Coronavirus (COVID-19): The Facts To Know for Your Kids

Myth:

Does Coronavirus exist in hot & humid countries?

Fact:

Unfortunately, from the evidence so far, the Coronavirus can be transmitted everywhere, including places with hot and humid weather. That’s why it’s important to follow WHO's 7 protective rules wherever you live.

Myth:

Will giving my child a hot bath help prevent Coronavirus?

Fact:

Giving a hot bath to your little one will not prevent them from catching the virus. Their body temperature stays at 36.5°C to 37°C, regardless of the temperature of the bath or shower. Also be careful when giving a hot bath, because very hot water is harmful to your child. The best way to protect your little one and yourself is to follow the 7 rules from the WHO.    

Myth:

Can Coronavirus be transmitted to children from mosquito bites?

Fact:

There has been no evidence to date to suggest that the Coronavirus can be transmitted by mosquitoes. The Coronavirus is a respiratory virus which spreads primarily through droplets generated when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose. To help protect your baby and yourself, visit the 7 rules from the WHO.

Myth:

Can thermal scanners detect infants & children infected with Coronavirus?

Fact:

Thermal scanners are useful for detecting whether a child has a fever (i.e. they have a temperature) possibly due to infection with the Coronavirus or due to other reasons. However, they cannot detect children who are infected but don’t have feverish symptoms. This is because children sometimes won’t show feverish symptoms at all, or because it takes between 2-10 days for people infected with the Coronavirus to develop into a fever with high temperatures.

Myth:

Does Coronavirus affect children & infants?

Fact:

People of all ages can be infected with the Coronavirus. Older people, and people with pre-existing medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease) appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill from the virus. 

The WHO advises people of all ages to take steps to protect themselves from the virus, find out more here.

Myth:

Can Pneumonia vaccines protect children against Coronavirus?

Fact:

Vaccines against pneumonia, such as pneumococcal vaccine and Haemophilus influenza type B (Hib) vaccine, do not provide protection against the Coronavirus.

The virus is so new and different that it needs its own vaccine. Researchers are trying to develop a vaccine against COVID-19, and the WHO supports their efforts.

Although these vaccines are not effective against COVID-19, vaccination against respiratory illnesses is highly recommended to protect you and your little one’s health.

Myth:

Do ultraviolet disinfection lamps kill Coronavirus in children?

Fact:

UV lamps should not be used to sterilize your child’s hands or other areas of skin as UV radiation can cause skin irritation.

Myth:

Can my child eat garlic to help prevent Coronavirus infection?

Fact:

Garlic is a healthy food that may have some antimicrobial properties. However, there is no evidence from the current outbreak that eating garlic has ever protected people from the Coronavirus, adults and infants alike.