Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause respiratory symptoms such as fever, cough and shortness of breath. Similar to the flu, these viruses spread through coughing or sneezing. The coronavirus generating concern around the world is Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). There is currently no vaccine for COVID-19. 

People who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 have experienced mild to severe respiratory illness. Most of the illnesses around the world are mild, with fever and cough. A much smaller percentage of cases are severe and involve pneumonia, particularly in elderly people and people with underlying medical conditions.The following commonly reported symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure:

• Fever
• Cough
• Difficulty breathing

Based on guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Health experts are still learning the details. Currently it is thought to spread:

• Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
• Via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
• These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

Based on guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

No, there is no evidence that children are more susceptible. In fact, most confirmed cases of COVID-19 have occurred in adults. However infections in children have been reported, including in very young children. Children should engage in usual preventive actions to avoid infection, including cleaning hands often using soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer, avoiding people who are sick, and staying up to date on vaccinations, including influenza vaccine.

Based on guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness and practicing good hygiene habits is the best way to stay healthy and avoid the spread of illness:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, or cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand cleaner with a concentration of at least 60 percent.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Stay home when sick.

It’s natural to be worried or anxious about a new virus.Remember, children look to adults for guidance on how to react to stressful events. If parents seem overly worried, children’s anxiety may rise. Parents should reassure children that health and school officials are working hard to ensure that people throughout the country stay healthy. 

Teaching children positive preventive measures, talking with them about their fears, and giving them a sense of some control over their risk of infection can help reduce anxiety.

The National Association of School Psychologists has specific guidelines and talking points for families when having conversations about COVID-19 with their child. 

• Remain calm and reassuring.
• Make yourself available.
• Avoid blaming.
• Monitor television viewing and social media.
• Maintain a normal routine to the extent possible.
• Be honest and accurate.
• Review and model basic hygiene and healthy lifestyle practices for protection.

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness and practicing good hygiene habits is the best way to stay healthy and avoid the spread of illness:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, or cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand cleaner with a concentration of at least 60 percent.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Stay home when sick.