Local paediatrician discusses Covid-19 with Crawford Lonehill parents

Paediatrician at Netcare Sunninghill Hospital Dr Vasanthie Pillay recently addressed pre-primary parents at Crawford Lonehill through a Zoom call concerning parenting during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Dr Pillay shared a number of Covid-19 statistics, comparing South Africa to other countries including the United States of America and Brazil.

She said that South Africa had fared well with just over 400 deaths in comparison to the US, which had over 98 000 deaths and Brazil with 22 000 deaths (on 24 May).

“Lockdown has definitely helped us stem the tide,” said Dr Pillay, adding that the easing of lockdown would see case numbers increase.

She explained that lockdown was aimed at giving the healthcare system the ability to cope with the virus, giving patients a greater chance of survival.

Dr Pillay said that the good news is that children are far less likely to contract the virus, less likely to suffer severe disease and less likely to spread the virus.

According to Dr Pillay, children account for only two per cent of cases worldwide. “When they do get sick, they are usually mild or asymptomatic and the risk of dying of Covid-19 is low.

“Children are not the silent spreaders of Covid-19.”

Dr Pillay also drew attention to paediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome, associated with Covid-19, which has been seen in the US is much more severe, but very rare. Symptoms of this include a three-day fever, skin rash, conjunctivitis, abdominal symptoms including vomiting and diarrhoea, dehydration and few respiratory symptoms.

Dr Pillay also reassured pregnant mothers that pregnancy is not associated with more severe Covid-19 symptoms. The greater challenge for pregnant mothers are restrictions on routine check-ups, reduced visitors in hospital and feelings of isolation.

She also encouraged parents to weigh up their options when considering sending their children back to school during the pandemic. She said that lockdown can have profound effects on children’s mental and social development, with much isolation, fear and anxiety.

She encouraged parents to model peaceful behaviour to those around them, maintain digital connections with people, exercise, eat healthily and turn to reputable sources for news. She said that parents should talk to their children about the virus and remain calm.

Head of academic operations at Crawford Lonehill Pre-Primary Jacqui Smallbone said the talk by Dr Pillay was insightful and informative.

“Parents of young children have been quite anxious and asking many questions. As a highly respected paediatrician, Dr Pillay is honest and practical. Parents felt more secure after hearing her talk,” said Smallbone.

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