Coronavirus is a virus that affects the airways, with symptoms such as cough, high temperature and breathing difficulties most common.
Children don’t seem to be catching the virus in the same numbers as adults, and if they do, they aren’t developing as severe symptoms.
However, it still means babies and toddlers are at risk of catching COVID-19.
According to data from Chinese health officials, children are generally developing mild cases of COVID-19.
But just because children and babies aren’t as likely to develop major symptoms, it doesn’t mean they won’t get, and spread the disease.
The biggest concern is children passing on the virus to those who are more vulnerable, such as the elderly and those with underlying health conditions.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) children don’t appear to be higher at risk for COVID-19 than adults.
The CDC says: “While some children and infants have been sick with COVID-19, adults make up most of the known cases to date.”
If your child has a long-term health condition, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children (GOSH) don’t recommend taking any extra precautions.
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On their website, it says: “Currently, our advice is the same for everyone – we do not think you need to take any extra precautions if your child has a long-term health condition.”
In order to keep your kids safe from COVID-19, it is urged you should teach them to do the same things everyone should to stay healthy.
This includes washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
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A good way of teaching this is by singing Happy Birthday twice.
If soap and water is not available, the NHS recommends using hand sanitiser.
The CDC also recommend avoiding people who are sick and cleaning and disinfecting surfaces at home.
It’s also a good idea to clean washable plush toys.
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In addition Aaron Milstone, paediatrician at the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center, says you should “encourage everyone in the family to cough and and sneeze into their elbow, instead of their hands and to wash their hands after each time this occurs”.
Parents should also remind children to avoid touching their face regularly.
The NHS only recommends to use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service if you feel you can’t cope with your symptoms at home, your condition gets worse or your symptoms don’t get better after seven days.
- NHS
- Coronavirus
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