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Challenges Face CNY Doctors, Parents Seven Weeks into COVID-19 Pandemic

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We know by now that children are the most common “silent carriers” of the novel coronavirus…they might have the virus, but not show any symptoms.  WAER News checks in with a Syracuse pediatrician about the challenges facing doctors and parents during this pandemic.

Upstate Professor of Pediatrics Dr. Steven Blatt says the good news is most kids don’t get sick with COVID-19.  The bad news is they could have it and get other people sick.

"Given the fact that children tend to have a lot more upper respiratory infections, or colds, than adults...kids get sick all the time...the kids with COVID look indistinguishable from most of the other infections, so they're really hard to pick out clinically."

Blatt says children who do come down with a mild fever, sore throat, or cough should be treated as if they have COVID-19 and isolated just to be safe.  Parents should call their pediatrician if they have concerns that go beyond a typical cold.  Meanwhile, he says seemingly healthy children still need to follow social distancing protocols to prevent possible transmission.

"In many aspects, we're flying blind.  So, the safest thing, but unfortunately the most difficult thing, is to keep children away from others."

As we enter week seven of staying at home, Blatt knows it’s not getting any easier for children or parents.

"As much as kids may not want to listen to parents, kids really do trust their parents when they talk to them.  The more you talk to your children rom your heart and why you're doing things,at whatever age they are, f most kids get the message.  It doesn't mean every kid will do what you ask them to do, but I think that's the best we can do."

Dr. Blatt also tells WAER News that most parents have done a good job of bringing in their children only when they’re truly sick, and avoiding the doctor’s office for minor illness or routine visits during the pandemic.  He says they’ve shifted some follow-up appointments to telehealth, such as children with asthma, ADD, obesity, or anxiety.  Blatt says pediatricians are generally focused on clinically necessary or time sensitive appointments, such as infant immunizations.  He says he’s not aware of any parent who’s delayed a visit for serious illness or immunizations.

Scott Willis covers politics, local government, transportation, and arts and culture for WAER. He came to Syracuse from Detroit in 2001, where he began his career in radio as an intern and freelance reporter. Scott is honored and privileged to bring the day’s news and in-depth feature reporting to WAER’s dedicated and generous listeners. You can find him on twitter @swillisWAER and email him at srwillis@syr.edu.