Numerous psychologists and medical doctors are busy sharing advice with patients that have school-aged children preparing to leave behind their virtual teachers for an in-the-flesh live version in a brick-and-mortar classroom. “While preparing children physically and emotionally for the return, it’s also likely that the parents need advice that assuages the fears and anxieties that they have for their child’s risk of contracting covid-19,” says concierge pediatrician Dr. Brain Thornburg, owner of Thornburg Pediatrics, in Naples.

“I find that sharing the Centers for Disease Control’s [CDC] statistics regarding the extremely low mortality rates among children helps to quell a parent’s disabling coronavirus stress and anxiety, largely the result of “worst-case scenario” thinking. For example, in the U.S., where there are 73 million children in the 0-17-years category, between January 2020, and July 7, 2021, 331 deaths were the result of COVID. This means a child’s likelihood of dying from COVID is 0.0000045 percent. (CDC.gov/nchs/nvss/vsrr/covid_weekly/index.htm)

A study published by the CDC in August 2020 showed children had a 0.0000001 percent to 0.0000004 percent chance of being hospitalized due to COVID (CDC.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6932e3.htm). “To put this in perspective, a 0-15 year-old child has a 0.000014 percent chance, or a threefold greater risk of death from a bike accident per the National Institutes of Health (PubMed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8437084). “We do not limit our children from the pleasure and joy that comes with riding bikes with their friends and getting exercise because of this statistic. 

“In my opinion, your children, and the eight that are mine, should return to school feeling safe that they will be fine over the next many years,” advises Thornburg. 

Thornburg Pediatrics is located at 5500 Bryson Dr., Ste. 301, in Naples. For more information call 239-348-7337 or visit ThornburgPediatrics.com. See ad, page 15.