So, let’s talk about Coronavirus.
Coronoviruses are a family of viruses that typically cause mild colds. We see them year round, although like all cold/cough viruses, more in the winter.
COVID-19 is a novel strain of Coronavirus. That means it’s something our immune systems have never seen before.
However, because children are regularly exposed to so many other viruses in the same family, they do seem to have some cross-immunity to this strain. Similar to when the flu vaccine isn’t a terrific match in during some seasons, vaccinated individuals who catch the flu can fight it off quicker. A healthy immune system recognizes the virus and mounts an immune response quickly. This seems to be similar for COVID-19 and is likely the reason why there have been no pediatric deaths reported in any country.
Like other coronaviruses, COVID-19 will cause cold/cough symptoms, likely with a mild fever. There is no treatment other than symptomatic care. There is a greater concern for complications in the elderly population and those with compromised immune systems.
The spread of COVID-19 in other countries has been exacerbated by people flooding the ERs and medical offices. Don’t do that. We do not need to see your child in the office if they have mild cold symptoms…keep them home!
The media is causing more fear than is necessary. Flu is still the major cause of illness and deaths in the pediatric population.
Stay calm.
Wash your hands.
Cover your cough.
Wash your hands.
Get a flu shot.
Wash your hands.
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#handwashing #coronavirus #COVID19