VIRUS PROTECTION
The world’s attention seems more focussed on viruses than ever before with this year’s coronavirus pandemic. Scientists are working hard to develop treatments and a vaccine. According to the World Health Organization, the virus causes respiratory illness that can differ in degree of severity. It can feel like a cold or like the flu, or it can result in full-blown pneumonia. Little is known about how Covid-19 (the name of the illness caused by the coronavirus) affects children. People of all ages can contract the virus, but so far, relatively few children have fallen seriously ill from it. The virus can be deadly, but fatalities so far have been mostly senior citizens or people with underlying health issues.
You can get it from other people who have it, even from people who show no symptoms yet. The illness can spread from person to person through droplets that are in the air because of coughing, sneezing or even just breathing, or from droplets that land on surfaces. If you breathe in the droplets or touch an infected surface and then touch your eyes, nose or mouth, you can contract the virus.
Diminish the risk of contagion by isolating as far as possible. Go out as little as possible, and avoid others as much as you can, especially people who are coughing and sneezing. Keep your distance when you do have to go out. Abide by government regulations regarding this and the wearing of masks. Get into the habit of washing hands properly and frequently. Make sure your children know exactly how to do it and for how long. Use soap and warm water, and count to 20 slowly while you wash. Use generous amounts of hand sanitiser with 60 to 70 percent alcohol throughout the day.
Practise the ultimate in hygiene at home. Wipe surfaces regularly, and wash dishcloths – and your clothing – on a hot setting in the machine. You can even give your children’s soft toys a run through the machine.
Teach your children how to cough or sneeze into the crook of their elbow. If you’re using tissues, be sure to throw them away immediately, and then wash hands thoroughly.
Touch your face as little as possible, as this is where the virus gets the easiest access to the body. Watch your children closely, and keep preaching about not touching the face.
Call the doctor if you suspect that anyone in your family has Covid-19 and if you want to get tested. Don’t just pitch up at a hospital. Remember, in up to 80 percent of cases, the symptoms aren’t worse than a light flu, and the most important thing is to stay home in order not to infect others. Call the doctor if your symptoms get worse.
Do everything you can to keep your whole family’s immune system healthy. Eat well, drink water, get enough sleep, spend some time in the fresh air every day, and exercise regularly. Make sure that your inoculations are up to date. Don’t skip any of these.
Be wary of fake news. Get your information from News24 or the websites of your medical aid, from one of SA’s large hospital groups, or the National Institute for Communicable Diseases, the Department of Health, or the World Health Organization.