Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that typically cause mild cold symptoms. We see them year round, although like all cold/cough viruses, more often they are seen in the winter/cooler season.
COVID-19 is a novel strain of Coronavirus, meaning it's something our immune systems have never encountered; however, because children are exposed to so many other viruses, in the same family/class, on a regular basis, they do seem to have some cross-immunity to this novel strain. Similarly even in seasons when the flu shot does not appear a successful match, vaccinated individuals who catch influenza fight it off more quickly. A healthy immune system recognizes the virus more rapidly, and as a result, mounts an immune response.
Like other coronaviruses, COVID-19 will cause cold/cough symptoms and possibly a mild fever; however, the complete clinical picture is not fully known as the illness continues to be studied and followed.
Like other viruses, there is no treatment aside from symptomatic care:
- Tylenol and Motrin
- Honey for coughs in kids older than 1 year - cool-mist humidifiers
- Suctioning for babies
- Hydration
The spread of COVID-19 in other countries has been exacerbated by people flooding the ER's and medical offices. You do not have to do that. If you or your child has mild cold-like symptoms, stay home! We do not even necessarily need to see you in our office.
Your child SHOULD be seen for:
- Any fever (>100.4F) in a baby under 60 days
- Respiratory distress, including a barking cough, increased work of breathing, or cough that interferes with sleep or play
- Dehydration signs
- Sore throat in the absence of cold symptoms
- Ear pain for more than 2 days in kids older than 2 years old, or in conjunction with fever in kids younger than 2 years old
- Fever above 100.4 for more than 5 days
- Practice social distancing:
- Avoid large crowds
- Avoid unnecessary trips to ERs or Nursing Homes
- Avoid unnecessary travel, especially via trains, buses, airplanes. Stay at home with
- any sick-like symptoms.
- Travelers returning from affected locations where community spread is occurring
- also are at elevated risk of exposure
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for a full 20 seconds. You can sing Happy Birthday twice.
- Cover your cough
- Get a flu shot
- Call us for any concerns
- If you have been exposed, or are concerned that you have been exposed to COVID-19, you should quarantine yourself for at least 14 days from the last positive contact.
- For severe symptoms, illnesses, or positive results, do not return to activities or school until 24 hours of recovery and feeling well.
studied, researched, and followed, and the information is being updated as rapidly as it is being
presented.
Please continue to check back as this is an evolving concern.
