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Coronavirus 2020

What Is Coronavirus?Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in our everyday lives. They can cause everything from the common cold to the Coronavirus we’re all hearing about in the news, COVID-19. Chances are that you and your child have had a coronavirus at some point in your lives. What makes COVID-19 different from the common cold is the strength of symptoms. Still, 80% of people who get this virus will have mild symptoms and recover from the disease without issue (World Health Organization). Those most at risk of having an adverse reaction to the virus are elderly people and people with pre-existing respiratory conditions. 

Why Is This One Different?According to the American Pediatric Associations site Healthychildren.org, “The virus that causes COVID-19 is a new strain of coronavirus that had not previously caused disease in humans but has now become capable of infecting people. It was discovered in China in December 2019 and has now spread internationally as well as to the United States. Public health officials are actively investigating this virus to learn more about its impact. While we do know it is contagious, it does not seem that children are at higher risk. Children who have tested positive in China had mild illnesses.”

What Are The Symptoms?People who contract this virus will have a wide array of symptoms from mild to severe. According to Healthychildren.org, these are the symptoms to look for:

  1. Fever

  2. Cough

  3. Shortness of breath

  4. Body aches

  5. Tiredness

  6. Sore throat

  7. Headache

  8. Diarrhea

  9. Pneumonia

How to Keep Your Family HealthyWhile there is no vaccine for COVID-19, there are several things you can do to keep you and your family healthy. Healthychildren.org recommends:

  1. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer. Look for one that is 60% or higher alcohol-based.

  2. Keep your kids away from others who are sick or keep them home if they are ill.

  3. Teach kids to cough and sneeze into a tissue (make sure to throw it away after each use!) or to cough and sneeze into their arm or elbow, not their hands.

  4. Clean and disinfect household objects and surfaces in your home.

  5. Avoid touching your face; teach your children to do the same.

  6. Avoid travel to highly infected areas.

Get in touch with Kids First​If your child has been exposed to COVID-19, or your child is developing symptoms, call us here at Kids First before coming into the office.

More InformationFor more information regarding Coronavirus, germ prevention, and when to keep your child home, head over to these links! Hand Washing: A Powerful Antidote to Illness Germ Prevention Strategies When to Keep Your Child Home from Child Care Coronavirus Prevention and Treatment (CDC) ​

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