Ways to answer your child's questions about COVID-19

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is the short name for "coronavirus disease 2019." It is a new virus. Scientists & doctors are still learning about it. Recently, the virus has made a lot of people sick. Scientists and doctors are trying to learn more so they can help people who get sick. Doctors and experts are working hard to help people stay healthy

Viruses are a type of germ They're very tiny, and when they get inside your body, they can make you sick. Viruses cause colds, chicken pox, measles, flu, and many other diseases. Wash your hands often to prevent the spread of diseases, especially before you eat and after you use the bathroom.

Germs are tiny organisms, or living things that can cause disease. Germs are so small and sneaky that they creep into our bodies without being noticed. In fact, germs are so tiny that you need to use a microscope to see them. When they get in our bodies, we don't know what hit us until we have symptoms that say we've been attacked!

Symptoms are body changes, like a fever, that let you know something is not right. By telling your parent, ECD caregiver, or a doctor your symptoms, you can help him or her figure out what's wrong. For example, if you have a fever, cough, headache, sore throat or diarrhea, you might have COVID-19. So, the next time you're feeling any of these symptoms, tell your parents, ECD caregiver, and a doctor so you can get better.