As a Pediatrician, My Primary Concerns Regarding COVID-19

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It’s crucial for parents to feel reassured, but not overly so. This is no rehearsal; we are facing a genuine global pandemic that many in the medical community dreaded. While I am thankful that children, for the most part, are experiencing relatively mild symptoms, I share the sorrow of doctors worldwide over the distressing events unfolding in our hospitals.

Pediatricians are adept at calming parental fears, and I want to assure parents about their children’s health amidst COVID-19. The reality is that most kids are likely to experience only mild illness, similar to a common cold or flu-like symptoms. However, I worry that parents might take this too lightly. Our goal is to find a balance between calming anxiety and ensuring that parents remain aware of the risks.

Recent data from the American Academy of Pediatrics reveal that COVID-19 may not be as benign for children as previously thought. A study from China involving over 2,000 children indicated that about 6% suffered severe or critical illness, with 3% of confirmed cases falling into that category. Although this is significantly better than the 18.5% rate seen in adults, it’s still concerning, especially since nearly 11% of infants experienced severe illness. Essentially, one in ten infants faced serious health issues.

While it’s true that these figures might not reflect all cases, particularly those that were mild and untested, they are still alarming. Thankfully, it’s worth noting that only one 14-year-old boy lost his life to the virus in all of China.

Parents of children with pre-existing conditions are already vigilant, and I urge all parents to recognize that social distancing is not just for the benefit of others; it’s also a protective measure for your own child. As the virus can spread before symptoms arise, the risk of contagion is present in any interaction. Maintaining physical distance can significantly reduce the likelihood of severe illness.

Hospitals in major cities like Boston, Seattle, and San Francisco are beginning to face shortages of supplies and bed availability. We must collectively work to slow the spread of COVID-19, ensuring that our healthcare system has the capacity to care for those who need it most.

We find strength and a sense of community in this shared purpose. By keeping our distance, we protect the vulnerable, which is why I, along with many other medical professionals, have ceased all playdates and sleepovers for our children.

A Few Important Reminders:

• Keep your children away from older relatives unless you cohabitate. Adults over 60 are particularly at risk, and we still lack complete understanding of how contagious children are with COVID-19.
• Continue routine checkups. Pediatricians are taking steps to ensure our offices are safe, and regular visits are essential, especially for children under two who require vaccinations. Protecting your child’s health with robust immunity is critical.
• Use Tylenol (acetaminophen) instead of ibuprofen. The WHO advised against ibuprofen for COVID-19 treatment due to potential risks, even though no definitive evidence currently exists.
• Hold off on elderberry supplements. While popular for flu prevention, elderberry may lead to increased inflammatory responses, potentially complicating COVID-19 cases.
• If you suspect you or a loved one may have contracted the virus, please call us before visiting a clinic. We can guide you on the appropriate steps to take.
• Don’t forget the basics: wash your hands thoroughly and cough into your elbow. These simple actions can significantly hinder the spread of infectious diseases.

As information about COVID-19 evolves rapidly, we at Home Insemination Kit are dedicated to providing the latest updates. For accurate and timely information, consider consulting resources from local health departments, the Centers for Disease Control, and the World Health Organization. You can also find valuable insights on pregnancy at CDC Pregnancy.

In summary, while children generally fare better against COVID-19, it’s essential for parents to remain vigilant and practice social distancing, prioritize regular health checkups, and stay informed about the latest health guidelines.