COVID-19 – otherwise known as novel coronavirus – has been dominating the headlines recently.
If you are a parent, chances are you’re worried and have questions about just how contagious coronavirus is, and whether your child could be at risk. Misinformation has cropped up across the internet since coronavirus began spreading.
So we asked UNICEF’s health experts to get us the facts. There are 6 things parents should know :
1. It spreads through direct contact
The virus is transmitted through direct contact with respiratory droplets from infected person and by touching surfaces that are contaminated. Tell your children to maintain 3 feet of distance between themselves and people who are coughing, sneezing and have a fever.
2. The symptoms
Symptoms of coronavirus can include fever, cough and shortness of breath. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia or breathing difficulties. More rarely, the disease can be fatal but that’s mainly among old people with pre-existing conditions.
3. Precautions you can take
Wash your hands frequently, for at least 20 seconds using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub. Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. You can use your elbow or use a tissue then throw it in the bin immediate after.
4. Do masks prevent coronavirus?
Not really! If you don’t have any symptoms, there is no need to wear a mask. Handwashing is actually more important. If you are coughing or sneezing, It’s advised that you wear a medical mask to help protect others.
5. Can pregnant women pass on the virus?
For now, there isn’t enough evidence to support whether the virus is transmitted from a mother to a baby during pregnancy or what impact might have on the baby.
6. Are there medicines to treat the virus?
To date, there is no specific medicine to prevent or treat the new coronavirus. So, the best thing you can do is practise basic hygiene.
Stay safe, people !
Source : UNICEF