Coronavirus Update for Parents

Hi Mercy Med parents! 

Here are some answers to questions you may be asking yourself! If you have further questions regarding the health of yourself or your child, please reach out to any of these resources!

  • Mercy Med of Columbus
    3702 2nd Avenue Columbus, Ga
    706-507-9209

1. Why are schools at risk of closing? 

The coronavirus is a respiratory disease caused by a new coronavirus that was first detected in China and which has now been detected in more than 100 locations internationally, including in the United States. 

The symptoms from this virus include fever, cough and trouble breathing.  The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person. This happens by cough/sneeze droplets from an infected person coming into contact with another person (within about 6 feet). Currently there are ZERO cases of coronavirus in Muscogee County. 

By avoiding crowds (like school, sporting events, public transit), we can make sure that we don’t cough or sneeze on one another. By doing this, we can decrease the risk of spreading the coronavirus to those who are at the highest risk (adults >60, infants, and those with chronic diseases).

2. What can I do to keep my family safe from the Coronavirus? 

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food.
  • If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. 
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

3. How do I know if my child or I have the Coronavirus or just a regular cold?

Illness Symptoms  Duration What to do 
Coronavirus 
  • Fever
  • Cough 
  • Shortness of breath

AND 

  • Have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or live in or have traveled from an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19 within the past two weeks. 
  • High risk areas include: 
  • China
  • Iran
  • Europe
  • South Korea
  • CALL your doctor’s office, health department or local ER right away. 
  • Do not just show up without calling!
  • Start treatment as if for a common cold.
Flu 
  • High fever (>100.5)
  • Headaches, body aches
  • Fatigue 
  • Cough, sore throat, runny nose
  • Sometimes vomiting
 7-10 days 
  • Call your doctor’s office within 48 hours of fever for a sick visit. 
  • Bedrest
  • Increased fluids- water, Pedialyte, hot tea/honey 
  • Zarbee’s cough syrup or children’s Robitussin 
  • Vix vapor rub 
  • Cool mist humidifier 
Common Cold 
  • Low grade fever (usually <100.5)
  • Cough, runny nose, congestion 
 3-7 days 
  • Bedrest
  • Increased water, hot tea/honey 
  • Zarbee’s cough syrup or children’s Robitussin 
  • Vix vapor rub 
  • Cool mist humidifier
  • Call your doctor’s office if symptoms last  
Allergies 
  • NO fever
  • Runny nose
  • Sneezing
  • Postnasal drip 
  • Dry cough
  • Itchy eyes, itchy throat
  • Sinus pressure and headache 
 All spring! 
  • Nasal saline spray 3-4 times daily 
  • Zarbee’s allergy 
  • Cool compresses over eyes and nose
  • Children’s Zyrtec:
  •  2-5 years: 2.5 mg daily
  •  >6 years: 5-10 mge daily

 

4. How am I going to keep my kids busy without going crazy??  

We strongly recommend a daily routine, such as this example! 

7:00 am Wake up! Drink a glass of water with lemon and vitamin C packet, get some exercise- go for a walk around the block or do some jumping jacks and yoga at home! 

7:30 am Eat a healthy breakfast such as eggs and toast or oatmeal and fruit! 

8:00 am Start your daily school work! If teachers have sent home work, it may take a few hours to complete this work. If teachers have not sent home work, check out this website for some ideas! Take a break every 15-30 minutes depending on your child’s age to do some more jumping jacks, play a game, get a drink of water, or eat a healthy snack like an apple! 

12:00 pm Eat a healthy lunch such as PB&J on wheat bread, carrot sticks with ranch, and a piece of fruit! Drink another glass of water! 

1:00-4:00 pm Keep those kiddos busy and safe from getting sick! Here are some ideas: 

  • Read, read read! You can reserve books online from the public library here!
  • Coloring
  • Legos
  • Play with play-doh, or make some slime- see how here! 
  • Puzzles, Card games and board games
  • Playing outside with siblings. *We do recommend avoiding large play groups of >10-15 children at a time. 
  • Educational videos like these options! 
    • National Geographic featured on Disney Plus
    • Our Planet featured on Netflix
  • Make encouraging greeting cards for your neighbors who may be afraid! 

5:00 pm Have your kids help you prep a healthy dinner! Lots of fruits and vegetables will help boost your immune system and keep you safe from illness. 

6:00 pm Eat dinner as a family! This is proven to help kids grow up to be great community members. 

7:00 pm Bath time! Bathing with soapy water daily decreases risk of infection. Make sure to brush those teeth too! 

8:00 pm Read a book and get ready for bed! 

8:30 pm Bedtime! An early bedtime is an important way to boost your child’s immune system an

 

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