With the new coronavirus in the spotlight for media attention and public concern, Children’s Hospital Colorado asked one of their experts to answer parents’ common questions about the respiratory illness.
Here’s what Chris Nyquist, MD, an infectious disease specialist and Medical Director of Infection Prevention and Control at Children’s Hospital Colorado, had to say.
What is this new coronavirus?
The clinical name for this new coronavirus is COVID-19. It was identified as the cause of a respiratory illness outbreak first detected in China in December 2019. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 cases in the United States.
The illness that it causes has been named COronaVIrus Disease-19 (COVID-19). This is a new virus that has not been previously identified in the human population. Early studies suggest that it likely originated from a bat virus.
What are the signs and symptoms?
The most common coronavirus symptoms are fever, cough, muscle aches, tiredness and shortness of breath.
People develop symptoms 2 to 14 days after exposure to COVID-19. This is called the coronavirus incubation period, or the time from when a person is exposed to when they have symptoms.
Most people will get better within a few weeks, but those with a severe case of the disease may take a month or more to recover.
How many cases of coronavirus are there in Colorado?
All confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Colorado will be reported by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environnment (CDPHE).
A video just for kids
If you or your child has symptoms that could be coronavirus and need to be seen by a doctor, call your doctor’s office or the ParentSmart Healthline (720-777-0123) to tell them about your symptoms. If your child is experiencing a severe medical emergency (e.g. trouble breathing, seizures), call 911. Do not go inside unannounced into a doctor’s office, emergency department, hospital or medical facility since COVID-19 is highly contagious. When you call the doctor’s office, they will give you information on how to proceed in order to protect other patients and visitors. Go to Top Questions About COVID-19 for additional information.
Author: Mile High Mamas
