The increase in cases of the spread of Covid-19, followed by the emergence of the Omicron variant, can certainly cause new concerns, especially for parents. It is also increasingly difficult to detect because the Omicron variant has symptoms similar to the common cold.
Facing the Omicron variant that spreads easily, it takes more efforts from parents to protect their children from the risk of transmitting the virus. Here we have summarized 5 appropriate steps that parents can take to prevent Omicron in their children.
Giving Understanding About the Covid Virus
Provide correct understanding and information about Covid-19, especially the new variant so that children have the ability to protect themselves.
It is not enough with the role of parents, awareness of the child itself is needed to protect himself from the spread of the Omicron virus. Parents are expected to be able to provide correct information such as how the virus can be transmitted, preventive measures and things that can and cannot be done.
Remember, as much as possible avoid giving explanations to children with fear. Create a comfortable atmosphere and adjust the explanation to the child's age. This of course aims to make children understand what kind of actions they should take to stay safe from the spread of the virus without being haunted by excessive anxiety.
Wearing a Mask As Recommended
Not as easy as adults, the use of masks for children needs to be adjusted to certain rules. Launching from the WHO website, children aged 5-11 years can wear masks with supervision and a record of understanding how to use them. At the age of 12 years and over, a mask must be worn, especially if you are involved in a lot of outdoor activities. Meanwhile, children under 2 years old are not recommended to wear masks.
In addition to these rules, the selection of mask materials is also important to note. You can choose the best options, such as a three-ply cloth mask or a surgical mask with a single use note. Don't forget to make sure the size of the mask used by the child is appropriate, so that there is no gap between the mask and the face.
Following Vaccination Policy
As a form of government effort in reducing the risk of spreading the virus, vaccination policy is one of the most recommended forms of protection by every individual, including children.
A family doctor in Burlington, Jennifer Knew on the Today's Parent page said that vaccines in children are effective protection to prevent the severity and inflammation caused by the spread of the Omicron variant.
Although it does not guarantee freedom from the threat of Omicron, meeting the need for vaccination can reduce the risk of infection and complications in children which are often triggered by the Covid-19 virus.
Meet the Needs of Healthy Food and Vitamins
The body's resistance is the main key in preventing the transmission of infection with Omicron variants. Responding to these conditions, parents need to get used to their children to eat processed vegetables such as mushrooms, broccoli and spinach which are known to be antioxidants so that they can strengthen the body's immune system.
Although there is no specific food recommended to prevent Omicron, the principle of eating healthy food for children must be applied so that each organ of the body has its own protection from the symptoms of the Omicron virus which is easily spread.
Limiting Social Contact with Outside Environment
The number of cases, which had decreased some time ago, made us all seem accustomed to going outside, including children with school activities. Unfortunately, this comfort zone must be limited immediately considering that the new variant of Omicron has a higher transmission rate, especially in children with congenital diseases.
Toronto infectious disease specialist, McCready said that the best way that parents can do is to reduce the frequency of their children doing social activities in an open environment given the high wave of Omicron spread.
Prioritize social activities only for school and continue to apply health protocols correctly. McCready also added that restraining oneself from leaving the house can reduce the risk of infection so that both children and their families can be properly protected.