The news that a new respiratory virus (coronavirus or 2019-nCoV) is spreading from China may be concerning to many parents. However, families in the U.S. are at very low risk of getting the novel coronavirus compared to the higher risk of getting the flu. Here\u2019s what we understand about the coronavirus at this time.<\/p>\n
The virus is a member a family of viruses called \u201ccorona\u201d viruses. Some of these viruses cause disease in animals and some can also infect humans. Examples of coronaviruses that infect humans include Middle Eastern respiratory syndrome (MERS) and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS.)<\/p>\n
These viruses cause cold-like symptoms in most people but can cause severe pneumonia (with fever and respiratory difficulty) in some.<\/p>\n
There have been cases of illness caused by this new virus in China and we\u2019re now seeing the disease spread to a growing number of countries, including the U.S.<\/p>\n
While some viruses are very contagious (like measles), others are harder to spread. At this time, it\u2019s unclear how easily the coronavirus is spread from person-to-person. Because MERS and SARS are spread by respiratory drops from sneezing or coughing and shared only by those in close contact with each other, it\u2019s likely this new virus is spread the same way. However, at this time it doesn\u2019t seem that this coronavirus is as severe or as easily spread as MERS or SARS.<\/p>\n
As we learn more about this novel coronavirus, we\u2019ll keep you updated here. In the meantime, take this opportunity to make sure your children have had the flu vaccine! It\u2019s not too late to get it. Flu season is in full swing and affects the health and lives of many people here at home.<\/p>\n
To help prevent getting sick or sharing any<\/em> viruses, teach your family to:<\/p>\n In response to the developing situation with the coronavirus, we\u2019re monitoring and following the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We\u2019re asking patients with fever or other symptoms about recent travel to China, particularly the Wuhan region. Those who have symptoms and who\u2019ve traveled there recently are cared for in isolation \u2013 away from other patients.<\/p>\n Anyone who has symptoms of respiratory illness and has recently traveled to China should call our 24\/7 Appointment and Advice Call Center<\/a> at 866-454-8855 immediately.<\/p>\n Resources for parents<\/strong><\/p>\n 7 Things Pediatricians Want You to Know About the Flu<\/a> The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention\n
\nQuestions Parents Ask about the Flu Vaccine<\/a><\/p>\n
\n2019 Novel Coronavirus<\/a><\/p>\n