As parents,
we greatly value the health of our children. We do everything we can to
avoid them getting sick because a sick child is the worst!
Not only do
we have to witness a tiny body struggling with feeling ill, but it also puts
extra pressure on us with regards to running the household and work
responsibilities. I think I speak for all of us when I say, keeping our
children healthy is super important.
This can be
especially challenging in winter. Chilly early mornings going to school, being
around other potentially sick kids in the classroom, refusing to wear warm
clothes ("I'm not cold!" or "I'm SO hot, please can I take off
my jacket?" We all know these phrases.) are all factors that add to the
struggle.
This year,
however, we have had an unexpected change in our circumstances with the
outbreak of COVID-19. We've had to keep our children at home for the past
three months. As we know for the most part children are not at risk of falling
ill with COVID-19, those with pre-existing conditions being the exception to
the rule, they do however pose the threat of spreading the virus. By isolating
our children, we kept them from coming in contact with any persons or places
that might put them at risk of contracting COVID-19 and potentially spreading
it.
This has
had the added benefit of avoiding viruses and bacteria that they would have
been exposed to were they going to school during this time. It also
conveniently coincided with the change of seasons and harsh cold fronts,
aiding in our ongoing efforts to keep our children healthy.
Avoiding
bacteria and viruses help immensely in our efforts; it is, however, not
sustainable. Our current rules with regards to lockdown once again allow
for free movement to public spaces like shopping malls and the reopening of
schools, significantly increasing their exposure and the risk of illness.
While it
has been beneficial to keep our children at home for this extended period,
re-introducing them to these environments comes with some risk. Think of
it like a baby or toddler starting school for the first time; there is a month
or two, where it feels like your child catches every illness under the sun.
Looking back at that time, we now understand it was our child's immune system
adjusting to its environment. The same applies to our children at the
moment. Not being exposed to groups of people or public situations for
the last three months now puts their immune system in a position where it might
have to readjust once again. This is unavoidable, but there are things we as
parents can do to aid them in this process.
Nursing Director at Retire at Home, Sr. Maricel Potgieter, gives a few tips on boosting your child's immune system during this time.
"Vitamin
C is a great way to boost your child's immune system. There are many different
Vit C syrups available, use your discretion as to which one your child will
take without a hassle as it is most effective taken daily. I also opt for
Zinplex; it has a pleasant taste that my children don't mind."
"A
multivitamin is a great option for picky eaters as it has a combination of
vitamins and minerals to balance out their bodies need with their daily food
intake.
Scotts
Emulsion is another great option as it has added vitamin D."
"I
follow a Monday to Friday routine, daily supplements Monday to Friday, and over
weekends we take a break."
A few
useful tips to remember:
Runny or
blocked nose:
"A
runny nose is preferable to a blocked nose, try not to opt for a medication to
dry up the nasal passages straight away. A runny nose might simply be a
reaction to cold, an allergic reaction due to seasonal changes or the immune
system reacting to something. If the problem persists for more than a few
days on end, then you can consider aiding with a nose spray."
Difficulty
breathing:
"In
difficulty breathing as a result of a blocked nose, a saline nasal spray is a
good option. I am old school and still believe in Vicks under the foot
with a sock on during the night for the relief of congestion. Immediately
see your doctor if difficulty in breathing persists or worsen. A wheezing sound
when breathing needs immediate medical attention."
"Often,
nasal congestion leads to mucus in the throat and sinuses. A good way to thin
out mucus is nebulising. ACC200 and Amuco are two examples of medication
that can be given to thin out mucus, but there a many others. Enquire with your
local pharmacist. Thinning out mucus makes it easier for the body to expel the
excess mucus by coughing. If mucus becomes thick, it can lead to
breathing problems; it is best to see a doctor immediately."
"If
you notice any strange sounds when your child breathes or their chest contracts
inward when breathing, go to the emergency room immediately."
Fever:
"Running
a slight fever is common in children and often does not warrant a visit to the
doctor. A temperature under 38 degrees can be treated with Panado or your
choice of fever medication. If the fever persists at 38 after medication, see
your doctor as this might be an indication of a more severe illness. If a
child's fever exceeds 38 degrees, it is best to see a doctor as children are at
risk of fever fits at 39 degrees. "
Disclaimer:
This
article aims to inform parents and not to replace professional medical advice.
The advice given is the opinion of Sister Maricel and is not intended to be
used as fact or rule. Always seek professional medical help if you are
uncertain with regards to the health of your child.
As parents,
we greatly value the health of our children. We do everything we can to
avoid them getting sick because a sick child is the worst!
Not only do
we have to witness a tiny body struggling with feeling ill, but it also puts
extra pressure on us with regards to running the household and work
responsibilities. I think I speak for all of us when I say, keeping our
children healthy is super important.
This can be
especially challenging in winter. Chilly early mornings going to school, being
around other potentially sick kids in the classroom, refusing to wear warm
clothes ("I'm not cold!" or "I'm SO hot, please can I take off
my jacket?" We all know these phrases.) are all factors that add to the
struggle.
This year,
however, we have had an unexpected change in our circumstances with the
outbreak of COVID-19. We've had to keep our children at home for the past
three months. As we know for the most part children are not at risk of falling
ill with COVID-19, those with pre-existing conditions being the exception to
the rule, they do however pose the threat of spreading the virus. By isolating
our children, we kept them from coming in contact with any persons or places
that might put them at risk of contracting COVID-19 and potentially spreading
it.
This has
had the added benefit of avoiding viruses and bacteria that they would have
been exposed to were they going to school during this time. It also
conveniently coincided with the change of seasons and harsh cold fronts,
aiding in our ongoing efforts to keep our children healthy.
Avoiding
bacteria and viruses help immensely in our efforts; it is, however, not
sustainable. Our current rules with regards to lockdown once again allow
for free movement to public spaces like shopping malls and the reopening of
schools, significantly increasing their exposure and the risk of illness.
While it
has been beneficial to keep our children at home for this extended period,
re-introducing them to these environments comes with some risk. Think of
it like a baby or toddler starting school for the first time; there is a month
or two, where it feels like your child catches every illness under the sun.
Looking back at that time, we now understand it was our child's immune system
adjusting to its environment. The same applies to our children at the
moment. Not being exposed to groups of people or public situations for
the last three months now puts their immune system in a position where it might
have to readjust once again. This is unavoidable, but there are things we as
parents can do to aid them in this process.
Nursing Director at Retire at Home, Sr. Maricel Potgieter, gives a few tips on boosting your child's immune system during this time.
"Vitamin
C is a great way to boost your child's immune system. There are many different
Vit C syrups available, use your discretion as to which one your child will
take without a hassle as it is most effective taken daily. I also opt for
Zinplex; it has a pleasant taste that my children don't mind."
"A
multivitamin is a great option for picky eaters as it has a combination of
vitamins and minerals to balance out their bodies need with their daily food
intake.
Scotts
Emulsion is another great option as it has added vitamin D."
"I
follow a Monday to Friday routine, daily supplements Monday to Friday, and over
weekends we take a break."
A few
useful tips to remember:
Runny or
blocked nose:
"A
runny nose is preferable to a blocked nose, try not to opt for a medication to
dry up the nasal passages straight away. A runny nose might simply be a
reaction to cold, an allergic reaction due to seasonal changes or the immune
system reacting to something. If the problem persists for more than a few
days on end, then you can consider aiding with a nose spray."
Difficulty
breathing:
"In
difficulty breathing as a result of a blocked nose, a saline nasal spray is a
good option. I am old school and still believe in Vicks under the foot
with a sock on during the night for the relief of congestion. Immediately
see your doctor if difficulty in breathing persists or worsen. A wheezing sound
when breathing needs immediate medical attention."
"Often,
nasal congestion leads to mucus in the throat and sinuses. A good way to thin
out mucus is nebulising. ACC200 and Amuco are two examples of medication
that can be given to thin out mucus, but there a many others. Enquire with your
local pharmacist. Thinning out mucus makes it easier for the body to expel the
excess mucus by coughing. If mucus becomes thick, it can lead to
breathing problems; it is best to see a doctor immediately."
"If
you notice any strange sounds when your child breathes or their chest contracts
inward when breathing, go to the emergency room immediately."
Fever:
"Running
a slight fever is common in children and often does not warrant a visit to the
doctor. A temperature under 38 degrees can be treated with Panado or your
choice of fever medication. If the fever persists at 38 after medication, see
your doctor as this might be an indication of a more severe illness. If a
child's fever exceeds 38 degrees, it is best to see a doctor as children are at
risk of fever fits at 39 degrees. "
Disclaimer:
This
article aims to inform parents and not to replace professional medical advice.
The advice given is the opinion of Sister Maricel and is not intended to be
used as fact or rule. Always seek professional medical help if you are
uncertain with regards to the health of your child.