The Consultant in Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Dr. Mohammad Al-Shehri, confirmed that children are less likely to get infected with the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV), but caution must be exercised as it is known that children are susceptible to upper respiratory tract diseases, such as cold and influenza and the symptoms of these viruses are similar to those of Coronavirus. In case the child temperature is accompanied with shortness of breath, coughing and diarrhea, he must be examined by a doctor to assess the condition, especially if there is a contact with a patient infected with the virus.
This came during Al-Shehri's visit to the Ministry of Health (MOH) National Center for Media and Health Awareness in the context of an awareness campaign about the MERS-CoV.
Dr. Al-Shehri called on school administrations to take precautionary measures for prevention of respiratory diseases, not only Coronavirus, by means of showing commitment to general hygiene in schools, urging students to maintain their personal hygiene and follow the correct habits when coughing, sneezing and having cold, such as: using tissues and putting the used one in the waste basket and not using palms when coughing or sneezing, but the upper arm if tissues are not available, in addition to refraining from touching the nose and eyes by the hand after sneezing or coughing, and washing hands thoroughly after using bathrooms, coughing or sneezing.
"If washing hands is not possible, disinfect them with alcohol gel available in the market. In case a student got a severe cold, it is preferable to isolate him from others as much as possible, and put him under close observation. If an increase in temperature, severe coughing, sneezing, headache or other symptoms are noticed, he [student] must be referred to the physician," Dr. Al-Shehri said.
He stressed the importance of the family's role in protecting their children, through paying attention to their personal hygiene and nutrition and visiting the MOH's website to get acquainted with the required instructions for protection against the respiratory diseases, including Coronavirus.
It is noteworthy that the National Center for Media and Health Awareness will continue hosting a number of physicians and specialists until 6/5/1436H, via the Center's toll free number: 8002494444 and the MOH's Twitter account: @saudimoh, to respond to the callers' inquiries and answer their questions regarding Coronavirus.