COVID-19 is a new strain of Coronavirus, which is a family of common viruses that tend to cause cold symptoms in people. This one is unique in that it is more contagious and causes more severe illness, including more deaths, than the typical Coronavirus. Luckily, children generally have milder symptoms than adults. It spreads from person-to-person from respiratory droplets that are produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can be breathed in and can linger on surfaces they land on, so washing your hands often (particularly before eating or touching your face!) and disinfecting commonly touched surfaces regularly is important. Washing with soap and water for 20 seconds or using hand sanitize that contains at least 60% alcohol and rubbing until dry are effective ways to protect yourself. You can disinfect surfaces at home with EPA-registered household disinfectants or diluted bleach solution (5 tablespoons bleach per gallon of water). 
Social distancing is CRUCIAL to limit the spread of this virus. That means staying at least 6 feet apart from others and avoiding unnecessary travel and errands to limit your risk of exposure. Teenagers, that means you too! Take this seriously. People can be contagious even before they start showing symptoms, so that’s why it’s still not OK to get together with a group of you healthy friends. Take advantage of the great technology like Face Time, Marco Polo, Zoom, Google Hangout instead to still “get together” with friends.
If you do develop symptoms of fever, cough, shortness of breath, or sore throat we are here to help! Call our office anytime to arrange an office-based, curbside, or telemedicine appointment to assess the best next step.
Leah M. Welty, MD
Anderson Hills Pediatrics