The outbreak of COVID-19 has caused widespread panic. Parents are particularly concerned about how to protect their children from the virus. The relative novelty of the disease and lack of comprehensive information raise many questions. Based on WHO recommendations, this article addresses the most common concerns.

Answers to Difficult Questions

To protect your child from coronavirus at home, parents need to know two key things:

1. How the disease manifests in children.
2. How to explain the situation in a calm and age-appropriate manner.

Constant discussion about “coronavirus” and widespread use of masks can create fear and unnecessary anxiety. If children understand the importance of washing hands and the reasons for restrictions, they will react more calmly.

Parents need not panic, as children often experience COVID-19 mildly, similar to a common cold, and in many cases, without symptoms. This is because their developing immune systems frequently encounter various infections, resulting in higher levels of antibodies compared to adults. While COVID-19 poses risks for children as well, complications are far less common than in people over 60.

Should Routine Vaccinations Be Delayed?

Parents often wonder whether routine vaccinations, such as for flu or measles, should be postponed during the epidemic. Healthcare professionals advise against canceling preventive measures. However, visiting medical facilities increases the risk of COVID-19 infection for both children and their parents. If contact with others at the hospital cannot be avoided, it’s better to delay vaccinations until after quarantine ends.

Important: Avoiding vaccinations altogether can increase the risk of serious illnesses such as diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, and polio.

Who Is at Risk?

Although research on the virus is still ongoing, scientists have identified groups of children more prone to complications:

• Infants
• Children with chronic conditions, particularly respiratory diseases
• Those with congenital or acquired heart conditions (e.g., heart defects)
• Children with severe metabolic disorders

Chinese researchers studying 2,400 pediatric COVID-19 cases found that children with immunodeficiency disorders are also at higher risk.

Important: Since children often have mild or asymptomatic cases, they can become carriers and pose significant risks to older adults. Limiting contact between grandchildren and elderly relatives is advised to prevent transmission.

Guidelines for Parents: How to Protect Your Child

Coronaviruses are a group of viruses that cause respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses. Previously, they were treated similarly to ARVI. However, the emergence of COVID-19 has dramatically changed the situation. The new virus has specific characteristics: it spreads rapidly via airborne droplets, mutates quickly, and currently has no specific treatment or vaccine.

To minimize the spread of the epidemic, many countries, including Ukraine, have implemented quarantine measures. The WHO also recommends:

• Keeping a 1.5-meter distance from others in public places (stores, transport, outdoors).
• Strictly following hygiene rules (washing hands properly, regularly disinfecting surfaces).
• Reducing social interactions.
• Staying home.
• Thoroughly cleaning and washing purchased items, fruits, and vegetables.

Prevention tips:

• Moderate physical activity.
• Balanced nutrition and adequate hydration.
• Frequent ventilation of living spaces.
• Outdoor walks while wearing masks, maintaining distance from others.

Teach children to sneeze into their elbows and remind them not to touch their mouths, eyes, or noses. Encourage them to sanitize frequently touched items such as toys, door handles, remotes, phones, and keys.

Important: Teach children to wash their hands properly after returning from outside, using the restroom, handling pets, before meals, and during morning and evening routines. Use soap and ensure the washing lasts at least 20 seconds—singing “Happy Birthday” twice can help track the time.

Special Considerations for Families with Infants

Families with infants should pay extra attention to cleanliness. Remove outdoor shoes when entering the home and wash floors daily. Consider limiting the infant’s movement to sanitized mats or blankets.

Important: The WHO advises against stopping breastfeeding for mothers infected with COVID-19.

Early Symptoms: When to Raise the Alarm?

The incubation period for COVID-19 is typically 5–6 days, but can range from 1 to 14 days. Common symptoms in children include:

• Fever
• Persistent dry cough
• Fatigue and weakness
• Loss of taste and smell
• Digestive issues

If your child exhibits these symptoms, contact your family doctor by phone. In most cases, home isolation is recommended. Local health authorities are aware of the regional epidemiological situation and can guide you on where to seek treatment if complications arise.

Since children generally recover easily, treatment is often symptomatic:

• Fever reducers (e.g., children’s ibuprofen, paracetamol).
• Adequate hydration.
• Cold medicines and cough suppressants.

Avoid self-medication, as it can lead to irreversible consequences.

Parents’ Role in Prevention

During an epidemic, parents must prioritize social distancing, cleanliness, and adherence to proper hygiene practices. Remember: your child’s health is in your hands!