Dr. Greene
What Parents Need To Know About Coronavirus
The number of Coronavirus cases is rapidly increasing in the United States and around the globe. Here, world-renowned pediatrician and co-founder of Bambini Furtuna, Dr. Alan Greene shares what every parent should know.
- Written By
- Dr. Alan Greene
From my perspective, with any viral infection, there are two things to consider: the damage caused by the virus itself and the disruption caused by our immune response to the virus. Most of what feels bad (coughing, vomiting, fever, etc.) is often the immune response trying to eliminate the virus. This is important, but also often the most disruptive and dangerous part.
With a pandemic there are two things to consider: the damage caused by the disease itself and the disruption caused by our “societal immune response” trying to treat, contain, or slow the spread of the disease. This was true for previous outbreaks like SARS and swine flu. With that in mind, here is what every parent should know about coronavirus.
Coronavirus Is Devastating for Some, Mild For Most
To date, even after its dramatic start in China, the virus appears to have killed about 3,000 people in a country 4x the size of the US – primarily the elderly and those with chronic illness.
At present, the COVID-19 mortality rate appears to be about 3% (though that may change). The death rate is higher than flu at some ages and lower than flu at others.
And Less Likely To Threaten Children
For children (unlike the elderly), the COVID-19 mortality rate has been much less than for the annual flu. They are less likely to get seriously ill at all. Flu is hardest on the very old and very young. COVID-19 tends to spare the young, perhaps because of immunity they get from the routine coronaviruses that cause common colds.
Still, You Can Expect Disruption
Despite the relatively low mortality rates, our “societal immune response” to stop COVID-19 (social distancing, quarantines, supply chain interruptions, travel restrictions, school closures, event cancellations, full hospitals, fear) is already a very disruptive part of the pandemic. This is important but is also among the most difficult parts many people will experience.
We can all help minimize this larger impact by staying home when sick, washing our hands frequently, and postponing travel or large gatherings. Even if getting COVID-19 isn’t serious for us or our children, we are actively protecting our seniors and our vulnerable – and helping to speed the end of this disruption for us all.
Masks Work Differently Than You May Think
Often people think about masks backwards. Masks are best at stopping someone with symptoms from spreading the disease or stopping someone exposed but without symptoms yet (like a healthcare worker) from passing the virus to someone else. They are not so good at protecting the wearer, though they do remind people to stop touching their face with contaminated hands. Unless you’re displaying symptoms or may have been exposed, it’s best not to buy masks so that there are enough for those who actually need them.
The views in this article are of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of Maisonette, Inc. (“Maisonette”), and are for information purposes only, even if and to the extent that this article is authored by, or features advice from, physicians or medical practitioners. This article is not nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment, and should not be relied upon for specific medical advice. You understand and agree that Maisonette shall not be liable for any claim, loss, or damage, arising out of the use of, or reliance upon any content or information in the article.
With a pandemic there are two things to consider: the damage caused by the disease itself and the disruption caused by our “societal immune response” trying to treat, contain, or slow the spread of the disease. This was true for previous outbreaks like SARS and swine flu. With that in mind, here is what every parent should know about coronavirus.
Coronavirus Is Devastating for Some, Mild For Most
To date, even after its dramatic start in China, the virus appears to have killed about 3,000 people in a country 4x the size of the US – primarily the elderly and those with chronic illness.
At present, the COVID-19 mortality rate appears to be about 3% (though that may change). The death rate is higher than flu at some ages and lower than flu at others.
And Less Likely To Threaten Children
For children (unlike the elderly), the COVID-19 mortality rate has been much less than for the annual flu. They are less likely to get seriously ill at all. Flu is hardest on the very old and very young. COVID-19 tends to spare the young, perhaps because of immunity they get from the routine coronaviruses that cause common colds.
Still, You Can Expect Disruption
Despite the relatively low mortality rates, our “societal immune response” to stop COVID-19 (social distancing, quarantines, supply chain interruptions, travel restrictions, school closures, event cancellations, full hospitals, fear) is already a very disruptive part of the pandemic. This is important but is also among the most difficult parts many people will experience.
We can all help minimize this larger impact by staying home when sick, washing our hands frequently, and postponing travel or large gatherings. Even if getting COVID-19 isn’t serious for us or our children, we are actively protecting our seniors and our vulnerable – and helping to speed the end of this disruption for us all.
Masks Work Differently Than You May Think
Often people think about masks backwards. Masks are best at stopping someone with symptoms from spreading the disease or stopping someone exposed but without symptoms yet (like a healthcare worker) from passing the virus to someone else. They are not so good at protecting the wearer, though they do remind people to stop touching their face with contaminated hands. Unless you’re displaying symptoms or may have been exposed, it’s best not to buy masks so that there are enough for those who actually need them.
The views in this article are of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of Maisonette, Inc. (“Maisonette”), and are for information purposes only, even if and to the extent that this article is authored by, or features advice from, physicians or medical practitioners. This article is not nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment, and should not be relied upon for specific medical advice. You understand and agree that Maisonette shall not be liable for any claim, loss, or damage, arising out of the use of, or reliance upon any content or information in the article.