Recently, the number of children infected with COVID-19 is increasing in Singapore. As a parent, you might be worried about the risk of your child contracting the virus and wonder how to care for them if they get sick with COVID-19. To ease your worries, we are here to share some helpful tips.
Tips 1: See a doctor
Bring your child to see a doctor as soon as he feels unwell, even if the symptoms are mild. Infected children may experience symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea and headache as well as behavioural changes such as moody and crying more often, especially in young children.
Tips 2: Monitor their symptoms
Parents need to monitor the child’s temperature, pulse rate and oxygen level (a normal reading is typically between 96 to 98%). For babies and toddlers, the pulse oximeter may not fit on their tiny fingers, you can assess your child by looking at his general well-being.
Most children with mild symptoms can be cared for and recovered safely at home, provided they are not at risk of severe disease. However, it is important to seek medical attention at the paediatric emergency department immediately if your child shows any of the symptoms below:
- Persistent high fever last more than 5 days
- Breathlessness
- Seizures
- Chest pain
- Drowsiness or sudden weakness
- Suddenly appears confused, refuses to eat or breastfeed
- Looks pale, grey- or blue-coloured lips
- Poor oral intake and vomiting
- Poor urine output
“monitor temperature regularly”
Tips 3: Good rest and plenty of fluids
Encourage your child to drink more fluids such as plain water, juice, soup or milk. They should drink almost as much fluid as they did before they were sick. Also, good rest and nutritious foods will support their recovery. Ensuring proper ventilation at home is important too.
Tips 4: Talk to your child about home isolation
Some children might feel upset as they have to stay at home and away from school for many days. Thus, it is essential to talk to your child about why isolation is necessary and answer their question actively.
Tips 5: Playtime
After your child feels better, you can spend more time playing with him or watching a movie together so that he can still have some fun while staying the whole day at home. Arranging video calls and allowing them to have a good chat with friends and families is helpful too!
References:
https://www.unicef.org/coronavirus/caring-for-sick-person-covid-hom