How to protect children during the Covid Pandemic?

                      

         The Autumn fall in UK is nearing to an end and the winter will be swadling us all soon from December.Now we can also notice a rise in covid cases.UK has recorded high number of  new covid cases on recent days.It is reminding as of the days that when UK went into a lockdown last year and creating a sense of fear among us.

          Even the double vaccinated people are getting the covid again and the Covid-19 booster Jabs are also on the way for the people who are eligible. Most of the cases are found to be in adults so far,but children can also get infected.At this crucial times Children must be taken extra special care and protection.We should teach children how to protect themselves and others from the Virus.Our children must be taught about the safety measures and necessary precautions to be taken.

1).Teach Good Health Behaviours:

              As a parent we must teach the children about good health behaviours.The child must know about the good behaviours such as washing hands regularly and covering coughs and sneezes,Social distancing,Wearing masks (for children above 2 years).I usually encourage my children to wash hands regularly and most importantly on getting back home from school/outside play.The child must know the method of washing their hands with a soap/handwash for atleast 20 seconds.

                                          

           We must demonstrate to the child on covering the mouth with elbow while coughing and sneezing.The children must also know when to maintain a safe distance from a friend(while coughing,sneezing)and in a crowded place.

2).Catch it, Bin it, Kill it:

               We are very well aware of the concept “Catch it”.But in most of the houses and in public places we forget to Bin it & Kill it.Thus we are paving a way for the virus to spread even more faster.The children usually uses a tissues/napkins to wipe its mouth or nose and then leaves it in the same place.They often don’t take care to bin it away.It can further spread to the siblings in home and further develops the chain.So we must bring the habit in children to bin each and every tissue papers after every single use.Thus we can prevent the virus from spreading further.

3).Stay away from your child if you feel sick:

             Most of the covid cases are in adults and not in the children.It is we the parents spreading it to the children.If any one of you get sick with fever, cough or cold ,you can stay away from the child and let the  another partner take care of the child.You can wear a mask at home if  you are feeling sick.Thus you can minimize the contact with the child and spreading it to them.

4).Being hygiene:

             Being clean,neat and tidy keeps almost all the disease and virus away from us.We must keep the surrounding where we are living as neat and tidy.During this time of pandemic we must take extra care on cleanliness and we must keep a clean surface floors and the things we touch frequently such as door handles ,keys etc.,The toys that the children usually play with must be washed and sanitized regularly.

             The living area should also be cleaned and sanitized regularly. The clothes the child wear to school are also prone to carry the virus in it,so we can remove the uniform as soon as the child enters the home and put it for a wash.So we can prevent from the virus spreading in home. we can provide the child with a new pair of uniforms the next day.

5).Visit Doctor at a correct time:

            Your child must be taken immediate care if they have any symptoms, Or if they had contacted anyone who has tested positive.Often children are afraid to visit a doctor,so we must explain the importance of the visit and promise them to offer their favourite gift on return.

            If you are worried about a child who is sick/unwell ,dont hesitate to contact your GP(General Practitioner) or A&E(Accidents & Emergency) immediately.In case of emergency consultation with the Doctor you can also call NHS 111 online.Rather than waiting on long queues in hospitals amidst the crowd with the children,it is always better to book a telephone appointment with the doctor or call 111 directly.

              However all children may not be able to follow the precautions we can protect our children  from certain activities and teaching it as precise to them , can make our lives easier.