As a parent, it’s natural to want to protect your children from harm. But when it comes to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), that can be a difficult task. Here are a couple of things you need to know about the virus:
- It can spread through respiratory droplets.
- Children can be infected with the virus but tend to have milder symptoms than adults.
- It’s still unclear if children can transmit the virus as quickly as adults, so the whole family needs to take precautions.
Your children can be vulnerable to the virus. Here are the most common reasons as to why.
Asymptomatic Carriers
Your children are likely to become asymptomatic carriers of the virus. This means they may not show any symptoms of the virus even if infected. However, asymptomatic carriers can still spread the virus to others, which is why it’s so crucial for everyone—even kids—to wear a mask and practice social distancing.
Underlying Health Conditions
If your child has asthma, diabetes, or another chronic health condition, they may be more likely to experience severe symptoms if they contract COVID-19. That’s why it’s essential to ensure their vaccinations are up to date and that they take their medications as prescribed.
Living in Close Quarters
Kids often find themselves near other people in a packed classroom or a crowded home, which increases their risk of contracting COVID-19. That’s why good hand hygiene (washing hands often and for at least 20 seconds) is essential for kids—it’s one of the best ways to prevent the spread of the virus.
Face Touching
Kids touch their faces an average of 16 times per hour, which increases their risk of exposure to COVID-19 if they come into contact with contaminated surfaces. To help prevent this, teach your kids not to touch their eyes, nose, or mouth unless they’ve just washed their hands thoroughly with soap and water.
Interacting With Others
Kids often have contact with people outside of their immediate household, whether playing with friends at the park or going to school, which puts them at greater risk for contracting COVID-19. To help protect your child, limit their exposure to other people as much as possible and have them wear a mask when they’re around others who don’t live in your household.
The bottom line is that children are more vulnerable to COVID-19 than adults for various reasons. But there are things you can do as a parent to keep them safe from the virus. Here are five ways you can keep your children safe from the pandemic.
Pediatrician
The first step in keeping your child safe from the virus is to talk to their pediatrician. Your doctor can offer personalized advice on protecting your child, especially if they have a chronic health condition. Make sure to stay up to date with any COVID-19 vaccines or medications for your child, as well as any updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding children and the virus. Additionally, it would help if you let them visit pediatric services every six months. This will ensure they get the necessary check-ups for the virus and other diseases common to children.
Practice Good Hand Hygiene
Teach your children proper handwashing techniques, including soap and water and scrubbing for at least 20 seconds. Encourage them to wash their hands often, especially before eating and after coming into contact with commonly touched surfaces like doorknobs or playground equipment.
Limit Exposure
Limit your child’s exposure to people outside your household as much as possible. This means avoiding playdates and social gatherings and keeping your child at home if they feel sick.
Give Them PPEs
Your children should also have their own set of PPEs. Here are some essential PPEs for children:
Face Mask
The virus infects others through respiratory droplets, so having your child wear a face mask can significantly reduce their chances of contracting and spreading COVID-19.
Gloves
Teach your children to wear gloves when they come into contact with surfaces that may be contaminated with the virus, such as shopping carts or public restrooms.
Stay Up to Date on Information
Stay informed about COVID-19 updates from reliable sources like the CDC and World Health Organization (WHO). Also, stay up to date on any changes in guidelines for children, such as school reopening plans or updates on virus transmission among kids.
Although difficult, these steps can help protect your child from COVID-19. Remember, it’s not just about protecting your child but also protecting others from the virus. So stay safe and follow guidelines to keep everyone healthy during this pandemic.