According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Data from China suggest that pediatric coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases might be less severe than cases in adults and that children (persons aged <18 years) might experience different symptoms than adults.” The CDC followed up with a preliminary analysis of U.S. COVID-19 cases and found similar results, as children with the virus tend to be hospitalized less than adults.
The CDC reports that children with confirmed COVID-19 diagnoses do not always present with fever or cough as often as adults with the virus. While serious COVID-19 complications have led to the hospitalization of children, their overall outcomes tend not to be as severe as adults. However, even though the mortality rate is low, children do die from complications of this virus. The CDC warns that children with at least one underlying medical condition are at relatively higher risk. The most common underlying medical conditions seen in children hospitalized with COVID-19 are “chronic lung disease (including asthma), cardiovascular disease, and immunosuppression.”
Johns Hopkins Medicine suggests that, “the best way to prevent children from becoming sick with COVID-19 is to avoid exposing them to people who are (or who might be) sick with the virus.” Thus, it is important to practice social distancing by keeping your children away from crowds and at least six feet away from anyone who could possibly be sick. This includes family members.
To slow the spread of the virus and to keep your children safe and healthy, encourage these healthy habits:
- Wash hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
- Cough & sneeze with care into your elbow or a tissue and never in your hands. Always throw away used tissues immediately after each use.
- Keep hands away from faces.
- Keep all surfaces, especially high touch surfaces clean and disinfected.
To speak with a healthcare provider at Primary Medical Care Center & Urgent Care Clinic to assess any non-emergency health concerns, including suspected COVID-19 symptoms, please call (305)751-1500 for our Miami-Dade clinic or (954)289-0000 for our Broward clinic. For life-threatening emergencies, always call 911. For coronavirus updates and resources, please visit our website at www.primarymed.com.
Sources: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6914e4.htm