Facts About Coronavirus Or COVID-19 That Parents Need To Know
The reports of thousands of people dying of the new coronavirus have made many parents worry about the safety of their children. This article provides information that parents need to protect their children from the disease. The article also answers some of the common questions that parents raise about Covid-19 in children.
What Is Coronavirus?
Coronavirus belongs to a family of viruses that cause both mild infections such as common cold and severe infections such as the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).
What Is Covid-19?
Covid-19 In Children
Covid-19 is still new and medical professionals are still researching its effects on pregnant women and children. However, the virus can affect people of all ages. According to UNICEF, people with pre-existing conditions and the elderly are a high risk of developing severe symptoms. The disease is mild in children and babies. The common symptoms include a fever, difficulties in breathing, coughing, and sneezing.
Both adults and children are exposed to the disease when the virus contacts their mouth, nose, eyes, and lungs. When an infected person coughs or sneezes near a child, the droplets with the virus end up on the child’s face. Alternatively, the droplets land on the nearby surfaces, which the child can touch and then transfer to the mouth, eyes or nose.
How To Protect Children From Coronavirus?
Parents must understand that the coronavirus has no vaccine. Hence, they must take the precautionary measures given to protect their children from the virus. The best way to protect children from Covid-19 is to keep them away from infected people or those who may be infected.
Anyone who contacts a sick person closely is likely to get the virus and transmit it to others. Parents need to avoid crowded places and sick people. The advised safe distance is at least 6 feet from anyone who has symptoms of coronavirus such as coughing or sneezing.
The other prevention measure is to wash or sanitize the children’s hands regularly. Parents should teach their kids the right way to keep their hands clean. The recommended duration is 20 seconds with soap and preferably warm water. A sanitizer should be used when water and soap are unavailable.
Kids need to learn to wash their hands before meals, after visiting the bathroom, and after a cough, sneezing or blowing the nose. In addition to teaching, parents must demonstrate the right way to wash hands to their children.
Covid-19 Prevention Measures For The Family
All family members must be involved in protecting each other and especially kids from coronavirus. Everyone must wash their hands or sanitize regularly. All surfaces should be clean, especially those in shared spaces and within children’s reach. Toys and play mats should be cleaned regularly as well.
Parents should teach their children to avoid touching their faces. In case one person has a cough or sneeze, the person should cough or sneeze into the elbow or tissue. All used tissues must be disposed of immediately.
How To Explain Covid-19 To Children?
Do Pregnant Women Pass Coronavirus To Their Babies?
The effect of Covid-19 on expected mothers is still under investigations. Doctors have no evidence to show that pregnant mothers can pass the disease to their unborn babies. However, pregnant women have a responsibility to protect themselves from the virus and see a doctor immediately if they experience symptoms of the disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many children have been infected with the coronavirus worldwide?
Children account for a small percentage of all reported cases of Covid-19. Of all cases, 1% are children below 10 years and 4% are between 10 and 19 years.
Where can I find further information about Coronavirus?
The World Health Organization (WHO) provides accurate information about the disease including the best prevention measures for adults and children.
Who can I contact if I need quick answers about covid-19?
WHO has provided a link with a WhatsApp number where anyone can submit questions about Covid-19 and get quick answers. Check the link here.
Do children develop different covid-19 symptoms from adults?
Children experience the same symptoms as adults. However, the symptoms in children are mild and may not require hospitalization.
What COVID-19 signs in children require emergency medical attention?
The signs that need immediate attention include bluish lips, difficulties in breathing, inability to wake up, newly developed confusion, and inability to keep liquids down.
What should I do if my child develops COVID-19 symptoms?
Seek medical attention and continue to observe the hygiene practices including washing hands, avoiding crowds, cleaning surfaces. Keep up with your child’s vaccines as well.
Is there a vaccine against Covid-19?
Currently, there is no vaccine against Covid-19 for both adults and children. Hence, parents must take all prevention measures seriously to protect their children.
Should my children take tests for coronavirus?
The need for testing for you and your children depends on the level of the outbreak in your area and state. Follow the guidelines given by the relevant government authorities in your area.
Conclusion
Covid-19 can affect both adults and children. The disease has no vaccine. However, parents can protect their children through social distancing, hand and respiratory hygiene. All family members must be involved in implementing preventive measures to protect themselves and the children from the virus.
You can check the latest data here on Google COVID 19 map, which is constantly being updated.
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