Infants are vulnerable to Coronavirus complications due to their undeveloped immunity.
Babies have smaller airways hence breathing may become an issue when infected with any respiratory illnesses.
The Omicron variant of the coronavirus has so far not shown extreme illness in adults and children who were tested positive. It showed mild symptoms and faster recovery compared to other variants.
Tips on caring for babies during Covid-19
The primary caregiver is encouraged to first get vaccinated and an additional booster shot. Vaccinated people have been proven to shed less virus even when infected with Covid-19 after getting vaccinated.
Additionally, the primary caregiver is encouraged to wear a mask at all times especially when surrounding the baby.
Wash your hands as many times as you can with soap and water i.e. before breastfeeding, before and after a diaper change, before and after cleaning baby, etc.
If the caregiver is exhibiting any signs of the coronavirus such as coughs, fever, itchy throat body pain, and general tiredness, they should maintain social distance.
Medical checkup
The mother or caregiver needs to get a medical checkup and first recuperate before handling the baby again.
Keep your home properly ventilated at all times; this may be by use of fans or opening up of all windows during the day. Enough air circulation helps move the virus particles.
If you are using a fan keep it close enough to any exits such as windows or doors but far away from the baby.
Avoid visiting public and overcrowded places. These are places where a social distance of one meter is not followed.
The World Health Organization has the perfect way to describe spaces where it is highly transmissible, the 3 C’s i.e. confined spaces, close-contact settings, and crowded places.
Keep your baby away from anyone who is sick or showing flu-like symptoms. Stop any visitors from coming to your home instead offer alternative options to see the baby such as video call dates.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), breast milk is very unlikely to spread Covid-19 to the baby. However, the virus can spread to the baby by not wearing a mask or washing hands during breastfeeding. Take these precautions.
Signs of Covid-19 in children
Children can get coronavirus and develop extreme complications that require immediate attention. They include fevers, sore throats, coughs, breathing difficulties, headache, diarrhea, fatigue, vomiting, and running nose.
When to get emergency care
- Difficulty breathing.
- Blue lips.
- Vomiting after every food and drink.
- If the baby is sleeping longer than usual. In most cases it is a development milestone, however, in some cases, it may be a serious illness linked to breathing or heart disorders.
Children below one year old are not in the vaccination program. Research is still going on in this field.
Mothers found positive with the coronavirus should consult their doctors on the way forward concerning breastfeeding their children.
Wearing masks, avoiding crowded places, washing hands, getting a coronavirus vaccine and maintaining a well-ventilated home are the best measures in taking care of the child in the era of Covid-19.
