Initially reported on December 31, 2019, in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China, the coronavirus has since been seen in approximately 50 other countries, with the first case reported in our country on March 11, 2020. So far, it has been stated that the virus generally affects older individuals and has not led to the death of any individual under the age of 9. However, this does not indicate that these children are exempt from infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have reported that the majority of cases occur in adults, but children can also be infected. Therefore, parents are understandably concerned about developments regarding their children and want to be informed about ways to protect children from the coronavirus.
Data to date shows that the most at-risk and vulnerable individuals to the coronavirus are older adults and those with chronic illnesses. The disease tends to be milder in healthy young individuals, but it can be more severe in those over 60 years old and in individuals with health issues such as diabetes, cancer, and lung disease, potentially leading to death.
The coronavirus, also known as the Wuhan virus, is a large group of viruses that are common among animals but can occasionally be transmitted to humans in rare cases.
This broad family of viruses has many types that have been identified in animals but have not been transmitted to humans. The subtypes that can infect humans typically cause the common cold, but in some cases, they can lead to serious health issues such as severe acute respiratory syndrome.
As of January 7, 2020, a new type of coronavirus that had not been previously seen in humans and the disease it causes has been identified as 2019-nCoV. This disease was later accepted to be named COVID-19.
The main symptoms of the Corona / Covid-19 virus are as follows:
When it comes to the coronavirus, it is recommended to pay attention to all types of respiratory illness symptoms. The incubation period of the disease is thought to range from 2 to 14 days. Symptoms typically appear 2 days after a person becomes infected, but this period can sometimes extend up to 14 days.
The death rate from the coronavirus has been reported to be 2 percent. Ninety-eight percent of people infected with this virus can be treated. Experts expect the death rate to be even lower. We hope that this is indeed the case.
The new coronavirus, referred to as Covid-19, generally spreads through contact with the bodily secretions of an infected person. The droplets released into the air when sick individuals cough or sneeze can also infect healthy individuals. Additionally, the virus can spread through contact with surfaces and objects where the virus is present, and then transferring it to the mouth and nose mucosa, as well as through handshakes.
The coronavirus has not yet been observed in individuals under the age of 9. The main risk group consists of older individuals and those with chronic illnesses. However, children and young people can also be infected with the coronavirus. Therefore, parents are concerned for their children as well. To protect against the coronavirus, the following points should be considered:
When it comes to ways to protect children from the coronavirus, the first thing that comes to mind is the proper cleaning of hands. When you visit a hospital, you will see many posters about hand hygiene displayed in various places. This is an important and effective preventive measure not only for the coronavirus but for all diseases.
Teach your children, who are old enough to understand, how to properly clean their hands. Demonstrating this practically will be more effective. Also, be sure to serve as a good role model in this regard.
As parents, you always pay attention to your child's proper nutrition and health. However, during such critical times, it is necessary to be more vigilant than ever. You must ensure that your child is eating a balanced diet and getting enough sleep. This way, their body will be more resilient against diseases. If you observe cold symptoms in your child, do not panic, but consult your doctor without delay. Follow the treatment recommended by your doctor meticulously. You may also consider not sending your sick child to daycare or school for a while, based on your doctor's advice.
Teach your child what to do during and after sneezing and coughing. Explain to them in which situations they must wash their hands.
Currently, no effective treatment or vaccine has been developed for coronavirus treatment. Therefore, treatment for the disease is based on the progression of symptoms. Medications such as fever reducers, pain relievers, and cough suppressants are recommended to alleviate symptoms, and respiratory and fluid support is provided if necessary.
Scientists continue to work on developing a vaccine against the coronavirus. The vaccine is planned to be tested on humans by the end of 2020.
Families looking for a babysitter should ensure that the caregiver they hire is knowledgeable and careful about hygiene and balanced nutrition. These points are always important, but they are even more critical during this period when the coronavirus continues to be seen in different parts of the world. When choosing a babysitter or child caregiver, be sure to inquire about these issues. Ensure that the caregiver candidates you interview or your current caregiver is aware of and knowledgeable about hygiene and health.
After entering your home, your caregiver must wash their hands and do so whenever necessary throughout the day. You can also ask them to educate your child about this. They should take the necessary precautions to prevent your child from getting germs when they go out or play outside. They should know how to protect themselves and the child they are caring for from infection.
Child Health and Safety
