Coronavirus Update

What is COVID-19?

Coronavirus disease 2019, or “COVID-19,” is an infection caused by a specific virus called SARS-CoV2. The virus first appeared in 2019 in the city of Wuhan, China. It has spread quickly since then and now cases have appeared across the globe, including Europe and the USA. 

Children and adults with the virus can have fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Problems breathing can occur when the infection affects the lungs and causes pneumonia (a condition where fluid accumulates in the lungs). 

How is COVID-19 spread?

COVID-19 spreads from person to person contact. When a sick individual coughs or sneezes near other people the droplets can contain the virus thereby infecting others. It is possible to get sick from touching a surface that an infected individual has spread the virus to if you then touch your mouth, nose, or eyes. It is possible to spread the virus even if the affected individual is not having symptoms. 

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Symptoms typically appear in a few days after an individual is infected by the virus. Incubation (how long before symptoms develop) can be approximately 5-14 days. 

Symptoms include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Feeling tired
• Trouble breathing
• Muscle aches

Less common symptoms include:

• Headaches
• Sore throat
• Runny nose
• Problems with smell
• Nausea or diarrhea

Who is affected by COVID-19?

Anyone can be infected with the virus. Most individuals have mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. Children and young adults with COVID-19 typically have mild to no symptoms. There have been no reported deaths of children aged 0-9 years old as of March 2020. This does not mean children are immune to the virus. Children can still be infected by COVID-19 and may be hospitalized due to respiratory complications. It is vital that parents take preventative measures to reduce the spread of the infection. 

At this time adults (persons older than 20 years old) are at significant risk of hospitalization and complications that may lead to fatality. It is critical that families protect vulnerable community members by practicing hand hygiene, social isolation, and stay informed and follow advice given by your healthcare provider. 

How can I treat or prevent COVID-19?

Currently, there is no treatment for COVID-19. There are drugs that are being studied across the globe for the purpose of managing this infection, but the US Food and Drug Administration has not approved any drugs specifically for patients with COVID-19. 

Supportive care measures for symptoms treatment may assist in helping an infected individual overcome the virus. Supportive measures include:

• Tylenol and Motrin for fever control (temperature greater than 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit)
• Honey, Zarbees, warm-fluids for throat pain in children older than 1 years of age
• Cool mist humidifiers and nasal suctioning for infants
• Maintaining a healthy diet and adequate fluid intake throughout the day

To prevent COVID-19 transmission community mitigation measures and infection control are critical. Infection control measures include:

• Maintain 6 feet distance from other persons in public settings
• Clean your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
• Stay at home if you’re sick, except to get medical care
• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough (cough into elbow or tissue)
• Wear a face mask if you are sick
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces like: tables, doorknobs, countertops, phones, sinks, toilets, etc.
  • Disinfect with household products or diluting bleach
    • Bleach solution is made of 5 table spoons of bleach per gallon of water or 4 teaspoons of bleach per quart of water

Other helpful tips can be found at the following websites:

CDC Prevention of COVID-19

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/prevention.html?

CDC FAQ on COVID-19

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html

WHO Prevention of COVID 19

https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public

American Academy of Pediatrics Healthy Children Prevention Tips

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/chest-lungs/Pages/2019-Novel-Coronavirus.aspx

NC Department of Health and Human Services on COVID-19

https://www.ncdhhs.gov/covid-19/faq#who-can-i-call?

When should I seek medical attention?

Your child needs medical attention for the following symptoms:

• Any fever (Temperature greater than 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit) in an infant under 60 days old
• Any signs of respiratory distress which include: shortness of breath, blue around the lips, rapid breathing that cannot be managed at home
• Any signs of dehydration which include: dry mouth, difficulty waking up individual from sleep, no urination for greater than 8 hours, crying but not producing tears
• Any signs of anaphylaxis which include: difficulty breathing, trouble swallowing, altered state of mind or change of behaviors, redness or rash appearing on body, fainting or dizziness
• Any signs of seizures or other epileptic activity

What else can I do to help my community and my children?

To best protect vulnerable populations in our community it is important that we keep ourselves informed from trusted sources which include the World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, local health departments, and our healthcare providers. It is important that we as a community reduce social stigma and discrimination against other people. People can fight stigma and help by sharing facts and communicating that the virus does not target specific racial or ethnic groups. Everyone is worried about the disease but fear, gossip, rumors and lack of knowledge hurts everyone instead of preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Please be informed, alert, supportive and compassionate to everyone within your community. There are many individuals that are working to ensure your safety, health, and well-being. Take time to thank your sanitation workers, grocery staff, restaurant staff, utility/repair personnel, delivery persons, and healthcare personnel for working to keep you fed, comfortable, and healthy. 

Everyone deserves kindness and respect. We must be compassionate to everyone to overcome this difficult situation.

For more information or inquiries call:

Dial 2-1-1 or 888-892-1162. Sign up for updates by texting COVIDNC to 898211.

For additional information please go to CDC website at www.cdc.gov or call Hotline at

• 1-866-462-3821
• 919-250-4462

Stay Safe

Maruthi Pediatrics Team