Coronavirus. Contagious. Infection. Outbreak.

Words like these can scare any child into thinking a zombie apocalypse is upon us. And images on the news of people in goggles, hazmat suits and surgical masks can be frightening.

It’s important to reassure children — and ourselves — that the novel Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) is not the zombie apocalypse.

I’m not downplaying the seriousness of the illness. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Department of Health and Human Services have both declared public health emergencies.

But it’s important to be careful about what you say about the virus to and around your child.

Calm the anxieties around COVID-19 by having conversations and encourage behaviors that will help keep you and your child healthy.

If your child is concerned about what they hear about the coronavirus, be honest with them. Find out what they know and explain to them that it’s like a really bad cold.

Reassure them that most people don’t get very sick from the virus and people are working very hard to make sure the virus doesn’t spread.

Here are a few more facts on COVID-19 that you can share.

• COVID-19 is a respiratory illness first discovered in China.
• The illness can cause cold-like symptoms, such as a cough, fever or runny nose.
• Most cases of the illness have occurred in adults.

You should also let your child know there are things they can do to help prevent the virus from spreading. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following preventive actions:

• Avoid people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• If a tissue isn’t available to cough or sneeze into, use the crook of your elbow.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• If soap and water aren’t available, use a hand sanitizer to wash your hands.
• Stay up to date on vaccinations, including the influenza vaccine.

Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at cdc.gov/COVID19 keep up with the latest news and recommendations regarding the virus. To find out more about what Tanner Health System is doing to address COVID-19, visit tanner.org/ncov.