How to prevent and protect young children from the risk of corona virus infection

Protect young children from corona virus, parents should note the following measures. Recently, the number of cases of children infected with the new Corona virus has gradually increased, with the youngest being diagnosed as young as 9 months old. Although the number of children currently infected is much less than that of adults, the new Corona virus infection needs to be monitored even more closely because of weak resistance.

On January 27, the Pediatric Department of Hubei Children's Medical Center, Tongji Hospital, affiliated with Huazhong University of Science and Technology, issued the "Guidelines for the Control of Infants in the New Coronavirus Infection Pandemic" and "Measures to Protect Families and Children". Experts have given parents advice on preventing and controlling new Corona virus infections for children.

1. Where does transmission to the child come from?

The main ways of transmission to infecting children are droplets and contact. Droplets from an infected person can get onto the child's hands, mouth, and eyes and infect them. In children, their low autoimmune function makes them susceptible to respiratory infections, especially young children. The younger the child, the harder it is to detect.

 

Once the disease progresses, the disease progresses faster and the incubation period can be as little as 1 day or it can take up to 14 days as in adults.

2. What are the symptoms of infected infants and young children?

The new corona virus infection is similar to the common cold with symptoms such as fever, weak limbs, dry cough, even symptoms related to the digestive system, cardiovascular system, nervous system and ophthalmology.

 

The biggest difference of children infected with corona virus compared with the common cold is diarrhea, difficulty breathing

The biggest difference of corona virus infection compared to the common cold is diarrhea, breathing difficulty (breathing too fast or too slow, breathing too deep or too shallow), in newborns wheezing, even symptoms of degeneration of the lips and skin were present, causing cyanosis. If the symptoms above, parents should see a doctor immediately!

3. Which babies should be tested for new coronavirus infection?

The only possible pathway of new Corona virus infection to infants is vertical transmission from mother to baby, close contact and droplet transmission (family members, family visitors), infection acquired during the disease. institute.

However, it is not clear whether the new coronavirus is transmitted vertically across the placenta or through breastfeeding after birth. Therefore, newborn screening is required for people who experience any of the following: a pregnant woman with a diagnosis or suspicion of corona virus infection; pregnant women in close contact with family members who are infected or suspected of having corona virus.

 

Breastfeeding women should pay attention to wash hands often and pay attention to body hygiene, especially breasts and nipples

Breastfeeding women should pay attention to wash hands often and pay attention to body hygiene, especially breasts and nipples. Absolutely do not breastfeed if the mother is infected or suspected of having a new Corona virus.

For mothers diagnosed with a new corona virus infection, the newborn should immediately be followed up and isolated for two weeks after birth.

4. How can parents protect children?

- Timely and properly isolation:  Parents who suspect their child is infected with corona virus should conduct isolation at home, avoid contact with children and wear appropriate masks. Children should also wear appropriate masks.

- Protect family every day:  When coughing or sneezing, parents need to cover their mouth and nose completely with a tissue, then throw away the used tissue in a sealed container immediately and wash hands with water. Do not kiss children, do not share food with children, do not share food and utensils with children, and do not use mouth blows to cool foods before feeding them.

 

Parents should try to avoid letting their children go to crowded public places and wear masks often

Parents should try to avoid letting their children go to crowded public places, wear masks regularly, change clothes and shoes right after entering the door, handle them properly, wash and sanitize before touching children. . Parents should instruct children to rinse their mouths with salt water before and after going to a crowded place, before and after bedtime to raise awareness about prevention.

- Strictly regulate hand washing:  Urge children to wash their hands, wash their faces regularly and limit hand touching. Do not allow children to suck their hands, pick their noses, rub their eyes, and tell them not to touch surfaces in public areas (especially surfaces that are frequently touched like elevator buttons). Wash hands before eating, after urinating and after touching unclean objects. Teach children to wash their hands in seven steps.

- Increase ventilation for the room:  Families who can afford to turn on the air purifier and sterilize ultraviolet rays every day. It is recommended to ventilate each room 2 to 3 times a day and open windows for 30 minutes to 1 hour each time. When the room is ventilated, move the child to another room and keep it warm to avoid getting cold during the ventilation.

Household sanitation and disinfection:  Keep the indoor environment clean and tidy. Families who have access to it can disinfect surfaces with alcohol once a day.

Electronic products such as cell phones and IPADs need to be cleaned and disinfected daily. Children's toys, learning and everyday necessities can be sterilized by boiling in boiling water or sterilizing for 30 minutes. For items that cannot withstand high temperatures, you can choose to spray alcohol or place them in the sun.

Keep your home away from damp corners to avoid the growth of viruses and bacteria. If your family has a disinfectant solution that contains chlorine disinfectants, you can use it to mop the floor twice a day.

 

If your family has a disinfectant solution that contains chlorine disinfectants, you can use it to mop the floor twice a day.

If a parent suspects or is confirmed in a family with an infected person, items or rooms used by the sick person need to be disinfected, and the house should be cleaned with a disinfectant solution containing chlorinated substances 4-10 times. /day.

- Proper activity and rest:  Children should not watch TV or play electronic products for long periods while resting at home. Exercises or physical activity should be streamlined. Parents of young children can perform passive limb exercises. All children resting at home should rest on time to ensure adequate sleep.

5. What is the child's diet?

- Parents observe their child's bowel movements every day:  It is important to keep the bowels smooth! Be alert for indigestion and bowel abnormalities such as gas, diarrhea, constipation, and urine color, quantity and odor.

- Daily nutritional balance:  Ensure adequate nutrition, eat protein-rich foods, fresh and clean vegetables, increase the abundance of nuts that children eat (only apply to children who can chew) and do not diet in teenagers. Supplement vitamins, minerals and cod liver oil in appropriate amounts according to the actual situation.

 

Ensure adequate nutrition, eat protein rich foods, fresh and clean vegetables, increase abundance

- All foods must be thoroughly cooked before consumption. Never eat wild animals.

Drink plenty of water and urinate properly:  avoid drinking cold water as much as possible and drink warm water to speed up the body's metabolism, while increasing the consumption of dairy products (milk, yogurt).

6. What should I do if a child comes into contact with someone who is suspected of being infected?

Actively isolate and observe for 14 days at home with your child. Even after 14 days, children with or without symptoms should seek help from medical facilities.

The most important thing is that parents need to have a strong mentality, do not panic over the epidemic to protect their families and children.

See more:

Corona virus pneumonia: What do you need to do to protect yourself according to WHO recommendations?

A Chinese dish "royal" can be the culprit causing outbreaks of Han Wuhan pneumonia.

The pneumonia virus in China can spread from person to person.

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