Parents, Here’s How to Keep Your Children Safe from COVID-19

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) urges pregnant and lactating women to get vaccinated during their first trimester [1].

According to PRC Clinical Services Coordinator Dr. Noel Bernardo, the can protect pregnant women, women who try to get pregnant, and those who recently gave birth from the virus. In addition, the World Health Organization (WHO) said that vaccines are effective protection for pregnant women who are frontline workers—especially those with underlying health conditions. Pregnant women are also recommended to consult their doctors for concerns and risk factors regarding vaccines. DOH also approved the following vaccine brands for mothers: Pfizer, Sinovac, Moderna, AstraZeneca, and Johnson & Johnson.

In recent news, a newborn baby died of COVID-19 in Iloilo after suffering from rashes and breathing difficulties. In Zambales, toddlers and newborns were among the 200 new COVID-19 cases last August 18. With the more contagious variants spreading, COVID-19 casualties are getting younger. When it comes to the safety of newborns and toddlers, parents and other surrounding adults must do their parts to prevent kids from getting the virus.

Health experts do not recommend face masks for babies and toddlers under two years old since children at this age have smaller airways, which means that it can be harder for them to breathe through the masks [2]. Plus, babies and toddlers might suffocate since they can’t remove nor tell adults to take the masks off. DIY masks are also not recommended since small parts can be choking hazards.

Instead, experts recommend parents avoid large crowds and practice basic physical distancing of at least six feet from other people when out in public if it’s unavoidable to go outside. As much as possible, limit outings with your baby and toddlers. Avoid hosting visitors to your home as well.

At home, make sure to keep your baby or toddler away from any sick people. Sick individuals should wear masks at home at all times. Basic hygiene like hand washing will also be necessary if practiced by everyone in the household. Disinfect your hands before handling your child or preparing their food.

Disinfecting of frequently touched surfaces like tables, countertops, cellphones, and doorknobs are also recommended. Avoid sneezing without covering with a tissue or using your elbow.

As of writing, research has shown that breast milk from mothers who are infected with COVID-19 does not give significant risk to infants [3].

Just like adults, the symptoms for children who are infected with COVID-19 are similar [4]. These include the following:

● Fever or chills

● Cough

● Diarrhea

● Belly pain

● Headache

● Fatigue

● Difficulty breathing

● Nasal congestion

● Loss of smell or taste

● Body or muscle aches

● Nausea

● Vomiting

● Loss in appetite

Call a pediatrician if your children have an underlying medical condition and are showing any of the symptoms above. They might diagnose through the signs or history of exposure to someone who was previously diagnosed with the virus. If this were the case, nasal swab testing would be considered. Once symptoms like fever, chest pain, sweaty skin, and breathing difficulties start to appear, take your child to the nearest hospital.

In some cases, kids also develop inflammation after getting infected with the virus for several weeks, called multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). Symptoms of MIS-C are the following:

● Rashes

● Neck pain

● Belly pain

● Fever

● Diarrhea or vomiting

● Cracked or red lips

● Swollen glands

● Swollen feet or hands

● Fatigue

Head to the nearest hospital for immediate care should the mentioned symptoms appeared after receiving diagnosis.

Visit Yoorekka Consumer Magazine for more safety tips and COVID-19 updates.