Protect Your Children from COVID-19 | Mythri Hospital

It has been nearly over four months since the emergence of the first novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) case in Wuhan, China. Since then, it has transformed into a pandemic, killing thousands of people, infecting billions and confining billions to their homes.

Though a lot more is yet to be ascertained about the virus, it is believed to have less serious health effects on children than on adults. However, still, some infections and even deaths of some children from the disease have been reported in various countries.

Since there is no vaccine available to treat this fatal respiratory disease at the moment, the parents should take every possible measure to protect their children from getting infected.

The pediatricians at Edgewater Family Care Center, a leading family health care clinic in Edgewater, New Jersey, have some practical tips for the parents to protect their children form COVID-19.

Symptoms of Coronavirus in Children:

The symptoms of COVID-19 in children are similar to those in adults, including sore throat, dry cough, and difficulty breathing, though they are significantly milder than those experienced by adults. It is rare for children to have their symptoms so worsened that they need to go to the hospital.

It is yet unclear whether children with an underlying condition are more susceptible to catching the virus as compared to the children who are healthy otherwise, which is the case in adults.

Researches are still underway to determine how COVID-19 impacts the children.

Avoid Crowds:

The best way to keep your children protected from coronavirus is to limit their exposure to the people who are infected or suspected to have the infection.

This is important because when an infected person sneezes or coughs, he/she releases droplets into the air that may contain the virus. These droplets may land on the face of the child or nearby surfaces.

Keep Children away from Sick People:

Make sure to maintain a distance of six feet between the children and the people who have cough and fever, including the family members.

Encourage Children to Wash Hands Regularly:

Advise the kids to wash their hands regularly, with warm water and soap for several times a day, particularly after sneezing, coughing, using a toilet, and after they come inside after playing outdoors.

A hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% of alcohol is an effective alternative if water and soap are not available.

If your child refuses to wash hands, giving them small rewards like a sticker may encourage them to perform the practice again and again.

Cough or Sneeze with Care:

Urge all your family members to cover their mouth with a tissue or elbow while sneezing or coughing and wash their hands every time it occurs. Dispose of tissues immediately after using them.

Keep things Clean:

Clean toys and the surfaces that your child regularly touches like doorknobs, tablets, and TV remotes, using disinfectants.

Conclusion:

Like adults, children are exposed to coronavirus when it contacts their mouth, nose, eyes and lungs. Though children are less likely to become susceptible to COVID-19, it is important for the parents to work with them to minimize the risk.