4 Tech-Savvy Tips to Prevent Kids from Getting Sick

The New York metro area leads the U.S. in the number of COVID-19 cases, but there is some good news: There are lower infection rates in children. Plus, those ages 19 and younger who have been tested appear to have milder illness with almost no hospitalizations. While that is good news for our children, researchers don’t know yet (because the virus is still so new) if there will be long-term health effects of the novel coronavirus—even for people who have mild cases. The best thing to do? Take steps to reduce the spread of the coronavirus (and, in turn, reduce the chances of your family getting COVID-19)—and that smartphone in your hand can play a role in keeping your family safe.

We know anyone of any age can contract or transmit COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s advice? Teach your children to follow the same protocol recommended to the rest of us. 

We could tell you to wash your hands regularly, don’t touch your face (especially in public), and cover your mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze...and you should! But we have a feeling you’ve already heard and are following that advice. If you have the basics covered, here are four tech-savvy ways to help keep your family healthy—and do your part to slow the spread of the virus. 

Tip #1: Get Alerts from the Right Sources 

The same way we are encouraged to do our part in preventing the spread of the coronavirus, each of us can be good citizens by helping to stop the spread of misinformation. In this case, preventing undue panic by verifying sources before passing information along.  After all, knowledge is power—as long as you’re getting your intel from a verified source. Your family, friends, neighbors, and even the media likely don’t intend to spread false information, but in the case of COVID-19, updates change quickly and change hands almost as fast. 

To provide an accurate overview of viral activity in your area, most cities are offering text message alerts for up-to-the-minute information. Here in New York, you simply have to text "COVID" to 692-692 to get the latest updates and tips from Notify NYC.

At the state and national level, the CDC tracks state-reported cases of COVID-19 online daily, updating its information Monday-Friday at 12pm. The CDC tracks not only the number of cases per state, but also the number of deaths and the origin of those cases (be it travel, close contact, or another source).  

Tip #2: Avoid Contamination 

During any kind of illness outbreak in your community, the doctor’s office is not necessarily your friend. Any family who’s walked into a waiting room for a rash and left with Influenza B already knows. 

While seeking out medical attention is non-negotiable, there are sometimes healthier alternatives to a waiting room filled with worse germs than the ones your kids came in with. 

For minor issues, telemedicine is your new secret weapon. A virtual visit can be a game-changer for easily-diagnosed issues such as rashes or chicken pox—and many health care providers are now offering virtual visits as an option. Your insurance policy’s explanation of benefits should detail whether these services are covered, and there are plenty of medical apps specializing in pediatric care. During this pandemic, brace for longer-than-usual wait times and expect a charge of about $50 (give or take depending on the provider and your insurance).

Often, however, there’s no substitute for an in-person exam, with illnesses such as strep throat and ear infections requiring hands-on medical attention and in-person rapid tests. That’s where house calls come in. Whether you’re afraid of catching COVID-19 or you’re doing your civic duty by committing to not spreading the coronavirus, apps like Opear MD were invented for convenience and quarantine. The idea is simple: Instead of traveling across town and sitting in a crowded, germ-filled room while you wait for a 5-minute exam, a local pediatric health care provider will come to you. Bada bing, bada boom. The licensed doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant of your choice can be at your doorstep in as little as 2 hours.