What Teens Need to Know About COVID-19
By Sophia Jerome
United States COVID-19 cases as of April, 1 2020
The situation with COVID-19 is rapidly changing and affecting the world we live in to create a new “normal”. Although doctors everywhere, state and federal governments, and the CDC have warned civilians about the dangers of the novel coronavirus, many young people have simply brushed it off as a minor inconvenience.
Teens may believe that this is merely a way to get out of school, thinking their immune systems are strong enough so that it will have no effect on them. It is crucial for young adults to recognize that this pandemic is nothing of the sort.
Recently, I was able to interview Dr. Cindy Noyes, an Infectious Disease Physician at UVMMC. She was able to provide some very useful insight into the likely timeline of a potential COVID-19 vaccine, why teens need to be worried about the virus, along with other helpful information.
Q: What are some common misconceptions you hear about the disease?
A: “There is great concern about how effective transmission is in people who don’t have symptoms. This is not known but [the] general public is worried about this.”
Q: Are people (teens specifically) who vape or smoke at a higher risk of facing more devastating outcomes if they do contract the disease?
A: “[There is] no data at this time, but… vaping causes lung injury and lung disease increases [the] risk for severe disease. I would be worried about the two together, even in young people.”
Q: What is most important for teens to know about COVID-19?
A: “If you are sick stay home. Young people don’t get seriously ill but easily transmit the virus to others who may (those who are elderly or with medical comorbid conditions). Cough etiquette (cough into elbow) and frequent hand washing is critical.”
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Q: As far as vaccination goes, how do you foresee the timeline playing out? Has there been much progress made already?
A: “A lot of progress has been made but we are a year out, at least, from [a] vaccine. Compared to typical novel vaccine development it’s like lightning speed.”
Q: How much more do you believe it will spread? Could this possibly just be the beginning?
A: “This is only the tip of the iceberg. Which is why we need to practice social distancing to minimize transmission as much as we can.”
As the situation rapidly changes it is incredibly important to do your part in protecting the safety of your family, friends, community, and yourself by staying home and washing your hands frequently. It may not seem like a lot, but it is the most you can do to help flatten the curve.
