Keeping Your Kids Safe from the Coronavirus

[et_pb_section admin_label="section"][et_pb_row admin_label="row"][et_pb_column type="4_4"][et_pb_text admin_label="Text"]

• For more about COVID-19, including community resources and up-to-date U.S. case information, visit the CDC’s dedicated Coronavirus page.
• To learn more about how COVID-19 spreads and how you and your family can protect yourselves and others, view the CDC prevention page.
• Learn more about COVID-19 with some key points from the American Academy of Pediatrics included at the end of this blog.

The coronavirus has impacted the lives of many people. While the virus itself has the greatest health impact for the elderly, it doesn't mean they're the only group at risk. Trying to explain to your kids what the coronavirus is and why they're at home instead of at school can be a little complicated. There are some great things to do at home with your children that make explaining what's going on a lot easier. Let's take a look at groups that are at risk, and some fun things to do at home during the social distancing period.

Vulnerable groups

The CDC lists people who have chronic conditions like diabetes or underlying heart condition are at a higher risk of having serious complications if infected with coronavirus. This is true for children that have conditions like this and others that impact their immune system. It's for these reasons that children have to follow the same prevention measures as adults.

Preventing coronavirus

First and foremost, everyone should be washing their hands on a regular basis. This is true for children, adults, and the elderly. The CDC states there is no reason for a child to wear a face mask if they're not sick. Other recommended precautions include disinfecting surfaces and staying away from large groups, lately referred to as social distancing.

Fun activities while practicing social distancing

Although having the kids home for an undetermined amount of time can feel overwhelming, there's a lot of fun things to do while at home. Any school-age children should of course get their necessary work done first, but when they are done, some fun activities can include:

• Trying out a new recipe together
• Arts and craft projects
• Take 30 minutes a day to learn about something new
• Write fun letters to send to family and friends
• Play a board game or card game
• Build a Lego masterpiece
• Make blanket forts for reading or imaginative play
• Do a fun workout together from YouTube or other video platform, like Zumba or Yoga

Social distancing gives you a great chance to learn things from your children and vice versa. It's a good time to try new things together as a family and encourage your children to try something, too. While screen time can be used sparingly, take the time to enjoy being together with your kids and as a family.We know that the circumstances around this pandemic have presented feelings of uncertainty in the community, but know that our caring medical staff is here for you and your family. We will get through this together. For more information on COVID-19 or other health concerns, contact Bard and Didriksen Pediatrics today.Key Points to Know About COVID-19 from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

1. Prevention methods for COVID-19 are no different than those used against cold and flu. As there is no vaccination, the best prevention is to avoid exposure. Keeping your family healthy and preventing the spread of germs can be done by:
   • Ensuring everyone washes their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. In the event soap and water are not available, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with 60% alcohol may be used, but hands should be washed with soap and water as soon as possible.
   • Keep children away from people who are sick or showing symptoms of an illness. If you or your child are sick, stay home from school, work, and child care to prevent spreading to others.
   • Teach your children to cough and sneeze into their arm or elbow, or into a tissue that gets thrown out immediately – not into the hands. After coughing or sneezing, always be sure to wash hands.
   • Regularly clean and disinfect household objects and surfaces in your home.
   • Avoid touching your face and teach your children to do the same.
2. Because the symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to the flu (including fever, cough, body aches, fatigue, sore throat, headache, and diarrhea), contact your pediatrician, an urgent care, or hospital ER in advance to discuss protocols regarding when to come in for evaluation or if you should remain home.
   • If your child is having difficulty breathing, seek medical care right away.
3. While COVID-19 is concerning, U.S. children are currently still more vulnerable to the flu. If your child is over the age of 6 months and does not have medical restrictions, they should receive a flu shot if they have not received one already. The flu can lead to severe illness or death in children.
   • Some children who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 experienced only mild symptoms, while others have been hospitalized. However, doctors have found that so far, older adults are more vulnerable to more severe illnesses from COVID-19.
4. Stay informed and up-to-date with what’s happening in your community from credible sources like your pediatrician, the AAP, CDC, and local health departments.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]