With the easing of the lockdown, it seems that we will be stepping out soon with our children
By now all of us, including children, have learnt to live a life of confinement and limited outdoor access. However, despite all measures, there’s always a lurking fear of getting the infection or carrying it into our home after stepping out.
I, for one, am one of those paranoid parents who want their kids to take off their shoes outside before entering the home, change their clothes right after stepping in and wash their hands and face immediately.
The fear of the unknown is bigger. Visible predators can be fought and dealt with, but what about the ones that exist and you only know about their existence by getting hit by them or watching others taking the hit? And, when wearing masks and clean hands are the only 2 remedies, precautions and preventions!
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Even though children between the age of 4 – 6 years of age understand the importance of staying indoors and wearing a mask, yet it is still one of the biggest challenges for all parents to keep them in the confines of their homes, thereby ensuring that they do not infect themselves with the virus.
Let’s be honest, this virus is not going to disappear from the earth just like that and nor will other diseases. Diseases like diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis need to be addressed right from the childhood which can only be achieved by timely immunization.
Teach and reinforce everyday precautionary actions
Here’s a list of measures that you can take to keep your children protected from infections and diseases when stepping out after the lockdown:
1. Washing hands and using sanitizer
Teach your children to wash their hands properly with soap and water for atleast 20 seconds. When using a sanitizer, teach your children to cover all the areas of hands. Children under 6 years of age need supervision while using hand sanitizer.
2. Wearing a mask or face shield
Wearing a mask or a face shield is necessary not only for adults but for kids over 2 years of age every time while stepping out.
3. Maintaining distance
Make sure your children avoid close contact in public places. If someone is sick in the household, children and all other family members in the household should maintain 6 feet distance.
4. Maintaining hygiene indoor and outdoor
Teach your kids to not to throw their used tissues and paper napkins just about anywhere. Encourage your children and all household members to throw their used tissue in a closed garbage can and wash/sanitize their hands immediately. While coughing or sneezing they must cover their mouth and nose with a tissue or with their elbows.
Alongwith all the measures above, check with your paediatrician about giving multivitamins to kids to boost their immunity and maintaining their vitamin levels since the exposure to the sun has drastically reduced due to reduced outdoor activities.
Don’t Compromise on Your Children’s Vaccinations and Healthcare Visits
While observing all the prevention measures, it’s imperative to stay on track with your children’s regular health checkups and their vaccination & immunization schedule. Vaccines are an important part of keeping children healthy by protecting them against diseases that can be prevented by vaccination and immunization.
Despite all odds and disruptions, children should receive all the recommended vaccines, especially the booster doses.
Vaccines for infections and diseases like diptheria, whooping cough (pertussis), tetanus and other diseases that can spread from person to person should not be missed at all costs. I have established before in my previous blogs that I am a pro-vaccine parent and favours vaccinations and immunizations.
Conclusion: Even after the lockdown while stepping out with children, the safety measures shouldn’t be compromised and as parents, we must keep reinforcing the importance of wearing mask, washing & sanitizing hands and maintaining social distance. Alongwith all the external precautions, the booster vaccinations and immunizations should not be missed for boosting and maintaining internal strength of children to fight infections.
Your child’s DTP booster vaccination is a must. #Don’tWaitVaccinate and know more about the Right DTP vaccine.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in the blog content are independent and unbiased views of solely the blogger. This is a part of the public awareness initiative supported by Sanofi Pasteur India. Sanofi Pasteur India bears no responsibility for the content of the blog. One should consult their healthcare provider for any health-related information.
