Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Protecting Your Kids

Confused about the new coronavirus strain in the news? Read on for info on the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) – and how you can work on protecting your kids from it.

If you’re anything like the parents I’ve come across in my practice – you’re likely worried about the novel (new) Coronavirus that’s been in the news. Of course, I want you to stay up-to-date with latest news and updates on this new strain. Especially since we’re learning more and more about it everyday.

But, I don’t want you to go into a panic!

If anything, I want you to be on guard for the flu that’s still hitting our kids and families in record numbers. If you haven’t gotten your flu shots for this season yet, it’s not too late!

(I’ll get off of my flu shot soapbox and get back to the matter at hand)

The novel coronavirus is still BIG news and important to follow. So, I’ll share some quick info about this new strain, and what you can do to protect your family.

A little background on coronavirus

We’ve known about the family of Coronaviruses for a while. Kids have spread them through their coughs and sneezes for years. You and your kids have likely been exposed to one or more different types of it throughout your lives. These viruses typically cause the common cold – usually pretty mild illnesses that your body can recover from within 1-2 weeks.

The new coronavirus​​ 

The new human coronavirus that’s made the news was first called the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV), and has now been dubbed COVID-19. The first case was in December of 2019 in Wuhan City, China. So far, over 80,000 people have been diagnosed with the virus since December. And the virus has recently spread to other countries such as South Korea, Iran, Italy, and the US. Recently, there have been at least 53 cases documented in the US – in California, Illinois, Washington, Arizona, Massachusetts and Wisconsin. Most of these illnesses are in people who have returned from travel to the epidemic areas outside of our country.

We’re, unfortunately, on guard for more such cases.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Symptoms can vary in severity from person to person – anywhere from mild to severe symptoms. They include:

• Fever 
• Cough
• ​Shortness of breath
• Body aches
• Tiredness
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Diarrhea

How is COVID-19 spread?

There is still a lot of research being done on the exact ways the virus is spread. We do know that this strain seems to be VERY contagious. The other known coronaviruses are typically spread through droplets (cough, sneeze, saliva, etc).

How can you protect your kids from COVID-19?

Unlike the flu, there’s no vaccine out there that can protect your family from COVID-19 or any of the coronaviruses. The best way to protect yourself and your kids is to practice good hygiene. Here are a few tips:

• Avoid others who may be sick
• Keep your kids home and away from others if they’re sick
• Remind your kids to wash their hands often or use hand sanitizer if there’s no soap and water around
• Remind your kids to keep their hands away from their eyes, nose, and mouth
• Teach your kids how to “cover their cough”. Not with their hands. But coughing and sneezing into their arm or elbow.
• Keep the surfaces in your house clean with a germ-killing disinfectant.
• Ditch the face mask if your kid isn’t sick. It won’t help to prevent them from getting the disease. The CDC only recommends face masks for those who actually have the disease – to prevent the spread to others.

Of course, it’s best to avoid travel to China or any new areas that COVID-19 reaches over the next few weeks. And avoid contact with those who may have recently traveled to one of these areas, since it can take up to a week for a person to show symptoms of the illness.

How is COVID-19 treated?

There’s research being done into an anti-viral medication that can be used to treat the virus. Unfortunately, there doesn’t seem to be a promising treatment available right now. The best treatment is “supportive care”. Just treating the symptoms with things like saline nasal spray/drops for congestion, fever-reducers, pain relievers, drinking plenty of fluids, and lots of rest. Those with severe symptoms (especially affecting the lungs) typically need support in the hospital.

What are the complications of COVID-19?

The novel coronavirus has caused pneumonia and/or death in over 2,000 people since the outbreak started. Most of these deaths have been in the elderly, but the virus has affected people of every age.

So, what do I need to do now?

Updated 3/17: Previously, we could still go about our regular lives as COVID-19 was not as prevalent in our country as it is now. Since I wrote this post, schools and businesses all across our country have shut down, encouraging everyone to stay home. I HIGHLY urge you and your family to practice social distancing until this pandemic is under control. That means spending most of your time at home and away from others. Of course, you’re free to spend quality time with your immediate family (as long as none of you have been exposed), but avoid unnecessary interactions with those outside your home. Here are some tips for keeping your kids busy at home. We all have to do our part in limiting the spread of this pandemic and protecting the most vulnerable around us! So, get comfortable….it may be a long ride!

Use the resources below to stay up-to-date with the latest info from the CDC. They, along with your local health department will be the best sources for reliable information. They’ll provide guidance in case you need to take any special precautions for your area. Practice the prevention tips I mentioned earlier to protect your family from COVID-19, the flu, and other similar illnesses. And, of course, avoid travel to any countries affected by COVID-19.

CDC resour​ces 

Here are a few resources from the CDC, which will be updated whenever new info is available.

• Interim Guidance for Preventing 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) from Spreading to Others in Homes and Communities
• Coronavirus Prevention and Treatment

Plus, check out my other related posts on the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Protecting Your Kids:

Why Are Schools Closed For Coronavirus (COVID-19)?

Keeping Kids Busy While Social Distancing

Maintaining Your Marriage While Social Distancing

The Positive Side of Social Distancing

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If you love these tips, be sure to check out my 170+ page digital library, filled with step-by-step instructions and  the tools you need to create effective routines, manage your time, prepare meals,  clean your home, care for your kids – and so much more!