30 Jan How to Protect your Kids from Coronavirus

Health concerns have always been an issue but the new pneumonia-like virus, the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV), is putting everyone around the globe on edge. Since the outbreak in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, the virus has claimed many lives and is known to be spreading out to other parts of Asia, Canada, Australia, and Europe.

What is Coronavirus?

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While originally a strain of the Coronavirus was found in animals, seven different strains were later discovered, one of which is the 2019-nCoV, which can infect people at large. According to experts, the 2019-nCoV is suspected to come from animals like the SARS coronavirus of 2003 which was transmitted from bats to civet cats and then humans. Likewise, was the case during the MERS coronavirus of 2012, which had spread from bats to camels and then people, responsible for over 860 deaths till date. However, it is still unsure which animal the 2019- nCoV originates from.

Should I be worried?

In the case of the 2019-nCoV, the symptoms are no more severe than the common cold. However, what’s worrisome is the fact that health experts have little information about this virus yet including how rapidly it can spread from one person to another. The virus can, nonetheless, create heightened risks for pregnant women and children, which means that precautions are a must, owing to the fact that symptoms are indistinguishable from other minor respiratory infections like runny nose, sore throat, fever, cough, and fatigue.

As of now, there have been no cases where children have been affected by 2019-nCoV. Yet it cannot be denied that the risks of pregnant women and children catching the 2019-nCoV are greater since they have lower immunity than others. Hence, for concerned parents, here are some precautions to keep in mind which can help them protect their child from this virus.

Precautions against Coronavirus

Some precautions that can keep your child safe from the Coronavirus are as follows.

• No matter how much we stop our kids, they like to get dirty. Hence, it is very important for parents to constantly remind and encourage their children to wash their hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Sanitizers can be handy, especially the alcohol-based ones, but they’re generally not as effective as soap and water.  Hands should be washed before children eat, after they use the bathroom, come inside from outdoors or touch something dirty like garbage.

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• If you see someone coughing or sneezing, try to keep your kids as far away from them as possible. Similarly, when your kid sneezes or coughs, ask them to do so into their handkerchief or their arm or elbow. It has been stated by health experts that the respiratory secretions from coronaviruses cannot travel more than six feet, yet since children are carefree by nature and it’s not always possible for you to be around them, ensure that they wear a mask whenever they go out to play or visit friends.

•  Adults in the house must ensure that everyone in the house, including them, has received the flu shot, especially considering that the symptoms are alike. A stronger immune system can help your child fight against most diseases, also entailing the coronavirus of the present time. Parents are used to the flu, so they don’t worry as much about it, but to keep the children safe it is important that they protect themselves first
• Parents must ensure that children avoid contacting their unclean and unwashed hands with their mouth, nose, or eyes. The 2019-nCoV is a respiratory infection and can be transmitted by germs in your little one’s hands too. 
• Clean and disinfect corners and areas in your house so that any lurking germs do not harm your little one. 

These were some of the precautions that parents can take to protect their kids from the Novel Coronavirus. Parents must also keep in mind not to panic and go about doing their usual activities, while also staying updated with news about the virus. Doing so will ensure your family’s protection, especially children, without putting them on a leash and suffocating them. As long as you avoid traveling to infected areas of China, you have minimal risks of getting infected. 

Speaking of hygiene and healthy habits, OckyPocky strongly believes and advocates the same. To make learning daily habits a fun experience, visit the OckyPocky app and explore our Health & Hygiene class.