screening procedures for novel coronavirus in place

With recent news of the new coronavirus in China, many families are worried about the virus spreading. Information is evolving by the day. While researchers are swiftly investigating this new virus, Dayton Children’s is taking the utmost precautions to keep our patients, families and staff safe.

Screening procedures are in place at all registration points at Dayton Children’s. A family will be asked about recent travel to China among close contacts. If they have a fever along with recent travel to China, infection prevention protocols will take effect.  

what is coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are common throughout the world and while most only cause mild to moderate illness, two have caused severe illness. This is a new strain (2019-nCoV) thought to have originated in animals and moved to people, probably at a market selling live seafood and animals. The elderly, people with underlying health problems and people who have compromised immune systems are at greater risk than those who are younger and healthier.

A few tips to keep your family safe from respiratory illnesses:

• Avoid contact with people who are sick.
• Keep your child home from school when they are sick. They should not return until they have been fever free for 24 hours, without medication.
• Practice good respiratory hygiene – sneeze or cough into your arm or a tissue and dispose of the tissue immediately.
• Wash your hands well and often. Wash for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or use hand sanitizer. Teach your kids to do the same.
• Avoid touching your face. Contact with your eyes, nose or mouth encourage the spread of illness.

what’s the risk?
It’s important to remember the risk is low at this time. There are only 11 positive diagnosis in the United States and no deaths.

The flu is a far bigger risk right now in our community. Eight thousand people in the U.S. have died from the flu this season alone, 54 of them children. Get your family their flu shots and make sure that all your children’s immunizations are up to date.

You can find the latest information on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

If you have any concerns, contact your child’s pediatrician for more guidance.