How Dangerous Is The Coronavirus For Children?
The coronavirus pandemic is currently on everyone’s lips. This is due to its rapid spread from person to person. But you’re probably wondering: what about your little ones? How dangerous is the coronavirus for children? Do you have to worry
In this article you will find some important facts about this virus and also whether it is a danger to the little ones. You will also learn about possible precautionary measures you can take for children and yourself in the context of the coronavirus pandemic .
What actually is the coronavirus?
The exact origin of the new coronavirus is still unknown. There are different types of coronavirus within the same family and the novel virus is a new strain within this family.
The different coronaviruses can have different effects. Sometimes the illness remains as a simple cold. But in more severe cases it can also lead to pneumonia and in extreme cases an infection can even lead to death from lung failure.
In December 2019, the first cases of a disease caused by this new type of coronavirus were discovered in the Chinese city of Wuhan. Since then, the number of cases has skyrocketed. Because the infection occurs relatively easily from person to person.
The number of people who have been confirmed to be infected by the coronavirus is very high. However, it can be said that mortality from this type of virus is currently low. Even lower than previous epidemics of other types of coronavirus.
What symptoms does a coronavirus disease cause?
If you are infected with the coronavirus , you will usually experience symptoms that are similar to those of ordinary flu. These include, for example, the following:
- sniff
- General malaise
- Exhaustion
- Body aches
- Dry cough
- Runny nose
- Fever and chills
- Sore throat and headache
An infected person can remain completely symptom-free. But it is also possible that she might be going through a flu-like illness. In the most severe cases, more serious complications can arise. These include pneumonia or, in extreme cases, lung failure.
But it can be said that these serious courses of illness caused by the coronavirus are only rare. Because they usually only occur in the most vulnerable group of the population. This includes the elderly and people with a weakened immune system.
So how dangerous is the coronavirus for children?
So far it seems that an infection with the coronavirus does not usually pose a major health risk for children. The course of the disease is rather harmless for the youngest. This fact, as well as the low mortality rate mentioned above, mean that the official bodies spread reassuring messages about the danger of the coronavirus for children.
Nonetheless, the Association of Spanish Pediatricians, for example, together with other pediatric institutions, intends to draw up a protocol for the treatment and management of the coronavirus in children.
Of course, it is particularly important to pay attention to every possible suspected case and to inform the public health authorities immediately about such a case. In this way, they can initiate the appropriate measures and then either confirm the relevant case or determine that the infection has been excluded.
How can you prevent infection from the coronavirus? And what treatment is there?
An effective treatment for this type of virus has not yet been found. Therefore, the focus is on treating the symptoms and trying to lower the fever and relieve the pain. In this way, the general state of health of the person concerned is to be kept as good and stable as possible.
It is also necessary to watch out for possible complications. As stated above, this is particularly true in cases involving the most vulnerable groups of the population.
First and foremost, it is important to prevent human-to-human transmission. Proper hygiene is essential for this. First of all, of course, this has to be the very basic general hygiene. But you also have to be very careful when it comes to hand hygiene.
Of course, you should avoid contact with people who are already infected. If this really cannot be avoided, remember: You should definitely cover your eyes, nose and mouth properly.
Conclusion: No particular danger from the coronavirus for children
It’s true: There is alarm in practically all parts of the world about the new type of corona virus. Nonetheless, experts recommend staying calm. And: The virus doesn’t seem to be particularly aggressive, especially for children.
In addition, the rapid response of the health system will greatly reduce the possibility of the virus spreading uncontrollably. Nevertheless , as always, the most important thing to do is to consult a doctor when in doubt.
