Information and guidance around the current strain of coronavirus (COVID-19) is rapidly evolving. This may prompt some questions regarding the safety of expecting mothers and children. Sky Ridge Medical Center is here to provide you with answers.
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus, is a new respiratory disease thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Symptoms may include those similar to influenza, such as cough, difficulty breathing, and fever. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.
If you or your chilld are experiencing respiratory symptoms, call your physician or pediatrician immediately.
Are the symptoms of COVID-19 different in children than in adults?
No, the symptoms of COVID-19 are similar in children and adults. However, children with confirmed COVID-19 have generally presented with mild symptoms similar to a cold, including fever, runny nose, and cough. Vomiting and diarrhea have also been reported.
Who is at risk for COVID-19?
Based on available evidence, children do not appear to be at higher risk for COVID-19 than adults. While some children and infants have been sick with COVID-19, adults comprise most of the known cases to date.
Those at greatest risk of infection are persons who have been in close contact with a confirmed or symptomatic patient, or those who have been to areas with sustained transmission. Infections in children have been less common and there is no evidence that children are more susceptible to it.
Current research does not yet determine if pregnant women are at greater risk of getting sick from COVID-19 than the general public or if a pregnant woman with a confirmed case of COVID-19 can pass the virus to her fetus or baby during pregnancy, delivery, or after birth.
However, to date, no infants born to mothers with a confirmed case of COVID-19 have tested positive for the virus according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
How can I protect myself and my child from infection?
Pregnant women experience changes in their bodies that may increase their risk of some infections, it is always important that they protect themselves from illnesses. You and your children can mitigate the spread of COVID-19 by teaching them to do the same things everyone should do to stay healthy.
- Wash your hands often, using either soap and water for at least 20 seconds or alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid close contact with others who may be sick (coughing or sneezing).
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with your elbow or a tissue, and throw that tissue away.
- Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces in your home frequently (e.g., tables, hard-backed chairs, doorknobs, light switches, remotes, desks, toilets, sinks).
- Launder items, including washable plush toys, as necessary in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Use the warmest appropriate water setting and dry them completely.
To clean your hands effectively, it should take at least 20 seconds, which is similar to singing the ABC song at a normal tempo or the happy birthday song twice.
If using hand sanitizer, use enough so that it takes at least 15 seconds before both sides of both hands are completely dry. If you are experiencing any symptoms of illness, stay home.
Should children wear masks? Should I?
If your child is healthy, there is no need for him or her to wear a face mask. Only people who have symptoms of illness or who are providing care to those who are ill should wear masks.
Sky Ridge Medical Center is Here for You
While much is still unknown about COVID-19, the health and safety of our patients is and has always been our top priority. Every family is unique and we will continue to ensure a safe environment for every family.
The Birth Place at Sky Ridge Medical Center and the Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children dedicated Pediatric ER are here for you and your family... close to home.
Sky Ridge Medical Center
10101 RidgeGate Parkway
Lone Tree, CO 80124
(720) 225-KIDZ (5439)
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