These are the age ranges most at risk of contracting coronavirus

Tuesday, 3rd March 2020, 4:24 pm
Updated Friday, 6th March 2020, 2:44 pm

The UK government as announced its Action Plan for the potentially imminent threat of a large Covid-19 outbreak inside the United Kingdom.

Boris Johnson and Health Secretary Matt Hancock outlined how emergency services, such as police and fire service, will be affected with nearly one fifth of the total UK workforce predicted to be off sick should the virus spread.

The UK is moving from the "containment" stage of this outbreak to "delay" as more people have come forward with the virus. The Governments plans outline what it aims to do should the disease spread further. The worst case scenario is having 80 per cent of the UK population infected with the coronavirus strain known as Covid-19.

Are children more susceptible to Covid-19?

Normally during outbreaks, children, the infirm, and the elderly are considered the most vulnerable groups. Coronavirus still affects children, but research is proving that they do not seem to suffer the worst symptoms of the illness. But, they are still able to contract the disease.

The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has stated that there is no evidence that children are more susceptible to contracting Covid-19. Even previous outbreaks of coronavirus, such as SARS and MERS, proved the infection in children to be uncommon.

There are still cases of children contracting the disease but symptoms are less severe than in adults. The CDC said, "Limited reports of children with COVID-19 in China have described cold-like symptoms, such as fever, runny nose, and cough. Gastrointestinal symptoms (vomiting and diarrhea) have been reported in at least one child with COVID-19."

Currently, Covid-19 gives adults symptoms similar to the flu, including a cough, shortness of breath, and a high fever.

Are children completely safe?

The problem is the lack of evidence for researchers to claim how Covid-19 really works. This disease has only been studied for four months so there is no definite answer.


Children with underlying health conditions, especially respiratory difficulties, have an increased risk of contracting more severe symptoms.

Another issue is that children who may be symptomless, or demonstrate mild symptoms, are carriers of the virus and can affect older people.

This is why the government and health agencies have suggested school closures as a means to stop the spread of the virus. Children are great at spreading viruses around a classroom, only to bring that virus back home to their parents and family.

Is there a cure for Covid-19?

There is no confirmed cure for the virus but a vaccine is being prepared. This might take upwards of one year to complete, which is actually quite a quick turn around for a vaccine.

The best way to limit the effects of Covid-19 and to stop the spread of the virus is to maintain a strict hand washing regime with soap and water and carry hand sanitiser if possible. Avoid touching your eyes and mouth if you are unwell. And if you have symptoms of the illness, or have returned from an infected area, contact your GP, dial NHS 111, or go on for information on what to do next.

Coronavirus: the facts

What is coronavirus?


What caused coronavirus?


How is it spread?


What are the symptoms?


What precautions can be taken?


Should I avoid public places?


What should I do if I feel unwell?


When to call NHS 111


Sources: World Health Organisation and NHS