In this special episode, Dr. Lena and Dr. Dean talk about the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. We discuss major developments this week including the effects of re-opening businesses and lifting some of the social distancing measures, why there might be a severe second wave of illness in the coming Fall and Winter, recent studies that show 2-5% of the US population have already been infected and may be immune, and expected progress with vaccine development. We also respond to listener questions about the potential roll back of social distancing, gastrointestinal symptoms of COVID-19, the most important warning sign indicating that you should seek medical care for your child, other manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 infection such as involvement of the heart or brain, and how to balance potential exposure in public places like grocery stores vs leaving kids in the car when the weather is warm or hot (spoiler alert: don’t leave kids in the car!). We welcome guest pediatrician Dr. Ellen McCleery to further explore how social distancing has affected home life and parenting including challenges with screen time, relaxing limits, enhancing interactive and educational activities, knowing when it’s time for a break from screen time, and some healthy alternative activities.
Note that the information provided was accurate at the time this episode was recorded, but that this is a rapidly changing situation.
This episode written by Drs. Ellen McCleery, Lena van der List and Dean Blumberg.
We thank Dr. Ellen McCleery from UC Davis Children's Hospital for joining us for this episode.
Supplemental information:

* Eran Bendavid et al COVID-19 Antibody Seroprevalence in Santa Clara County, California

* USC-LA County Study: Early Results of Antibody Testing Suggest Number of COVID-19 Infections Far Exceeds Number of Confirmed Cases in Los Angeles County

* Dr. Lena discusses Hot Weather Dangers on Sac & Co, ABC10 KXTV July 19 2018

* UC Davis Children’s Hospital Coronavirus (COVID-19) resources for parents

Photo from Mission Health Blog