The second wave of Coronavirus has been hard on us. The entire country is shaken and India’s healthcare infrastructure has been startled. The most vulnerable part of the society – Children, are getting affected by the new mutations circulating in the country. It is important to educate about the virus and learn about the different ways we can prevent it. This will not only protect us but the future generation from the implications of the pandemic.
COVID-19 hit us for the first time in 2020. Back then only older adults and people with pre-existing chronic conditions were considered to be the most vulnerable. With the second wave hitting the peak, it is observed that even children, who were up until now considered only carriers, can be affected by the deadly virus.
With the rising number of COVID cases in children by day increasing day, it is quintessential to protect them and prevent the spread of the infection. By educating our children about the pandemic and encouraging them to take certain precautions, we can contain the negative impact of the virus efficiently and also keep our children safe from the same.
Here are 15 ways to keep your children safe from Coronavirus:
It is hard to keep children indoors all the time but you must encourage your child to stay indoors during this crisis period. Do not send your kids outdoors to play, organize fun indoor games and keep them engaged.
During times like this, it is advised to avoid having visitors at home. It is important to stay vigilant and cautious. In case you have visitors, ensure your kids maintain social distancing. Do not leave your child unattended when you are outdoors and practice social distancing.
Frequent washing of hands is the number one rule when it comes to the Coronavirus. Before touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, sanitizing is crucial. Children when left unattended may touch contaminated surfaces and objects, which may lead to an infection. To avoid that make sure your children wash their hands regularly with soap and water for 20 seconds. Alternatively, you can use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Teach your kids to properly wash covering all surfaces of their hands with hand sanitizer. If your child is too young supervise them when they use hand sanitizer.
While washing your hands is important, disinfecting frequently touched surfaces and objects is equally important too. Studies state that the virus can latch onto objects or surfaces. Therefore, when you or your children may come in contact with a contaminated surface you will get infected. To avoid this, disinfect surfaces as frequently as you can.
Wear a mask and make sure everyone in your household also wears a mask when in public and when around people who don’t live in your household. Make sure your child wears their masks correctly and refrains from touching them.
Teach your kid to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue, throw the tissue in the dustbin and wash hands thoroughly while coughing or sneezing.
Practicing good hygiene is critical. This includes not touching your eyes, mouth, or nose with unwashed hands and covering your mouth and nose when you sneeze. Make sure children wash their hands when they come home, after using the restroom, and before eating with soap and water for 20 seconds. Set a timer on by the sink as may help encourage your child to get through the process.
To curb the spread of Coronavirus, most places have banned the practice of handshaking. Since handshaking happens at schools among young children it is necessary to remind children to avoid this type of greeting.
It is recommended for parents to stock up on a month’s worth of crucial items such as diapers, groceries, medicines, toiletries, etc. Families should also fill their medicine cabinets with prescription medications and medical supplies to avoid frequent visitations to stores.
At any point during the year, and especially now, parents should remember to leave bags, shoes, items that they carried outside by the front door since they can carry in bacteria from the outside. Use them only after spraying disinfectant or keep them aside for a few hours.
Coronavirus spreads through the air in tiny droplets produced when a sick person breathes, talks, coughs, or sneezes. The virus spreads most easily when people are within six feet of one another. Parents should avoid highly trafficked public spaces, like libraries and malls, in areas that have confirmed cases.
It’s crucial for families to thoroughly clean high-use areas of the home to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus. The refrigerator door, staircase railings, tablets, phones, and toys are some of the most-touched places in the home. To get the maxim benefit, leave the surface wet for at least 15 to 30 seconds.
During tough times like this family, bonding is very important, especially for kids. Constantly reading updates about the health crisis can lead to heightened anxiety and panic. This may affect your mood which could also affect your child’s mood. Parents should disconnect from the internet and spend time talking to their kids about various topics and engaging in fun activities.
By following these above tips diligently you can keep your kids from the Coronavirus.
Dr. Bela Doctor | Senior Consultant – Paediatrics | SRCC Children’s Hospital, Mumbai
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