-
Asked by anon-249896 to Sophie, SarahC, Sarah on 4 Mar 2020.
-
Sarah Clarke answered on 4 Mar 2020:
Hi doctorfanta, thanks for your question. There isn’t a simple answer to you question as it really depends where in the world you are looking and at what age children. Across the whole world, infectious diseases (things like malaria or pneumoniae) and malnutrition are the most common. These are a particular problem in very young children (under 5 years of age). In more developed countries like the UK where we have good healthcare services, vaccinations and antibiotics, infectious diseases are still important but we also see more of other illnesses like allergies.
-
-
Sophie Arthur answered on 4 Mar 2020:
Like Sarah said there isn’t a simple answer to this question. But I think I would say in countries like the UK, it would be the common cold. It mutates so much and children are slowly building up their immune system so I would say that. Although allergies are also on the rise too I believe
Comments
anon-250025 commented on :
Hi doctors, is it possible for children to get coronavirus easily?
Sophie commented on :
We are not actually seeing many cases of coronavirus in children, but that doesn’t mean that children can’t catch it. Most of the cases seem to be older adults and those with underlying health conditions that are reporting serious coronavirus symptoms. I hope that answers your questions 🙂
anon-250025 commented on :
And also will children get coronavirus easier than adults?
SarahC commented on :
We often worry about children when it comes to illnesses as we think they are more vulnerable. But so far it seems children aren’t being affected by coronavirus as much as adults. That said, we are concerned that children may spread the virus more easily than adults because young children tend not to be very good as covering their mouth/nose when they sneeze, or wash their hands as well etc etc.
SarahC commented on :
At the moment, I think we are still going to have to wait and see quite what happens as it is still early days!