COVID-19 - Are Children at Risk?
Overview
Accroding to the NHS COVID-19 is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It's caused by a virus called coronavirus.
The COVID-19 virus spreads primarily through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose when an infected person coughs or sneezes, so it’s important that you teach your child to practice respiratory etiquette (for example, by coughing into a flexed elbow).
As the coronavirus continues to spread, many parents are worried about keeping their kids safe. So far cases and researches suggests that children seem to be surprisingly less vulnerable to the severe infection.
Reports have shown that children can have the virus in their secretions for up to 22 days. So it is vital to try and prevent them from getting it and spreading it to others.
Only 2% of over 45,000 reviewed Covid-19 cases in China were children, according to a study published in JAMA last month.
Dr. Poland said some experts speculate that children may not have the same density of the receptors to the virus that adults have. So although children may not be as vulnerable to the diseases as adults, it is still very important to take the necessary measures to protect your child from the virus.
What to do to protect your little ones from COVID-19
-
Wash their hands regularly with soap and water.
-
In public protect your child and keep at least 1 metre distance between people coughing and sneezing.
-
Inform your child to not touch their face.
-
Advise your child to cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
-
If your child is unwell and has any of the symptoms then they should stay at home.
-
Refrain from smoking around your child.
-
Practice avoiding unnecessary travels with your child and stay away from large groups of people.
Symptoms
The COVID-19 virus affects different people in different ways. COVID-19 is a respiratory disease and most infected people will develop mild to moderate symptoms and recover without requiring special treatment.
Common symptoms include: Fever -Tiredness - Dry cough
Other symptoms include: Shortness of breath - Aches and pains - Sore throat
If you or your child have any mild symptoms, it is advised to self-isolate and contact your medical provider or a COVID-19 information line for advice on testing and referral.
ActiKid – Nourishing the next generation.
This article contains general information regarding health and well-being. This information is not intended as advice and should not be treated as such. You must not rely on the information on this website as an alternative to advice from medical or educational professionals.
