What is a pandemic?

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines a pandemic as the “worldwide spread of a new disease.” 

A pandemic differs from an epidemic, an outbreak of a disease where cases increase rapidly in one region, in that the definition focuses on the global spread across countries and continents.

A pandemic can be a very serious global health crisis, especially if the spread of a new disease happens quickly, it is difficult to contain and no treatments become available to prevent or cure an infection. 

Officially declared pandemics in recent history:

  • HIV/AIDS 
  • 2009 H1N1 (Swine flu)
  • COVID-19 (novel coronavirus)
 

Pandemics and their impacts on children

 
Pandemics can have various effects on children, from directly affecting their health to secondary impacts that increase their vulnerability. In additional to becoming ill from an infection, there are a number of ways children become more vulnerable during pandemics:
 
  • Loss of care and protection if a parent falls ill or dies
  • Psychological distress and increased mental health needs 
  • Decreased access to health care and child protection services
  • Disruptions to education if children are quarantined or hospitalized and if schools close
  • Stigma or discrimination against those who have the disease or are accused of being a carrier
  • Increased pressure for children to work if a family member falls ill
  • Increased engagement of children in hazardous or exploitative labour in times of economic insecurity 

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by a new strain of coronavirus. Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that, in humans, can cause respiratory infections like the common cold or pneumonia.
 
The COVID-19 virus is new but linked to the same family as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) virus and some types of the common cold. 
 
The COVID-19 outbreak is the latest pandemic declared by the WHO, with reports of cases starting in late 2019 within the Hubei region of China. As of March 2020, it has spread to more than 120 countries with the number of new cases rapidly growing. 
 

Symptoms of COVID-19 

Those infected by the virus may not experience any symptoms right away. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms take 2-14 days after exposure. Many people are found asymptomatic. When symptoms do start to occur, people may experience sore throat, fever, dry cough, body aches and shortness of breath.
 
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that 80% of people recover from the virus without any need of treatment, while 1 out of 6 people who are infected become seriously ill. This includes people who are immunocompromised, elderly, and people who have pre-existing health conditions such as asthma, high blood pressure, and heart conditions. 
 

Impact of the COVID-19 on the health of vulnerable people

The people most at risk of severe complications from COVID-19 are those with pre-existing medical conditions, weaker immune systems and the elderly. As we learn more about the virus and its impact on people of different ages, it is crucial that healthy people take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and others. This virus is new so how it affects different vulnerable populations is still being understood. 
 

COVID-19 and children

 
COVID-19 is disrupting the daily life and the environments in which children live around the world. Although children are generally at a lower risk of serious illness, the current situation can lead to negative impacts to their well-being, development and rights.
 
The general feeling of insecurity and instability due to changing daily routines caused by COVID-19 response measures affects children and causes increased distress. During these difficult times, the need for mental health and psychosocial support becomes even more important for children who are already vulnerable and lack access to these services.
 
Children and families who face social exclusion and discrimination, live in overcrowded and unsanitary environments or have pre-existing health conditions such as HIV, tuberculosis or diabetes, are particularly at risk.
 
Children and young people already at risk of neglect, abuse, abandonment, exploitation and discrimination might face additional risks if care and professional support is restricted due to the coronavirus lockdowns or quarantine efforts. 
 
Families are also confronted with feelings of insecurity and the additional pressure and responsibility of keeping their children indoors and out of school and day care centres. In these circumstances, the risks of domestic violence, child neglect and abuse can become heightened.
 
This time can impact the economic security of vulnerable children and families. Some parents do not have the ability to work from home, or have been met with situations like losing a job, or hour cut backs. Many people in Canada have already suffered the economic and social impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The uncertainty of not being able to make ends meet, and provide for children can become increasingly more stressful for parents and caregivers. 
 

Prevention

 
Washing your hands- Lather and wash your hands with soap thoroughly for at least 20 to 30 seconds. Do this often, especially after being in public spaces, touching your face, coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose. If soap is not available use hand sanitizer. Refrain from touching high contact surfaces such as elevator buttons, public transportation handles, and door knobs. 
 
Do not touch your face- Limit contact with your nose, eyes, and mouth if your hands are not washed. If possible, refrain from handshaking with people.
 
Stay home if you are sick- Try to work from home if possible, or limit contact with other people if you are sick 
 
Physical Distancing- Physical distancing is taking the steps to limit the number of people you come in contact to;
 
  • Working from home, if you are able to do so
  • Staying indoors and avoiding any non-essential trips outside
  • Cancelling group gatherings 
  • Maintaining a safe distance from other individuals (2 metres)
  • Limiting contact with the elderly, or people who are immunocompromised, as they are the most vulnerable to serious illness
  • Limiting any non-essential travel and cancel or reschedule any international travel until restrictions are lifted
 
Contact your city, provinvial and / or national health authorities for more details and guides to prevent the spread of COVID-19 
 
 

Talking to your children about COVID-19

 
This can be a frightening time for children. The feelings of uncertainty can be stressful for child and it is important that we share information with children responsibly. This way we can be more diligent in preventing the spread of disease. 
 
  • Listen to the questions your children ask and answer in a simple way to help them understand. 
  • Teach them about the ways to protect yourself. 
    • Create a visual handwashing guide and tape it near your sink or teach them step by step by using a fun song  
    • Share information about how touching your face will spread bacteria and make you sick
    • Show them to cough or sneeze into their arm and not their hands
  • Limit the information they consume. There can be a lot of frightening images on the internet or television that can be stressful for children, be mindful of watching news around them. 
  • Reassure them that they will be okay and as a parent you will follow the steps to prevent them from getting sick
 

Stopping stigma and discrimination

COVID-19 has been an alarming and stressful time for individuals and families around the world. The stigma placed upon Asian communities has been harmful and discriminatory. We condemn all forms of discrimination and work to reduce stigma that may harm vulnerable groups. We also work on a local and global levels to promote the rights of vulnerable children and their families. It is important during a pandemic that everyone share accurate and reliable information from experts in the field.  
 
 
 
 

Care providers and COVID-19 

 
This can be a stressful time for even the most experienced care providers. The stress of the COVID-19 pandemic can take a toll on mental health. Leading a balanced life and taking the necessary steps to practice self-care is important during this time. 
 
  • Feel free to take a step back and take time for yourself
    • Meditate
    • Take deep breaths 
    • Read a book
    • Talk to your loved ones
  • Limit your time watching or reading about the news
    • It is important to stay informed and know the facts, however, there is a lot of misinformation in some media
    • Consume information from trust worthy sources
  • Create a routine
    • Create a balanced routine including- wake up time, meals, sleep
    • Leisure activities- reading, exercise, relaxing
  • Stay healthy 
    • Eat a balanced diet filled with nutritious foods to keep your body and mind healthy
    • Exercise and stay active
    • Get enough sleep 
    • Drink water 
 
Sources: 
 
 

Updates from SOS Children's Villages about the COVID-19 Virus