The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has impacted the lives of children and families worldwide. As COVID-19 spreads, misinformation follows, alongside discrimination and stigma. UNICEF is working with medical experts to provide accurate, reliable guidance instead of spreading fear, and to answer questions that families may have.
What is a Coronavirus?
A novel coronavirus (CoV) is a new strain of coronavirus.
The disease caused by the novel coronavirus, first identified in Wuhan, China, has been named coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) - 'CO' stands for corona, 'VI' for virus, and 'D' for disease. Previously, this disease was referred to as the 2019 novel coronavirus, or 'COVID-19'.
The COVID-19 virus is a new virus related to the same family of viruses as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and some types of the common cold.
COVID-19 has been described as a pandemic by the World Health Organization. What does that mean?
Characterising COVID-19 as a pandemic is not a sign that the virus has become deadlier. Rather, it is an acknowledgment of the geographical spread of the disease.
How dangerous is it?
Like other respiratory illnesses, it can cause mild symptoms including a runny nose, sore throat, cough, and fever. It can be more severe for some people and may lead to pneumonia, breathing difficulties, or organ failure. More rarely, the disease can be fatal. Older adults and people with pre-existing medical conditions appear more vulnerable to severe illness.
Should medical face masks be worn?
While wearing a medical face mask can help limit the spread of certain diseases, including COVID-19, it alone will not stop infections. Hand hygiene and avoiding contact with potentially infected individuals are the best ways to reduce the risk of infection.
Are children at risk?
People of all ages can be infected by the virus, but it is important to note that, to date, there have been no reported deaths among children associated with the coronavirus. The virus is fatal in rare cases, predominantly among older adults with pre-existing health conditions.
However, there are significant secondary impacts on children, particularly those in impoverished urban areas. These impacts also include school closures, as recently witnessed in Mongolia.
This coronavirus is spreading at an alarming rate, and it is vital to deploy all necessary resources to halt it. We may not know enough about the virus's impact on children or how many people may be affected - but we know that rigorous monitoring and prevention are key. Time is not on our side."
Henrietta Fore, UNICEF Executive Director
How does the COVID-19 virus spread?
The virus is transmitted through direct contact with respiratory droplets from an infected person (generated through coughing and sneezing) and by touching virus-contaminated surfaces. The COVID-19 virus can survive on surfaces for several hours, but simple disinfectants can kill it.
What are the symptoms of the coronavirus?
Symptoms may include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. In more severe cases, the infection can cause pneumonia or breathing difficulties. More rarely, the disease can be fatal.
These symptoms are similar to those of the flu (influenza) or the common cold, which are far more common than COVID-19. This is why testing is necessary to confirm if someone has COVID-19. It is important to remember that key preventive measures remain the same - frequent handwashing and respiratory hygiene (covering coughs and sneezes with a bent elbow or tissue, then disposing of the tissue in a closed bin). Additionally, there is an influenza vaccine - so be sure to keep yourself and your children up to date with vaccination.
How can I avoid the risk of infection?
Here are four preventive measures that you and your family can take to avoid infection:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and clean water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Cover your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or a tissue when coughing or sneezing, and dispose of the tissue in a waste bin.
- Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of a cold or flu.
- Seek medical attention if you have a fever, cough, or difficulty breathing.