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As a parent, it’s hard not to worry about your child’s health. During this pandemic of COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019), even though this virus causes harm to relatively few children as compared to older adults, you will still feel much better after talking to your child’s pediatrician.
Let’s go over a few questions you may wish to ask your pediatrician about how COVID-19 might affect your child and your family:
Are My Children Vulnerable to COVID-19?
Most children are actually more vulnerable to developing a severe reaction to the influenza virus than to COVID-19. However, babies who are under a year old or born prematurely, and children with underlying medical conditions, are susceptible to complications if infected with the novel coronavirus. A few of these underlying conditions include asthma, diabetes, and obesity.
What Can COVID-19 Do to My Child?
Symptoms of COVID-19 are generally milder in children than in adults. Some children may even be completely asymptomatic. Nonetheless, if your child is infected with the coronavirus, they may experience the following symptoms:
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Fever
- Chills
- Muscle aches
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Shortness of breath
- New loss of taste or smell
- Poor appetite
Because it has flu-like symptoms, you should immediately consult with your pediatrician for a diagnosis if your child is showing any of these signs.
What Else Should I Look Out for Regarding COVID?
Cases still continue to increase, and the effects of this virus are different for everyone. Even if your child does not have comorbidities of the disease, it’s ideal to stay in touch with your child’s pediatrician – a vaccine seems to be on the horizon. Researchers are continuously studying COVID-19.
Can My Child Still Participate in Social Activities During COVID-19?
Just like adults can, children who have been infected with the coronavirus can spread the virus to others. Research shows that children may have similar viral loads in their nasopharynx, which is the upper part of the throat located behind the nose. Ask your pediatrician about the healthiest ways in which the children in your area are socializing as safely as possible.
When Are My Children’s Vaccinations Due?
If your child is six months old or older, they should get annual flu vaccinations. Immunization for the flu can also help to protect your child from similar viruses. COVID-19 shouldn’t stop you from bringing your child to the pediatrician for all of their recommended immunizations on schedule for their age.
Comprehensive Healthcare in Wooster, OH
Here at Wooster Community Hospital, we have elevated our safety protocols to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic by keeping patients and staff alike as safe as possible. We offer comprehensive medical services to provide you and your whole family with the appropriate and complete healthcare you need.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please call us today at (330) 263-8100. You can also fill out our appointment request form online now. Let us help you and your children get through these tough times. We look forward to seeing you here.
