It seems children may not be at as great a risk from the coronavirus as adults, but they can be carriers, and will need special care at this stressful time, especially as schools start to reopen.
To date there have been relatively few Covid-19 infections among children and adolescents. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) notes that China has reported a low 2% infection rate, far below the flu infection rate. But, children with underlying health conditions and suppressed immunity, especially, are still at risk, as are infants, who have yet to develop immunity.
The signs of infection are much the same in children as in adults, but have generally presented more mildly, says UNICEF: fever, a dry cough, runny nose and sneezing. There have also been reports of vomiting and diarrhea. Here is how to help protect your children from the coronavirus.
Teach them to take the same precautions as adults
Be sure to model them off your own good example: washing hands thoroughly with soap for 20 seconds - two run-throughs of the Happy Birthday song - and keeping a 2-metre distance from other people, especially the elderly and vulnerable. If grandparents share your home, aim to keep them separate, hard as it may be for them – they can blow kisses instead of hugging.
Keep children safe by cleaning all high-touch surfaces daily
This includes tables, hard chairs, countertops, door handles, basins and toilets, plastic toys, keyboards, remotes and game controls. Wash plush toys, towels and bedding frequently, using as hot a setting as possible, and drying them well afterwards.
Boost their immunity with healthy meals and snacks
"Include plenty of colourful vegetables and fruit – deeply coloured ones, like pumpkin and salad greens, are richer in micronutrients," says Springs dietitian Anja Smant. Include whole grains, and oily fish several times a week to boost their levels of omega 3 fatty acids. Keep up protein levels with the chicken or a little lean red meat (high in the iron and zinc needed for the functioning of certain immune cells) once or twice a week, and regular helpings of lentils, pulses and whole grains.
Encourage children to exercise
It’s vital for good health, strengthens immunity, and relieves stress. Encourage them to play outdoors, and to skip and dance indoors.
Keep a regular family schedule
This includes rising and going to bed around the same time, even in lockdown. Have sessions for play and quiet time for reading, as well as time for keeping up with their studies. Stay in touch with their schools, and use online programs and television programs until they can safely return. Keep screen time limited – encourage hands-on activities like board games, puzzles, drawing and making things.
Reiterate the importance of social distancing
If children return to school, or go anywhere where there are other people, emphasise the need for social distancing, and show them how to wear a fabric face mask. Explain that it’s to help stop them touching their faces, where the virus could enter their nose, mouth or eyes.
Be mindful of stress and anxiety
Watch children for signs of stress, and stay calm yourself, as they will pick up tension from you. Stay informed about the pandemic using reliable official sources, and keep them informed in an age-appropriate way. But if they become anxious, switch off media until after bedtime. Ask them about their fears, and respond calmly and positively, reassuring them of how much they are loved.
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