Coronavirus - Everything That Parents Need To Know

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Feeling nervous, stressed and scared about this coronavirus pandemic? Well, we all are. It indeed is a scary situation and something we were not prepared for before. To help you ease your stress, here are some facts to make you more aware!

Where did the virus come from?

As we all know, the outbreak began in Wuhan City, China. While it was believed to be a sort of pneumonia at first, WHO soon claimed it to be an unknown virus.

What exactly the coronavirus is?

Coronavirus, also known as COVID -19 , comes from a family of viruses including common cold and other viruses like SARS and MARS.

SARS – It is a virus often transmitted by droplets which enter air through someone who coughs, talks or sneezes. Some common symptoms of this virus are dry cough, headache, fever, difficulty breathing and muscle aches.

MERS – It expands to Middle East Respiratory Syndrome and is known to cause contagious and even fatal respiratory illnesses. This virus spreads through contact with an infected person. Common symptoms of MERS are cough, shortness of breath and fever. It may also include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and other stomach infections.

Coronavirus is a zoonotic virus and can be transmitted between animals and humans.

Symptoms of Coronavirus

If the case is not asymptomatic, some common symptoms of the diseases include:

1. Breathing troubles, cough, fever, shortness of breath
2. In severe cases, it can also cause pneumonia, acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.

How is the virus transmitted?

Coronavirus is transmitted from human to human. It spreads when a healthy person comes in close contact with an infected person at homes or workplaces.

How to stay safe and protect your family from catching the infection?

The virus seems scary and the whole world is affected. It is quite understandable to feel stressed. However, by taking small measures you can keep your family safe.

1. Wash your hands regularly. Take care to wash for at least 20 seconds and make sure you reach areas like between the fingers, back of your hand and around the nails.
2. Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze of cough.
3. Always wear a mask when going out of the house.
4. Avoid coming in close contact with anyone showing symptoms of flu or virus.
5. Practice social distancing and stay indoors as much as you can.
6. Children below the age of 10 years and adults above the age of 65 years are the most vulnerable due to weak immune systems. Hence, they should avoid going out to markets or parks.
7. Keep sipping hot drinks and hot water to keep your throat moist.
8. Ensure every time you come home from outside, you change and wash your clothes, wash your hands or even take a bath and remove your shoes outside the home.
9. Wash every packet of groceries, milk cartons, vegetables and fruits in soapy water before you consume.

• If you think you have come in contact with an infected person or you or someone in your family is showing symptoms, reach out to your healthcare centre as soon as possible.
• Remember, being aware and cautious is the best way to protect yourself.

The final word

Let’s all remain calm and aware. Let’s practice gratitude and stay positive, away from negativity. And lastly, stay home, stay safe.

Click here to learn 9 lessons from the lockdown phase

Disha, a mom of two little munchkins is a writer by profession and a parenting and relationship blogger. Through her articles, she talks about various parenting issues which are rarely talked about! An ex-chef and a culinary chef, she loves to bake and cook in her free time!

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