How to protect your child from Covid 19

It has been over two long years since the COVID-19 pandemic first arrived. Even though cases have reduced as of late, your little ones may still be at risk as COVID-19 persists with multiple variants. As life continues, and your children go off to school, soccer games, and play dates, it is best to take the necessary precautions to protect them from COVID-19. Here are some simple steps that you can follow, to ensure that extra step of protection!

 

  1. Get vaccinated against COVID-19

COVID-19 vaccinations lower the chances of contracting and spreading the virus. Anyone in your family who is eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine should obtain one. These vaccinations can be administered on the same day as other vaccines to children who are eligible. 

 

Keeping senior members of the family healthy safeguards and protects young members of the family as well. Everyone in your household who is over the age of 12, should be completely vaccinated. This requires obtaining any additional doses that the CDC recommends to maintain protective levels.

 

           2. Wearing a mask is essential!

Ensure everyone in your family, 2 years and above, wears a mask in public indoor and outdoor settings to maximize their protection against the coronavirus. A face mask should not be worn by a child under the age of two or by a youngster with a disability who cannot securely wear one.

 

Making your little one wear a mask when you leave your home is mandatory if you reside in a region where COVID-19 transmission is significant or high. Whether or not you've been vaccinated, wearing a well-fitted protective mask in public if you're in an area with a high number of patients with COVID-19 is recommended.

 

Your little ones will probably be attracted to masks with their favorite cartoon characters, this is fine! Just remember to choose ones that fit well, and to wash them frequently with lukewarm, soapy water.

 

          3. Keeping hands squeaky clean.

Encourage your little ones, as well as your family members to wash their hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or to use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that has minimum 60% alcohol. 

 

When your child coughs or sneezes, have him or her cover his or her mouth and nose with their elbow or a tissue. Encourage your child to keep his or her hands away from his or her eyes, nose, and mouth. 

 

Does your child wash their hands way too soon? Try this technique; teach your children to wash their hands until they have twice sung the complete "Happy Birthday" song (which is about 20 seconds).

 

          4. Choose safer activities for your family

With COVID-19 infections on the rise in many locations, it is best to rethink activities that seemed safe only a few years ago.

 

Outdoor activities, particularly those that allow you to maintain a safe distance from people, are safer than inside hobbies. Make sure your little ones wear a mask and keep a safe distance from people if you're going to be in a public location.

 

It is best to consider the level of transmission in your location while planning activities for your family. If it's regarded as significant or high, you could opt to organize an outdoor activity where physical distance is possible. 

 

         5. Keep your kids home from school if they are sick

It is better to be safe than sorry if your child is sick, especially if they have signs of a cold.

 

Keeping sick children home from school prevents others from being sick, and it also prevents schools from having to close or go virtual, allowing kids to stay in school safely with their friends and teachers, where they can learn in a safe and healthy environment. 

 

Therefore, if your child wakes up with a runny nose or a mild cough, keep them at home and don't hesitate to seek medical assistance from your pediatrician.


If your child has COVID-19 symptoms that persist, speak to your doctor as soon as you can.