What is COVID-19?
Coronavirus is not new—there are many types of coronaviruses that commonly cause mild illnesses in humans. However, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a new version that we haven’t seen before, and it’s highly contagious and spreading rapidly throughout the world. COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person through droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Others can get sick when they inhale those droplets or touch their mouth, nose or eyes after touching a surface where those droplets have landed.
You can learn more about COVID-19 on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
The most common symptoms are fever, cough and shortness of breath. People develop symptoms 2 to 14 days after exposure to COVID-19. Most people will get better within a few weeks, but those with a severe case of the disease may take a month or more to recover.
How does COVID-19 affect babies, children, and teens?
Thankfully, according to the CDC, children seem to have milder forms of the illness. COVID-19 symptoms in kids range from infection without symptoms to mild upper respiratory symptoms with runny nose and cough, and rarely pneumonia requiring hospitalization.
In general, babies can be at a higher risk for respiratory infections. According to the very limited data available about COVID-19, current literature suggests this illness has been mild for babies.
How does COVID-19 affect adults and children who are immunocompromised or have other chronic illnesses?
Adults with certain underlying health conditions may be at risk for more serious complications from COVID-19. Adults should contact their primary care provider if they have any symptoms of COVID-19, especially if they have an underlying condition.
- Examples of conditions include:
- Lung Disease
- Heart disease
- Kidney disease
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- High Blood Pressure
- Immunodeficiency conditions
- Other underlying medical conditions
Children with certain underlying health conditions may be at higher risk to contract COVID-19. Contact your child’s pediatrician if you have any concerns.
- Chronic lung disease
- Heart disease
- Neurologic conditions (including muscle disorders)
- Immunodeficiency conditions
- Organ transplant
- Cancer treatment
- Treatment with medications that lower the immune system
- Examples of conditions include:
What is the current COVID-19 situation in the United States?
This is an emerging and rapidly evolving situation. The CDC will provide updated information and guidance as it becomes available.
Who is most at-risk for getting COVID-19?
Adults over the age of 60 and those with underlying medical conditions have shown more serious symptoms.
How can I protect myself, my child, or other loved ones from COVID-19?
CCHP encourages families to follow social distancing guidelines, wash hands regularly and avoid contact between children and elderly adults, including relatives. Anyone over 2 years of age should wear a mask when they leave their home.
Families should still limit when they leave the house. When not in their home, people should practice social distancing of at least six feet and wearing face masks, including for kids 2 years and older.
- Practice good hand hygiene.
- Wash hands often and thoroughly with soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds.
- Use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol when soap and water are not available.
- Remind children to do this after going to the bathroom, before eating and after blowing their nose, coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Cover your cough and sneezes.
- Avoid close contact with people who are ill.
- Get the flu vaccination for everyone 6 months and older.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces.
How do you get infected with COVID-19?
According to the CDC, it is believed that the virus likely spreads through droplets produced when a person coughs or sneezes. Current data indicates that some people infected with COVID-19 can transmit the virus before having symptoms.
If I am pregnant and get infected with COVID-19, will my baby be affected?
At this time, very little is known about COVID-19 and its effect on pregnant women and infants.