Young Children and COVID-19, Part 2

From an interview with
Dr. Benjamin Elder
McLeod Pediatric Associates

From the importance of handwashing and cleanliness to social distancing and reconnecting with family, McLeod Pediatrician Dr. Benjamin Elder has some more COVID-19 tips for children and their parents.

Here’s a summary of Dr. Elder’s comments:
To keep from catching or spreading the Coronavirus, we should do the same things that you would do to prevent getting or sharing a cold. So, that would be 1) hand washing, 2) avoid going out among other people when you’re sick, 3) alerting your doctor to any symptoms that you’re having and 4) covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze.
 
What is social distancing? Social distancing is where individuals or families try to limit their time outside of their own home to only essential activities. It is not a quarantine all by itself, it is eliminating nonessential activities. And while social time is an essential activity in many ways, we need to limit the social time to avoid contact with other people in order to try to stop the spread of this virus. When you’re away from home, keep at least 6-feet between you and other people. Your parents may even ask you to wear a mask to protect yourself and others.
 
We live in a world today, where we spend so much time away from family and home. We’re busy with sports and other things fun activities.  Yet, right now we’re not able to do that, because we’re sheltering at home.  So, I think it’s a great idea to take advantage of this time to reengage with our families. When we’re homeas a family, think of creative ways to get along, interact and try to get to know each other better.
 
Learn more about coronavirus (COVID-19).