Your child and COVID-19
This article has now been updated - please click here for the latest information)
As parents it is normal to feel concerned about the Coronavirus.
The official name is Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, but now it’s getting closer we can use its nickname COVID-19.
The Good News:
Parents can take some reassurance from the fact that at this stage it seems children are at a low risk with COVID-19.
According to friend of Leading Steps, Professor Robert Booy (National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance) children abroad have been less susceptible to the virus.
The number of children overseas who contracted the virus remains low, and the children who did have the illness described mild symptoms like the common cold.
Even newborns, who are characteristically at risk from respiratory infections, seem to have a very mild illness from the COVID-19 virus.
Experts are not sure why this is so, but the risk is that mildly unwell children could pass the virus on to older people much more at risk of severe complications.
In Australia only one child so far had a confirmed infection. That child was traveling with a tour group from the disease epicentre of Wuhan in China.
The Not So Good News
As COVID-19 cases rise around the world many experts predict widespread infection.
COVID-19 is a new virus which originated in animals and then crossed over to infect and spread among humans.
Because it is a new virus for humans there is a lot we don’t know. The situation is evolving rapidly and research to learn more is an international priority.
What symptoms should I look for in my child?
Reports from overseas describe children having a blocked or runny nose, a cough, diarrhoea and a headache. About half the children had a temperature. The symptoms usually lasted between one to two weeks.
These symptoms are similar to other respiratory illnesses such as cold or flu. So far reports from overseas say all children with confirmed COVID-19 had close contact with someone with a confirmed infection.
How does it spread?
COVID-19 is spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes, spreading droplets directly to others and to surfaces and objects. When another person has contact with the contaminated area such as a hands, surfaces or objects and then touches their nose, mouth or face they can then become infected.
The World Health Organization is not yet sure how long COVID-19 can survive on a surface. Similar viruses are known to persist on surfaces for a few hours and up to several days.
The advice for a surface that might be infected is to clean it with disinfectant. Clean your hands with soap and water or hand sanitiser and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
What should I do to protect my family?
Ensure a good hand washing routine for everyone in your household.
Use a tissue or the crook of your arm when you sneeze or cough (dispose of tissue carefully).
Avoid close contact with others who are unwell.
Avoid greeting people by shaking hands or hugging and kissing.
If your child is on medication ensure you have at least two weeks supply in case of quarantine or supply chain disruption.