With all the news coverage about the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), we understand that you may have a lot of questions. Below are some answers to some frequently asked questions about COVID-19 and what we are doing to protect our patients, families, staff and communities.
What are human coronaviruses?
Human coronaviruses are a family of viruses that commonly cause mild to moderate illnesses like the common cold. Almost everyone gets infected with one of these viruses at some point in their lives, and most of the time the illness lasts for a short amount of time.
What is the novel coronavirus (COVID-19)? What are the symptoms?
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), a novel coronavirus is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified. The virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is not the same as the coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans and cause mild illness, like the common cold. For confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases, reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death. Symptoms can include fever, cough and shortness of breath. You can learn more at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/summary.html
What should I do if I, or my child, is ill or showing symptoms?
If you have any questions or concerns about you or your child’s health, first call your primary care physician for screening. If your child is experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911 or visit the closest emergency department. If an emergency room visit is appropriate, please let staff know about your possible exposure and/or symptoms immediately on arrival.
What can I do to reduce my risk of contracting COVID-19?
The risk of Americans contracting coronavirus remains low and there is little cause for concern unless you have recently traveled near the epicenter in Wuhan, China, other countries currently experiencing outbreaks of the disease (including Iran, Italy, Japan or South Korea) or been in contact with someone who has. The same measures that can prevent someone from spreading other respiratory viruses, like the flu, can help reduce the risk of spreading the novel coronavirus. This includes proper hand hygiene, avoiding people who have symptoms, covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing and keeping children home from daycare or school if they have symptoms. Additionally, clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe and if sick, stay home and avoid contact with others.
What is Valley Children’s doing as a precaution to protect patients and staff members?
Valley Children’s is following the CDC and Health Department guidance on screening and testing symptomatic patients with risk factors for COVID-19. The guidelines currently suggest asking anyone who comes to any one of our facilities the following questions:
- Have you recently traveled from China or another affected area associated with COVID-19?
- Do you have any symptoms of respiratory infection—fever, cough or difficulty breathing?
- Have you been exposed to anyone with a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19?
Valley Children’s security team members ask patients and visitors these questions and provide masks for symptomatic parents or guardians visiting their child when needed. Other visitors and non-essential vendors will not be allowed in the hospital.
Where can parents/community members find more information about COVID-19?
You can find the most up-to-date information COVID-19 from the Centers for Disease Control at www.cdc.gov.