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Caring for Children During the Coronavirus Outbreak

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Caring for Children During the Coronavirus Outbreak

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The outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic has had a profound impact on children, resulting in increased stress and anxiety. Read the article to learn more.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Sneha Kannan

Published At April 27, 2020
Reviewed AtJanuary 5, 2024

Introduction:

The worldwide spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has caused historically unseen levels of difficulty and disruption. Although the majority of those infected are adults, the virus has also had far-reaching consequences for youngsters. Because of the pandemic, children have been thrust into a new world that is fraught with unknowns, fears, and significant adjustments to their regular lives. One's duty as parents, carers, and members of society is to ensure they have access to the love, understanding, and direction they require at this time.

The coronavirus epidemic has brought new difficulties for kids and altered many facets of their daily lives. Anxiety and stress levels are two of the most noticeable changes. Like adults, children can develop heightened concerns about their and their loved ones' health. Children may feel overwhelmed by the constant flow of news and information about the illness. They may also experience feelings of isolation, boredom, and loss due to the disturbance of their regular routines, such as school closures and reduced social connections. Understanding the indicators of distress or anxiety in children is essential for parents and carers during the coronavirus pandemic.

Caring for children during the coronavirus outbreak requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses their physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. Establishing routines and structure is paramount in providing children with a sense of stability and security amidst uncertainties. A consistent daily routine helps children know what to expect, reduces anxiety, and provides a sense of normalcy in an otherwise disrupted world. Designating specific times for meals, schoolwork or remote learning, playtime, and bedtime can create a structured environment that helps children feel grounded.

How Does the Coronavirus Outbreak Affect Children?

Children have experienced various effects of the coronavirus outbreak. One of the primary impacts has been an increase in stress and anxiety levels. Children may be concerned about their health and the health of their loved ones. They may need help understanding the sudden changes in their routines and the uncertainties surrounding the situation. Signs of increased stress or anxiety in children:

  • Signs of stress in children can appear in many forms, including changes in behavior, emotion, and even medical symptoms.

  • Common alterations in behavior include becoming more hostile or needy.

  • Anxiety can also manifest itself in sleep disorders like insomnia, nightmares, and bedwetting.

  • Emotional distress can appear in the form of physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach aches, or changes in appetite.

  • Children with anxiety disorders may avoid formerly pleasurable activities, regress in cognitive or social skills, and show excessive fear of illness or bereavement.

  • Parents and other caretakers who are aware of these cues can better assist their charges as they learn to handle their feelings.

Some common indicators that a child may be experiencing heightened stress or anxiety during the coronavirus outbreak include:

  1. Behavioral Changes: Increased irritability, aggression, or clinginess.

  2. Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty sleeping, frequent nightmares, or bedwetting.

  3. Physical Symptoms: Headaches, stomach aches, or changes in appetite.

  4. Withdrawal: Loss of interest in activities or social interactions they used to enjoy.

  5. Impaired Concentration: Difficulty focusing or regressing in developmental milestones.

  6. Excessive Worry: Expressing fears about getting sick or losing loved ones.

How to Care for Children During CoronaVirus Pandemic?

In order to support children during this challenging time, parents and caregivers can employ several strategies:

  1. Establish Routines and Structure: Maintaining a consistent daily routine can provide children with a sense of stability and security amidst uncertainties. Designate specific times for activities such as meals, schoolwork or remote learning, playtime, and bedtime. Consistency helps children feel grounded and reduces anxiety.

  2. Create a Safe Environment for Communication: Encourage children to openly express their concerns and emotions and actively listen without judgment. Create a safe environment where they feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and fears. Make them feel their feelings are valid and provide age-appropriate information about the virus to alleviate confusion.

  3. Prioritize Emotional Well-Being: Engage in activities that promote emotional well-being for both children and parents. Practice mindfulness exercises or deep breathing techniques together. Encourage children to express their emotions through art, writing, or play. Engage in quality family time, such as board games, movie nights, or outdoor activities, while adhering to safety guidelines.

  4. Limit Exposure to News and Media: Shield children from excessive exposure to news and social media, as it can amplify their anxiety. Children may misinterpret information or struggle to process the constant influx of alarming news. Focus on providing accurate and age-appropriate information from reliable sources to address their concerns and debunk any myths or misconceptions.

  5. Encourage Healthy Habits: Promote good hygiene practices like regular handwashing and following health guidelines. Explain the importance of these measures simply and reassuringly emphasizing that these actions contribute to their safety and well-being. One should model healthy habits to instill confidence in one’s child.

  6. Address Concerns and Fears: Children may have specific concerns or fears related to the coronavirus. Address these concerns honestly and age-appropriately. Use simple language to explain the virus, its transmission, and the preventive measures in place. Reassure children that adults, including healthcare professionals and scientists, are working hard to keep everyone safe.

  7. Maintain Social Connections: While physical distancing is necessary, it is vital to maintain social connections for children's emotional well-being. Encourage virtual interactions with friends and family through video calls, online games, or social media platforms. Organize virtual playdates or group activities to foster a sense of connection and normalcy.

  8. Self-Care for Parents: Parents need to prioritize self-care to effectively care for their children. Parents should manage their stress and anxiety by practicing self-care activities like exercise, meditation, or hobbies. Seek support from other parents, friends, or professionals to share experiences and find solace in a community of caregivers.

Conclusion:

The coronavirus outbreak has significantly impacted children, resulting in increased stress and anxiety. However, with awareness, understanding, and the implementation of practical strategies, parents and caregivers can provide the support and guidance necessary to help children navigate these challenging times. Parents should be able to create a nurturing environment that promotes resilience and growth by establishing routines, fostering open communication, addressing concerns, and prioritizing emotional well-being. In the face of adversity, everyone should stand united in the commitment to the well-being of one’s children. Together, everyone can guide them through the uncertainties of the coronavirus outbreak, ensuring their emotional well-being and helping them grow into resilient individuals capable of facing any challenge that comes their way.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.

What Can Be Done to Protect Children From Coronavirus?

The prevention protocol does not vary from adult to child. The responsibility of teaching the protocols falls upon the parents to teach and habituate hygiene and masking protocols in children. The prevention protocol includes masking, handwashing, alcohol-based hand sanitization, and preventing touching the face with unwashed hands. Other protocols to implement are:
- Story-based hygiene education.
- Cleaning the toys at least once a day.
- Clean the floor and commonly touched objects at least once a day.
- The child should avoid contact with the ones carrying flu-like symptoms.
- Encourage indoor activities and prevent outdoor games.
- Avoid taking the child to crowded places.
- Make the child drink plenty of water and consume vitamin C-rich food or supplements.
- Keep children away from the elderly.
- Provide balanced and nutritious food.
- Continue learning and schooling through digital platforms.
- Try to talk to the child to assess their mental health, fears, and apprehensions.

2.

Can COVID Affect Kids?

COVID spares none, irrespective of age, sex, race, and nationality. The majority of COVID-affected children usually develop mild viral infected alike symptoms. Rarely in case of predisposing factors or underlying diseases, COVID may prove fatal. So prevention and intervention plans must be in place to prevent any such complications.

3.

What Is the Duration of COVID in Kids?

On contacting COVID, children must be quarantined at home for at least ten days. Medical intervention may not be needed unless the child does not demonstrate an improvement in symptoms or lack of fever for 24 hours. The symptoms may last up to 21 days.

4.

For How Long Does COVID Remain Contagious?

For asymptomatic cases, isolation can limit to five days, but masking for ten days is a must as the virus remains contagious for that period. The same for moderate cases can be done for ten days and 20 days, respectively. Whereas severely immunocompromised individuals may need to extend the isolation period up to 20 days.

5.

When Does COVID Worsen?

COVID can start asymptomatic or with mild features. But the situation can quickly worsen, and the symptoms can turn severe within five to seven days. It is possible for individuals to develop pneumonia very fast. The timeline of worsening largely depends on the severity and stain of the virus and on the patient’s immunity.

6.

When Does COVID Start Showing Signs of Infection?

The average incubation period of COVID virus is calculated to be 6.69 days. Individuals exposed to COVID virus may develop symptoms as soon as day two or as late as two weeks. The initial symptoms may be mild or completely asymptomatic. However,  it is possible to worsen into something serious like pneumonia quickly.

7.

What Clinical Features Do Children With COVID Present With?

The clinical features of COVID in babies and children are as follows:
- Cough.
- Fever or chills.
- Shortness of breath.
- Body aches.
- Sore throat.
- Loss of taste or smell.
- Diarrhea.
- Headache.
- Fatigue.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Congestion.
- Runny nose.

8.

How to Manage COVID Cough at Home?

Home remedies for COVID cough include:
- Moisten the throat regularly by sipping on drinks throughout the day.
- Drink warm beverages like tea or broth.
- Hot tea or water with honey.
- Steam inhalation.
- Frozen meat eating.
- Cough drops, lozenges, or hard candy to soothe the throat.
- Cough syrups and OTC (over-the-counter) drugs.

9.

For How Long Can One Test Positive for Omicron?

More than 80 percent of individuals who tested positive for Omicron BA still tested positive five days from the day of onset, as recorded on a RAT (rapid antigen test). Some reported cases have tested positive after ten or even 14 days of onset. But the percentage of Omicron patients testing positive on subsequent days keeps falling, with just about 20 percent testing positive by day 11.
Dr. Hira Chaudhry
Dr. Hira Chaudhry

Family Physician

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