caroline MacElroy, CPNP
First and foremost the most important thing for parents to know about COVID-19 is that the virus is not affecting children the same way it is affecting those older than 60 years of age. The majority of deaths have occurred in the older population. Older people with underlying heart or lung disease or diabetes are more at risk for developing serious complications from COVID 19. At this point in time no worldwide pediatric deaths have been reported from COVID-19.
So what is it that makes COVID-19 so scary? The biggest point of concern for coronavirus is that it is a novel virus. This means the type of strain has not been seen in humans before. Humans have been exposed to coronaviruses, but not this type. When there is a new virus strain the body has no prior immune defense built up to fight off the virus. This means the virus has a higher virulence. If a virus has a higher virulence, then it can make people more sick. Having a higher virulence does not make a virus more deadly, it just makes you sicker. Furthermore, because this is a new strain the information we know about the virus is constantly evolving and changing as we find out more. For the latest and most up to date information please visit www.cdc.gov.
The virus is spread from person-to person through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. You must be in close contact with another person for this to occur, which is within 6 feet. The latest reports show there is some concern for fecal spread. Important tips and facts that can protect you and your children are proper hand hygiene. You should wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. If you do not have access to soap and water and your hands are not visibly dirty, use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth if your hands are not clean. If you can remain approximately 6 feet away from someone who is coughing or sneezing, you can reduce your risk of exposure. Only avoid large crowds if you can not safely maintain this distance from others. Do not wear a face mask if you are healthy because there is more risk of becoming sick from inadvertently touching your face with dirty hands.
In order to protect others, if you have had a fever in the last 24 hours stay at home because you are sick. You must be fever free for 24 hours without Tylenol or Ibuprofen in order to not be contagious. Otherwise you will infect others around you. Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze with your elbow. Throw your dirty tissues in the trash. Wash your hands immediately after coughing, sneezing, and blowing your nose. If you are sick then you should wear a face mask if you are going to be in close contact with others. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, counter tops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks. If surfaces are visibly dirty use soap and water to clean prior to disinfection.
These measures will not only protect you from COVID-19 but also from influenza. We are still seeing active influenza in the community. Influenza has been a far greater concern in our pediatric patients. The 2019-2020 influenza season has been the deadliest for children in a decade. As of February 29, 2020, 136 pediatric deaths have occurred from influenza.
For any additional information or questions please call our office. If you think you have had exposure to COVID-19 please call our office immediately. This information is not to replace any medical advice from your personal healthcare professional.