Keeping your family safe from illness

It has not been a pretty picture as the world steps into the second month of 2020 with a worldwide scare of the Coronavirus. There is still too much to learn about this new virus — about how it spreads, how serious it actually is, or even how to treat it correctly. The fact that so much is unknown is a big part of what makes it frightening.

The case as being such, it is necessary to stay informed and listen to the advice and announcements of public health officials. In the meantime, taking some precautions, and being careful is the way to go. Do remember that there's a lot of misinformation floating around. Check reliable sources, and call your doctor if you have any questions.

Start with the basics of cleanliness. Make sure everyone washes their hands. Using soap and water and washing for 20 seconds does the trick. Hand sanitisers are a great waterless option, just make sure you spread it well, getting it all over the hands including between the fingers. Wash before meals and snacks, after being in public places, and after being around anyone who is or might be sick.

Encourage healthy habits like eating a healthy diet, exercising, and getting enough sleep. This helps keep the immune system strong.

Teach children not to touch their mouths, eyes, or noses with their hands unless they have just washed them. Carry tissues for wiping mouths and noses, and throw out used tissues promptly.

Ultimately, it's impossible to stay away from anyone who has any germs that might be spread; as is true of many viruses, it may be that people with coronavirus are contagious before they realise that they are sick. Just be aware of symptoms of people around you, such as coughing or sneezing. If you are hosting people at your house, you have the right to ask people not to come if they are feeling ill.

If anyone in your family gets a fever and cough, they should stay home. Chances are it's not coronavirus, but whatever it is, it's likely contagious.

Note that we are assuming that you and your family have not recently travelled to an area where there are known cases of coronavirus, or had some other possible exposure. If that is the case, you should call your doctor immediately for advice.

This set of tips has been adapted from https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/coronavirus-what-parents-should-know-and-do-2020020518846