Coronavirus: How to keep your children safe during the second wave of COVID-19

The second wave of coronavirus has caught India's healthcare infrastructure off guard. Not only is it impacting the most vulnerable in the society, but even children are getting affected by the new mutations circulating in the country. Therefore, it is important that we educate ourselves about the deadly virus and learn about the different ways we can prevent it. This will not only protect us but also ensure the safety of our children, who are yet unaware of the implications of the pandemic.

More than a year ago, when COVID-19 hit us for the first time, only older adults and people with pre-existing chronic conditions were considered to be the most vulnerable. However, with the onset of the second wave, it is clear that even children, who were up until now considered only carriers, can be affected by the deadly virus. As per medical professionals, children between the age groups of 0-19 are said to be getting admitted in the hospitals, which is not just shocking but alarming.

From the most common symptoms such as fever, cough and headache, experts suggest that children may experience ailments that are completely different from adults. It has been noted that children may have a high temperature ranging between 103-104 degrees celsius. If the fever continues to persist or worsen, you must seek medical attention.

Apart from the common symptoms, reports have suggested an increase in the number of MIS-C cases in children infected with COVID-19. Children with MIS-C condition often come up with severe inflammation in various organs of the body, including heart, lungs, blood vessels, kidneys, digestive system, brain, skin or eyes.

Given the rising number of COVID cases in children, it has become all the more important to protect them and prevent the spread of the infection. That said, from educating our children about the pandemic to encouraging them from taking certain precautions, we can contain the negative impact of the virus efficiently and also keep our children safe from the same. Here are some tips to do just that.

While it may be hard, you must encourage your child to stay indoors during such times of crisis. Given that the virus spares no one, do not send your kids outdoors to play, rather organize fun indoor games that might keep them distracted.

At such a time, it is advised to avoid having visitors at home. SARs-COV-2 is highly infectious and transmissible and while it is invisible, you can never be sure of who might be infected. It is important to stay vigilant and cautious. Additionally, in case you have visitors, ask your kids to maintain social distancing. Even when you are outdoors, practice social distancing, especially at a crowded place. Do not leave your child unattended.

In a latest study, researchers found that COVID-19 can predominantly spread through air, which is why it can transmit through large droplets called aerosols. That said, wearing a mask is extremely crucial. Make sure your child wears a mask whenever he or she has a company and in crowded areas.

Frequent washing of hands and sanitizing before touching your eyes, nose and mouth is crucial during such times. If left unattended, children may touch contaminated or infected surfaces and objects, which may lead to an infection. To avoid that make sure your children wash their hands regularly.

Apart from washing your hands, remember to disinfect and clean frequently touched surfaces and objects. Experts believe that the SARs-COV-2 virus can latch on to the objects or surfaces. Therefore, you or your children may come in contact with a contaminated surface. To avoid that, disinfect surfaces as frequently as you can.