Children are affected by many health issues, and due to their size and immature stature they become a vulnerable population. Asthma, juvenile arthritis, diabetes type 1, headaches, GI upset, are just a few of the vast conditions that can afflict children. Now thorough Covid-19 on top of that and/or instead of these and it spells disaster. School will offer a whole new set of challenges that parents, teachers and students will have to rise to. Some schools will be online and some schools will be in person. Schools are going through a metamorphoses, by adapting to new guidelines that are changing rapidly in real time. Everyone, is unsure of what's next. Since this virus does not have a road map of where it will strike or how severe it will look when it strikes, uncertainty and caution is more than understandable.
There are some common things that may help parents look for signs and symptoms to help them decide when they should send there child to school or keep them at home. The Centers for Disease and Control or CDC published that, " Researchers found that 96% of patients had a fever, cough, or shortness of breath. Around 45% had all three of those symptoms." https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/934154?src=WNL_trdalrt_200721_MSCPEDIT&uac=144912AV&impID=2469368&faf=1
This is critical to understand and look at closely. If your child is feeling any of these symptoms, get help right away, don't delay. Don't treat any fever, cough or shortness of breath as if it is simple or usual.. Especially, not during this pandemic. We do not have enough information to get comfortable. The CDC also states, "Children who have medical complexity, who have neurologic, genetic, metabolic conditions, or who have congenital heart disease might be at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 compared to other children" https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html
Keep your child safe:
1. Practice with them wearing their masks for hours while at home.
2. Teach them proper hand washing and drying, also using a barrier when opening doors or turning off faucets.
3. Keep hand sanitizer with them if possible.
4. Avoid, others who do not have a mask on.
5. Avoid others that have a cough.
6. Decrease interactions with others.
7. Limit the number of people and amount of time you interact with others.
8. Outdoor activities are best, but continue to use social distancing.
Children that are online may not have the same amount of exposure, but if they are around their friends at all they should still take the precautions to stay safe. We are strong together and when we have knowledge of what to look for. We can help if you need us here at HHC Telehealth
visit us at www.hhctelehealth.com
We are also having an online event on 8-29-2020, Managing Our Health in a Pandemic:Live Q & A
.