Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): What parents should know
< Back to UNICEF COVID-19 page The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has upended the lives of children and their families around the world. As COVID-19 has spread, so has misinformation – fueling discrimination and stigma. UNICEF is working with health experts to promote facts over fear, bringing trustworthy guidance and answering some…, What is COVID-19?, Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) – ‘CO’ stands for corona, ‘VI’ for virus, and ‘D’ for disease – is a disease caused by a new strain of coronavirus first identified in Wuhan, China. , COVID-19 has been described as a pandemic by the World Health Organization. What does that mean? , Characterizing COVID-19 as a pandemic is not an indication that the virus has become deadlier. Rather, it’s an acknowledgment of the disease’s geographical spread. , What are the symptoms of coronavirus?, Many COVID-19 symptoms are similar to those of the flu, the common cold and other conditions, so a test is required to confirm if someone has COVID-19. Symptoms may appear 2 to 14 days after exposure to the virus and can range from very mild to severe illness. Some people who are or have been infected don’t have any symptoms. The most common…, How does the COVID-19 virus spread?, The virus is spread mainly when respiratory droplets from an infected person (generated through coughing, sneezing, talking, singing) get into the mouth, nose or eyes of people who are nearby. People may also become infected by touching their mouth, nose or eyes after touching surfaces contaminated with the virus. The COVID-19 virus may also…, Which vaccines are available?, Vaccines for COVID-19 are critical tools for helping bring the pandemic under control when combined with effective testing and existing prevention measures. With several promising vaccine candidates in the pipeline, some under review for approval and the Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna and Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines approved for use by a number of…, How can I protect myself and others from COVID-19?, Here are some precautions you and your family can take to help avoid infection: Wash your hands frequently using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub (Read: Everything you need to know about washing your hands to protect against COVID-19 ) Cover mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue when coughing or sneezing. Dispose of used tissue…, Should I wear a mask?, WHO advises that people always consult and abide by local authorities on recommended practices in their area. In our country, wearing a protective face covering is mandatory in all closed and open public spaces, including markets, shops, banks, post offices, health facilities, and public transport. Masks must be used and disposed of properly to…, Should children wear a mask?, Masks help stop the COVID-19 virus from spreading, but that doesn’t make them easy to introduce to children, as many parents have been discovering. Follow the global guidance and tips on how to introduce masks to your family., Does COVID-19 affect children?, This is a new virus and we are still learning how it affects children or pregnant women. We know it is possible for people of any age to be infected and transmit the virus, although older people and/or those with pre-existing medical conditions seem more likely to develop serious illness. There are reports of a rare but serious multisystem…, What should I do if my child has symptoms of COVID-19?, Seek medical attention but remember that symptoms of COVID-19 such as cough or fever can be similar to those of the flu, or the common cold– which are a lot more frequent. Continue to follow good hand and respiratory hygiene practices like regular handwashing so that your child is protected against other viruses and bacteria causing diseases. As…, What if you or a family member have symptoms?, You should seek medical care early if you or your child has a fever, cough or difficulty breathing. Follow the Government guidance and call one of the dedicated phone numbers if you have symptoms and especially if your symptom come after you have had contact with someone who has confirmed COVID-19 or you have traveled to an area where COVID-19 has…, Should I keep my child home from school or kindergarten if they have symptoms?, If your child is having symptoms, or you suspect someone in your family may have the virus, seek medical care, and follow the instructions from the health care provider. Otherwise, as with other respiratory infections like the flu, your child should stay at home and well-rested., and avoid going to public places, to prevent spread to others. , What is the best way to wash hands properly?, Step 1: Wet hands with running water Step 2: Apply enough soap to cover wet hands Step 3: Scrub all surfaces of the hands – including the back of hands, between fingers and under nails – for at least 20 seconds. Step 4: Rinse thoroughly with running water Step 5: Dry hands with a clean cloth or single-use towel Wash your hands often, especially…, What precautions should I take for my family if we travel?, Anyone planning a trip should always follow local and national guidance on whether it is advisable to travel. Those traveling should check the advisory for their destination for any restrictions on entry, quarantine requirements on entry, or other relevant travel advice. Follow the same personal protection measures during travel as you would at…, Can pregnant women pass coronavirus to unborn children? , At this time, there is not enough evidence to determine whether the virus is transmitted from a mother to her baby during pregnancy, or the potential impact this may have on the baby. This is currently being investigated. Pregnant women should continue to follow appropriate precautions to protect themselves from exposure to the virus, and seek…, Is it safe for a mother to breastfeed if she is infected with coronavirus?, All mothers in affected and at-risk areas who have symptoms of fever, cough or difficulty breathing, should seek medical care early, and follow instructions from a health care provider. Considering the benefits of breastfeeding and the insignificant role of breastmilk in the transmission of other respiratory viruses, the mother can continue…, I’m worried about bullying, discrimination and stigmatization. What’s the best way to talk about what’s happening?, It’s understandable if you’re feeling worried about the coronavirus. But fear and stigma make a difficult situation worse. Public health emergencies are stressful times for everyone affected. It’s important to stay informed and to be kind and supportive to each other. Words matter and using language that perpetuates existing stereotypes can drive…, There’s a lot of information about coronavirus online. What should I do?, There are a lot of myths and misinformation about coronavirus being shared online. UNICEF has launched a COVID-19 page where you can find more information and guidance. It’s also advisable to keep up to date on travel, education and other guidance provided by your national or local authorities for the latest recommendations and news. In…
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