5 steps to take protect your kids from Covid-19
The outbreak of the world’s deadliest pandemic corona virus, has shown a rapid increase in person to person transmission since the first recorded case(s) of the virus in Wuhan, China. With about 200 countries currently affected by Covid-19 and over 2 million active cases, more than 180 thousand deaths have been recorded worldwide as a result of the virus. Governments of affected countries like Nigeria have introduced temporary lock-down measures within their territories in a bid to contain the spread of the virus.
Healthcare facilities for labs and testing centers, as well as protective gears that include face masks, coveralls, sanitizers and disposable gloves have been provided for medical practitioners to help them keep safe.
Nigeria recorded its first corona virus case on the 27th of February 2020 and as at yesterday April 3rd 2020, recorded 170 new cases of Covid-19. Lagos 39, FCT 12, Kano 29, Borno 7, Kastina 8, Ogun 24, Bauchi 18, Kaduna 15, Sokoto 12, Nasarawa 3, Adamawa 2, Oyo 1. Lagos state still records the highest number of Covid-19 cases in the country. Nigeria has confirmed 2558 cases of Covid-19.
What is Covid-19?
According to WHO “corona viruses are a large family of virus which may cause illness in animals or human”. The new corona virus is an infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered corona virus and it originated from Wuhan, China.
How is corona virus transmitted?
The virus is said to spread through contact with an infected person or when a person touches any contaminated surface. A person can also contract the virus if they come in contact with droplets of cough or sneeze from an infected person.
When a person comes in contact with a contaminated surface (any surface that has droplets of corona virus) they become vulnerable because they could touch their face, pick their nose, rub their eyes or even touch their mouth without knowing it and the virus gets transmitted into their body.
According to the World Health Organization, the elderly, young children and people that have some underlying health conditions like asthma, diabetes and heart disease are more at risk of the Corona virus. Because covid-19 enters our body through the mucus membranes, (eyes, nose and mouth) a person can be vulnerable to the virus if they don’t practice proper hygiene and safety measures. That’s why it is important to stay more than 1 meter from a person who is sick.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of corona virus include; high fever, tiredness, dry cough and shortness of breath. In some patients, they may experience body aches and pains, runny nose, sore throat and or diarrhea. Some people become infected and don’t develop any symptoms.
Older people and children are more at risk of the virus, that’s why it’s important to imbibe proper hygiene practices in your home like making sure family members regularly wash their hands and sanitize frequently.
Who are the most vulnerable?
Children and the elderly are the most vulnerable to covid-19. Also people who have underlying sicknesses like asthma, diabetes and heart disease are susceptible to the virus.
How can I stay safe and protect my children?
- The key to staying safe and keeping your kids safe is to have a culture of hygiene. That means washing your hands regularly and also teaching your kids to wash theirs. Avoid touching your mouth, eyes and nose and instill discipline in your kids to do same.
It may seem difficult to adjust to these rigidity, but because your life and that of your kids depend on it, you have to keep a proper hygiene!
- You should also clean surfaces around your house (tables, stools, door knobs or handles and keys too) with alcohol disinfectants. Make a routine for sterilizing your children’s toys as well.
- If you have to step out; perhaps for grocery shopping, make sure to wear your face masks and have your hand sanitizers handy. Depending on where you’re headed you could wear your disposable gloves, but make sure to use once and dispose immediately after use. Clinical face masks and disposable gloves are not meant to be reused.
- When you’re back from the market, wash your hands first, then clean up your groceries before touching anyone at home or eating.
- Avoid staying in crowded places and if you must be in a gathering, make sure to practice social distancing. Lastly, wash your fruits and vegetables properly before storing them in the refrigerator.
Conclusion
If you have any sick person(s) with symptoms of corona virus, make sure the person stays in a separate space from the rest members of the house. Dial the NCDC toll free number 080097000010 and follow instructions. These tips should help you and your children stay safe.
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