What is coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are usually found in animals. Some of them have shifted to humans and are responsible for causing mild respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases. Nonetheless, some mutated strains of this virus can also cause severe respiratory illness like SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome).
The new coronavirus or Covid-19 originated in China, possibly from a wet market in the Wuhan region. From there, this extremely contagious virus spread to other parts of the world infecting around 3.7 lakh people. Up until March 24, there were 16,524 confirmed deaths due to the coronavirus disease. Earlier China was considered the epicentre of this pandemic; however, due to recent developments, it has now shifted from China to Europe, with Italy being the worst-affected nation globally.
Coronavirus affects everyone differently. Some may experience mild respiratory illness and recover on their own. For others, especially those who have pre-existing health conditions like heart diseases may contract pneumonia and need to be hospitalised.
Since there is no coronavirus vaccine yet, social distancing is the only way to slow down the contagion. Hence, governments around the world are adopting various preventive strategies to limit the spread of coronavirus infection as much as possible.
In India, while the number of positive coronavirus infection cases were initially few, they are rising quickly now. As per the latest coronavirus update, the number of positive coronavirus cases has gone up to 515. Following which, the central and state governments have implemented draconian measures to break the chain of transmission. Some of these include –
Postponing examinations and closing all school, colleges and universities
Asking private sector employees to stay at home or work from home if feasible
Suspending all public transportation except goods train
Only essential services such as grocery, hospital, food, pharmacies, telecom services will stay open
Some states have banned mass gathering, and legal action may be taken against those who violate this rule.
Hence, considering the seriousness of this contagion, given below are some guidelines that parents should follow to keep their kids safe.
Coronavirus Prevention Measures
Besides, social distancing, there are other coronavirus prevention measures that one should observe to reduce the risk of catching coronavirus. Parents should adopt these measures and teach their kids to do the same. It is because even though there are low chances of kids getting infected by the coronavirus, they can still be carriers of the virus.
Wash Dirty Hands with Soap and Water –
Dirty hands are carriers of various germs including SARS-CoV 2 (virus strain responsible for causing Covid-19). Hence, it is vital to wash your hands often with soap and water, especially before eating food, after handling pets or other animals, touching garbage, etc. You need to scrub your hands for approximately 20 seconds to remove the germs from your hand. Alternatively, if you do not have soap and water available, use a hand sanitiser containing 60-95% alcohol concentration.
Cover your Mouth with your Elbow while Coughing or Sneezing –
Coronavirus is transmitted from human to human through droplets which are sprayed when someone coughs or sneezes. The droplets can either land on a person who is standing near an infected individual or could transmit through inhalation. Therefore, it is important to cough or sneeze in your elbow or a hanky or tissue. If you sneeze into a tissue, you need to dispose of it properly in a closed bin. One should avoid sneezing or coughing into their hands as it carries a higher risk of transmitting the coronavirus disease to another person or contaminating any surface or object. However, if you have, then you must wash your hands with soap immediately.
Avoid Touching your Face with your Hand –
According to WHO, coronaviruses can stay active on surfaces several hours and even days. As a result, if a healthy person uses or touches a contaminated surface or object, he or she carries the risk of getting infected themselves. Therefore, it is advisable to not touch your mouth, nose or eyes after being in contact with items that are frequently used by a lot of people. Or use a hand sanitiser immediately afterwards which will kill the germs.
Clean and Disinfect Frequently used Surfaces at Home –
Apart from maintaining and teaching their kids about personal hygiene, parents should also consider cleaning and disinfecting frequently used items and surfaces at home. This includes TV and AC remotes, door handles, faucets, switches, gadgets like mobile, tablet, computer keyboard and mouse (if used by every family member). These are some of the most common items used by all family members which may be contaminated with Covid-19 germs. Hence, they must be cleaned and disinfected regularly as per the manufacturer guidelines and using cleaners and disinfectants suitable for the surface. While cleaning, one must wear gloves which should be properly disposed of immediately afterwards.
Common Myths About Coronavirus
It is natural as a parent to worry about your kid and your family’s safety during these times. However, it is important to stay calm and not believe everything that is being said about the coronavirus disease. You should only trust certified sources when it comes to the safety of your family. Here are some common myths about coronavirus that are doing the rounds –
Wearing Masks will Prevent Coronavirus
As per WHO, healthy individuals need not wear a mask at all. However, if you still wish to wear a mask, you need to consider wearing a mask that will restrict you from touching your nose and mouth with unwashed hands. You also need to maintain other personal hygiene and clean, frequently used items regularly. Aside from that, if you are coughing or sneezing and exhibiting other coronavirus symptoms, you should wear a mask to keep others around you safe.
Coronavirus Cannot Stay Active in Hot and Humid Places
There is no proof as of, yet that heat or humid temperature slows down or kills Covid-19 virus. Especially, now that positive coronavirus cases are rising in the Indian subcontinent. Therefore, do not believe in rumours like this and observe all the preventive methods.
Flu and Pneumonia Vaccination will Prevent Coronavirus
This is not true as the viruses causing flu or pneumonia is different from the novel coronavirus. There is no known coronavirus medicine or vaccine yet; however, researchers are currently working on developing one. Hence, do not get unnecessary vaccinations without consulting a medical professional first.
How to Keep your Child Engaged During Self-Isolation
Considering the rising cases of Coronavirus in India, it is best if you and your family self-isolate. It will reduce the risk of exposure to coronavirus. However, your kids can get bored and may want to go out to play or meet their friends. In such a case, you should talk to them about what is a coronavirus and the importance of staying indoors. Besides that, you can also arrange some activities for them that will keep them engaged –
Schedule Study Time for Them –
Prepare a study schedule for your children to follow so that they can continue with their school coursework. It will also enable them to stay engaged. Also set aside some break time in the schedule too.
Plan for Family Activities –
Plan some activities a few times a week where everyone in the family can participate. It can be teaming up against each other to play board games, planning a movie night or doing some activities together like gardening.
Encourage them to Use This Time to Develop a New Hobby –
Besides studies, you can encourage your kids to focus on their hobbies or try & find a new one. It will be a great way to keep them engaged in something else other than video games or TV.
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