COVID-19
Children are at risk of COVID-19. Children who are overweight, diabetic, have asthma, or other heart or immune conditions have a higher risk of serious symptoms and possible death. Even if not symptomatic, your child may get infected while in school or a child care setting and bring it home. Teach your child to wear a mask, avoid germs by staying 6 feet apart, and
wash hands thoroughly. Helpful links include: Army COVID Factsheet on Child and Youth Services (pending update) and the DCPH-A COVID Library.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms but it can be more dangerous for infants and young children
, adults over 65, and those with certain medical conditions.
In very young infants with RSV, the only symptoms may be irritability, decreased activity, and breathing difficulties. RSV may not be severe at first, but it can become severe a few days into the illness, even requiring hospitalization.
The CDC reports that nearly all children are infected with RSV before their 2nd birthday. Repeat infections may occur throughout life, and people of any age can be infected.
People are exposed to the RSV from airborne droplets from coughing or sneezing, and surfaces that have residual virus. RSV can survive for many hours on hard surfaces. Children are often infected with RSV in school or childcare centers.
Military medical facilities report their cases of RSV so that trends are described in military public health surveillance reports (see our Influenza Surveillance reports).
An RSV vaccine was recently approved for infants and children up to 24 months – parents should talk to providers about protecting their child with this vaccine.
The CDC recommends the following steps to prevent the spread of RSV:
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or upper shirt sleeve
- Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Avoid close contact with sick people
- Avoid touching nose/eyes/mouth
- Stay home if sick
For more information, see this handout from the CDC.
Disinfection
Cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting are terms used to reduce the spread of germs within a child care setting. They each have different meanings - but each are key steps to reducing the spread of germs and infection. See the Army recommended Cleaning, Sanitizing and Disinfecting Chart for childcare facilities.
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
Did you know that each year in the U.S. there are about 3500 infant (<1 year) deaths?
Read how to reduce risk of this tragedy such as sleeping on back, on firm mattress, on child-safe bed, or in the same room as parent.
