Third wave of COVID
Third wave of COVID is now sounding its alarm bell for to target children, therefore there is a lot more parents need to know to save their children from this COVID-19 virus.
Even as India is struggling with the second wave of COVID-19 that left health system across the country crumbling, experts are already calling for preparations for the third wave, which they predict will hit the country later this year. They have warned children would be affected by the third wave.
Why are children more susceptible for third wave of COVID-19?
First of all we need to understand why this COVID-19 virus infection danger now pointing towards our children? So here is the answer- You can get immunity from this virus either through vaccination. If not, the virus will definitely catch you.
As in Adults, more people are getting infected – most in the first wave and second wave.Adults are lucky that vaccine has been prepared for them and they are being vaccinated these days. Children in the first wave had only 4% infection across the country, and in the second wave 10-15%- infection.
As per these figures, 60% of children are vulnerable for infection because there are no vaccine for children yet in India.
Precautions need to be taken for their children by parents to keep them safe from third wave of COVID-19 infection –
1.Cleanliness –
1•This is the right time to train your children for good hygeine practices like washing their hands thoroughly. Ensure they have an alcohol- based hand sanitiser with them at all times, in case they are stepping out or playing with other children, although it’s best to avoid any kind of social gathering.
2• Teaching your kids the right way and the right times to wash heads is important.Teach your kids the right technique to properly wash and disinfect you hands, especially between your fingers and inside your nails.You should also teach them to wash their hands with soap and water before eating or touching their face.
3• Train them to wash their hands a number of times after different activities such as touching doorknobs or doors in public places.Another technique to avoid interaction with an infected surface is to tell your children to use their unused hand while accessing a doorknob or door in a public place
4• While stepping out, ensure that your children are wearing full sleeved clothing to minimize the interaction with any public surface.It may be ideal to keep a separate set of clothes when you step out.
2. Disinfect Surroundings-
• Frequently disinfect your immediate surroundings, especially bathrooms. Avoid using a common bath or hand towel for your children and other family members of the family. Clean doors, window paves, doorknobs and any object or fixture which are used by the majority at home.
• Ensure to wash the clothes worn while stepping out, keep a seperate la- undary bag or basket to keep the dirty clothes. Frequently wash the clothes and use warm water for washing. If someone is sick at home, do not mix their soiled clothes with other clothes, as this can be a direct source of infection.
3. Social Distancing –
• Social distancing can be quite a task if you have youy children. But you can keep them entertained indoors with various activities and games. Don’t worry as there are several You Tube channels and apps specifically for this, you can either create your own games or borrow some from around the world.
There are several classic indoor board games like scrabble, monopoly and Jenga that the whole family can play together, these are great for family bonding.
• This is the best time to introduce your kids to the joy of reading, you can start by reading out stories to them and then encourage them to read with you. This is not only a fun experience but can be a great way for your kids to learn a lot.
• If you have pets, then you can entrust your children to take care of them occupied and fill the lack of a companion. This could include brushing the pet, ensuring they are fed or playing with them. This is the bestway to cultivate a sense of responsibility in children of all age groups.
• It is best to avoid your kids from playing with other kids outside or be a part with other kids outside or be a part of big social gatherings as it may increase the chances of infection.
4. Learning & Schedule –
• In case your kid is in the middle of an on-going academic calender during the present lockdown, then you can help the children continue with their education. Stay in touch with the class teacher for a regular update and syllabus requirements.
Keep a fixed study time everyday, design worksheets and games to keep your children interested.
• You can also help them complete their assignments and projects. Also, keep a fixed bedtime for your children since good sleep will keep them in good spirits and concentration to learn.
5. Stress relief –
If you feel that your child’s mental well being is getting affected by the lockdown, your child is anxious and cranky, then there are certain measures you can take to make them comfortable.
• You can connect them to their friends through a videocall to help them stay in touch and not feel isolated. You can get a fixed this activity so that they will look forward to that interaction.
• You can teach them to garden and join them in gardening. You don’t need a lot of places, you can start with a small kitchen or a herb garden.
• Children are especially vulnerable to contracting the infection, make sure you keep them away from sick or infected people. Avoid visiting relatives or friends who are sick at this time.
6. Cultivate Hobbies –
Introduce your children to new hobbies such as painting, singing and help them learn to play an instrument. You don’t need to step out for this, as ther earejust a click away.
Several online tutorials are available to guide, you can also enrole your children to online classes that will keep them engaged. You can also learn with your children.
7. Improve your children’s immunity by some Ayurveda tips –
• Stay hydrated –
Motivate your kids to drink adequate lukewarm water throughout the day to keep them hydrated.
• Yoga and meditation –
Teach your children to make daily practice of Yogasanas like Tadasan, Teeryaka tadasan, Halasan, Surya Namaskar, Bhujangasan etc. and Pranayama a part of their routine. You should accompany your kids to motivate them for exercise.
• Use of spices –
Regular use of spices like
– Haldi (Turmeric)
– Jeera (Cumin)
– Dhaniya (Coriander)
– Lahsun ( Garlic)
in cooking can also boost immunity of your children.
• Nutritious food with optimum sleep –
Always try to give light, easily digestible and nutritious food to the children and avoid entry junk food. Along with healthy food take adequate sleep for atleast 7-8 hours.
• Chyawanprash –
Give one table spoon of Chyawanprash to the kids to increase their inner strength to fight any kind of infection if unfortunately comes in their way.
• Nasal application of Ghee –
Simple Ayurvedic procedures like Nasal application of sesame oil or Ghee in both the nostrils morning and evening can also help to boost the immunity of kids
• Giloy Ghan Vati –
Giloy Ghan Vati is beneficial in raising immunity of adults as well as children. Your Ayurvedic physician can set the dose of it for your kids. Usually one tablet of 125mg daily is sufficient for children to boost their immunity.
So, the war against the pandemic begins at home and it’s a battle we all can win with a bit of extra effort.
So be prepared for third wave of COVID with all preventive measures.
For more latest blogs on health kindly refer to www.Santripty.com