ORONAVIRUS
FOOD CHILDREN ANIMALS
Q Can we eat any specific foods to boost our immunity against coronavirus? A Micro nutrients essential to fight infection include vitamins A, B, C, D, and E, and the minerals iron, selenium, and zinc. A varied, balanced diet rich in leafy green veg, oily fish, fruits such as oranges, kiwis and berries, meat and whole grains can help boost your immune system. Q Do hot drinks help keep us safe from coronavirus? A There is no medical advice from the NHS or WHO to confirm this. It is advised to keep hydrated by drinking water. Q Is food delivery safe? A Yes. Many delivery services are putting no-contact delivery services in place so you can arrange for the driver to drop your food somewhere safe like your porch or doorstep.
Q Can children catch coronavirus – or are they carriers? A Children can contract it. A newborn baby in North London tested positive for Covid-19, with the mother also testing positive. Children are not, so far, experiencing severe symptoms. But anyone who is infected can still spread the disease. It is still a good idea for them to follow guidance issued for everyone (such as washing hands, catching sneezes in tissue). Q How can I stop my children becoming overanxious about the coronavirus? A Use simple language and a calm tone. Reassure your child that about your family’s fitness and strength and that you are doing all you can to stay healthy and safe. Don’t overplay the risks or make bleak predictions. Be clear that you don’t have all the answers, but the world’s experts are working hard on it. Explain that myths and rumours circulate on social media. Direct children to news coverage with an age-appropriate tone, such as BBC’s Newsround. Q Are pregnant women particularly susceptible to coronavirus? Could it affect the baby’s health? A The Government says limited evidence suggests there are no coronavirusrelated complications in pregnancy. Pregnant women are advised to limit social contact but continue to attend antenatal appointments. The Royal College of Midwives says appointments are “essential to ensure the wellbeing of pregnant women and their babies”. Q There is a confirmed case of coronavirus at my children’s school, but the school has not closed. Should I keep my kids’ home? A Public Health England is advising schools to stay open. Only people with symptoms of the virus, or in a family with someone with symptoms, should self-isolate at home for 14 days.
Q Can I walk my dog? A If you are showing symptoms, the advice is to stay indoors and away from others. However, if you aren’t showing symptoms – so if you are selfisolating for another reason – then walking the dog should be fine. Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said: “People should go outside. Yes, walk your pets, but, if you’re in household isolation, do go outside but try to avoid other people.” Q Can pets get coronavirus? A According to the World Health Organisation’s myth-buster page, there is no evidence that cats and dogs can become infected. However it is still always a good idea to wash your hands after contact with pets.