Coronavirus in Babies: Is There A Worry?

Editor’s note: As of 13 Feb at 10 pm, the total number of 58 confirmed cases of the coronavirus infection in Singapore is at 30. The Ministry of Health confirmed two more cases on Thursday evening eight additional cases of COVID-19 infection in Singapore, all of which are linked to previous cases.

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The rising cases of the latest coronavirus, also known as the Coronavirus (now known as COVID-19), has created panic among many people. Most cases reported, though, are adults. Very few cases of children have come forward, including the latest Wuhan new-born. Parents don’t need to worry about coronavirus in babies if they maintain hygiene and follow basic rules strictly.

Coronavirus: Who Is At Risk?

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Human coronavirus is a family of viruses that affect humans at various times. Some strains can cause serious damage such as the SARS and the MERS. The latest epidemic is identified as 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). It spreads like other respiratory diseases; similar to cold-causing viruses.

People with low immunity are at risk, especially, pregnant women, older people, patients with coronary diseases, etc. Though children are listed as high risk, very few cases show coronavirus in babies. However, some of the latest coronavirus cases confirmed in the world are infants.

A newborn baby in China was born to a virus-stricken mum and was diagnosed just 30 hours after birth. In Singapore, a 6-month-old baby boy also contracted the virus and became case 28 here. He is the son of a couple who earlier tested positive of the novel coronavirus.

There are various assumptions for fewer cases of coronavirus in babies. It could be that for some unexplained reason, the immune system of children is better equipped to fight the disease. The other assumption is that parents are more protective of their kids’ hygiene. Also, they are getting less exposure to carriers of the disease.

Awareness among parents about the disease, its symptoms and precautions seem to play a very important role in curbing the spread of coronavirus in babies. So let’s recap some valuable information to help you protect your kids:

Symptoms of Coronavirus

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Common symptoms of coronavirus are the same as rhinovirus or flu. Upper respiratory infections like runny nose, sore throat, coughing and fever are the usual symptoms. It becomes serious if the infection spreads to lower respiratory tract – windpipe and lungs. This may lead to complications like pneumonia.

Reducing Risk of Coronavirus

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There are a few things you can do to protect your family. Symptoms, as well as the method of spreading of coronavirus, seem to be the same as flu. Therefore, similar precautions are likely to work.

• Boost hand-washing habits. Use soap and water for 20 seconds and as often as possible.
• Avoid direct exposure to sneezing and coughing, and cover nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing.
• Forbid touching eyes, nose and mouth unnecessarily.
• Clean and disinfect household items and surfaces.
• Use alcohol-based hand sanitiser to help keep their hands clean.
• Visit the doctor when feeling unwell.