Coronavirus: COVID-19 FAQs
What is the Coronavirus?
Coronavirus is a family of viruses that can cause a range of illnesses: mild illness (the common
cold) to severe illness (pneumonia). There are strains such as
SARS-Coronavirus, MERS-Coronavirus and now the newer strain named “novel
Coronavirus” or “COVID-19”. COVID-19 is causing the recent outbreaks you’ve
been reading about around the world. These various strains of Coronavirus act in
different ways. While some have infected humans before, the COVID-19 was known
to only infect animals until a few months ago when it was transmitted to humans
at a food market in China. Until this very recent outbreak, humans with
COVID-19 had not been studied, so there are lots of unknowns. Be reassured that
the Centers for Disease Control, our governmental agencies, research
institutions and local health departments are working hard to promptly identify
this virus in patients, limit exposures to others, develop a vaccine and communicate
to the public what we need to know to keep our families safe as things unfold.
How is the virus spread?
It is spread between humans in close contact (within 6 feet). It is transferred in the
respiratory droplets (saliva or mucous) of an infected person when they cough
or sneeze. These droplets land in the mouths or noses of others and get inhaled
into the lungs. People are the most contagious when they are experiencing
symptoms but there is some question as to possible spread even before this time
(when they aren’t sick yet). There is also a possibility that a person can
touch a surface with the virus on it and get infected by then touching their
mouth, nose or even eyes. There are people who have been infected and don’t
know how they got the virus (no travel or exposure to a person who tested
positive).
Do kids present with the same symptoms as adults?
Limited reports on children out of China describe cold symptoms such as runny nose, fever and
cough and occasionally vomiting and diarrhea. These are mild symptoms. While
severe illness can occur, it is not likely in children. It is possible. Remember
to monitor closely for difficulty breathing, vomiting, change in behavior or
worsening symptoms in any child with any illness. See a physician immediately
if these occur. In adults, symptoms include cough, fever, shortness of breath which
can unfortunately progress to respiratory failure, overwhelming infection and
organ shutdown leading to death (sepsis).
How long after exposure would someone develop symptoms?
If someone is infected, it could take anywhere from 2-14 days before they develop symptoms. This is why
some individuals are being quarantined in their home for up to 14 days. If they
do not develop symptoms in those 14 days, then they are no longer a risk to the
public.
Are kids more likely to get COVID-19?
According to the CDC, children are not more susceptible to this virus. While there have been
cases in children, it is uncommon. They recommend that all individuals,
regardless of age, continue preventive measures like handwashing often,
avoiding contact with others who are ill and staying up to date with all of the
recommended vaccinations. However, there is currently no vaccine available for
humans to prevent COVID-19.
Are there antivirals available to treat COVID-19?
There are no antiviral medications currently available to treat COVID-19. At this time,
management includes prevention, infection control and if the virus is
contracted and does cause severe illness, supportive treatment of these complications
(for ex: respiratory support such as oxygen, mechanical ventilation,
hydration).
What can I do to prevent COVID-19?
As always, wash hands with soap and water frequently and for at least 20 seconds. If not able to
wash, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Clean surfaces often with a
standard household cleaning spray. Avoid touching your face. Avoid handshaking
as well. Cough and sneeze into your inner elbow or a tissue, not your hand.
Stay three feet away from anyone with flu- like symptoms.
How can we tell the difference between the flu symptoms and COVID-19?
There is no way to tell the difference between these two viruses based on symptoms alone. They can
both cause fever, cough, muscle pain, fatigue and shortness of breath. So, this
means that testing is the only way to diagnose COVID-19. But your physician
will not be testing everyone with these symptoms. We are testing only individuals
with symptoms and exposure to a known, confirmed case or if hospitalized with
symptoms and have recently traveled from an affected geographic area within 14
days of becoming ill or if they are hospitalized with a severe lower
respiratory infection (have tested negative for other causes) even if they have
no known exposure or travel.
Do you need to wear a mask or send your child to school with a mask?
No. The recommendations from the World Health Organization state that if you are a
healthy person you only need a mask if you are in close contact with a known or
suspected case of COVID-19 or if you are coughing/ sneezing.
In closing, do not panic. Stay informed by reading updates/reports from reputable websites like the CDC.org or AAP.org. Do not panic your kids: allow them to ask questions and stay calm when you answer them. Wash your hands. Keep your sick kids home. Encourage good sleep hygiene, healthy eating and exercise. Then wash your hands again.