Dr. Shanik provided TLS with the following message:
I would like to clarify a misunderstanding regarding my recorded phone message on the Coronavirus.
While it is true that the virus is not a huge risk to the Pediatric population, it can be a very dangerous viral infection and of particular risk to the following populations:
– The elderly
– Those who are immune compromised
– Those over 50 who have underlying conditions such as asthma, emphysema, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, history of smoking and obesity.
COVID-19 is not like the flu. There is a higher death rate among the populations mentioned above. We have a responsibility for those among us who fall into those categories. I would recommend that you consult with Internal Medicine or Geriatric providers regarding your questions for those populations.
This is informative, but it doesn’t clarify his stance on playgroups being opened and children playing together. Parents are making their own playgroups/round robins from what I’ve heard, which seems to defeat the purpose of social distancing.
You have to be realistic. cant tie your kids to the bed post. kids will need to get out of the house. just don’t go and hug grandma.
or if a kid has a compromised immune system, he should avoid the playground.
What about playgroups? Does the good doctor believe they should all be closed for this?
What about a child or toddler with mild recurrent asthma? That’s the kids that end up on nebulizers with every little cold. As far as I’ve been told, those children are in high risk catagories too. I would love to hear what Dr. Shanik says about them.
ALL PLAYGROUPS, BABYSITTING, ETC should be closed. that is what the pediatricians are telling everyone now…
Daycare should stay open. Just because there are few fanatics creating panic and hysteria people like me don’t have to suffer! This is a free country which means everyone has a right to do what they want. I’m not buying into the whole zombie apocalypse and I want to send my healthy children to daycare. Whoever wants to lock themselves up with their kids at home until they all loose their marbles (of they ever had any) let them do so, let other people live their lives the way they want. I wish there would be more people speaking up against all this craziness, maybe they will stop. Meanwhile only the fanatics are causing hysteria forcing people to lock up and disrupt everyones lives, and those are the only ones we hear about the entire day. We need a breath of fresh air and more sane people to come our and say how they really feel about this whole overrated virus.
Joseph= you are an insane fool! and that’s if you’re just kidding! If you really believe that you should be sent to Iran where one million body bags are being prepared!
I’m sorry to hear you cant watch your kids. Just in case you didnt know, Kids play in germs all day and normally don’t get symptoms. Meaning they’re carriers, and you normally don’t know. Why should play groups be open then? If all schools are closed – even though it may be true its panic – why have play groups open?
UHM HELLO JOSEPH ARE YOU COMPLETELY IGNORING THE FACTUAL INFORMATION PROVIDED? Social distancing is what is going to prevent this from continuing. People aren’t going crazy, PEOPLE ARE BEING SMART. Kids with weakened immune systems are at risk as well! Sure a lot more are recovering than dying, BUT PEOPLE ARE STILL DYING. Why risk sending children to play groups who can then spread the virus? Oh that’s right because it’s an inconvenience to you. That’s what is wrong with naive, inconsiderate people as yourself. Does this force you to stay home and actually spend time with your kids now? Ugh god forbid. Please educate yourself before commenting.
Italy discovered that asymptomatic children infected with COVID-19 infects on average six people a day when they are in public compared to the two people that older people infect.
It is no joke. Anyone under the age of 50 that has Kidney disease, diabetes and liver disease are likely to die — not just those that smoke, vape or have a lung condition.
Their is a 5 year old confirmed case. Being the father of 3 ranging from 16 to 11, even the most active kids have no problem staying home on their computers, smartphones, games systems, or even just listening to music in their rooms. Sending them out to socialize and play now is not only niave it’s incompetent. Schools and playgrounds are closed for a reason. YOU DO NOT WANT YOUR CHILD OR YOURSELF BECOMING PATIENT ZERO IN YOUR HOMETOWN, smarten up. Do the unthinkable and let your kids vegg out in front of the tv, computer, whatever or play some board or card games with them. We all need to do our part and having to parent should not be seen as a sacrifice.