Handa Ka Na Ba Sa New Normal?

Life as we know has completely changed. Lahat tayo ay unti-unting nag a-adjust sa ating new reality. Now, health is more important than ever and keeping our families, especially our children, protected and illness-free should be our priority.

How susceptible are children to COVID-19?
According to Stanford Children’s Health in an interview with pediatrician Anita Juvvaadi, MD, she said “I want to reassure all families with young children that of the data from hundreds of thousands of cases, the pediatric age group is the least affected. So there is a very good chance that your child will not be severely affected even if exposed. That said, with the general exposure to COVID-19 through mucus membranes, any human being could be susceptible to the disease. Because the virus seems to cause pneumonia, for children with severe asthma or a congenital heart problem, we are recommending parents to take extra precautions right now.” ¹

At dahil ang COVID-19 ay may mga kaparehong sintomas sa ibang sakit tulad ng sipon, flu, at ubo, bilang mga magulang ano ang magagawa natin para proteksyonan ang ating mga anak? If a child shows flu-like symptoms, how can parents know whether their child has COVID-19 versus a regular flu or a seasonal cold? Dr. Juvaddi, in the same article talks about this. “If your child has a fever, cough, congestion, goopy eyes, stomach pain, nausea and vomiting, please contact your pediatrician for further evaluation. These visits can be conducted over the phone, or in some cases, virtually. If your doctor feels that the symptoms may be indicative of COVID-19, they can help arrange for our child to be tested at a designated facility. Kaya mahalaga na alam natin kung saan ang pinakamalapit na testing center sa ating lugar.

Dagdag pa ni Dr. Juvaddi — “keeping over-the-counter cough and cold medications handy is also recommended." Kasama ng pagiging ma-ingat ay magkaroon ng mindset na lahat ng sakit, sa unang sintomas pa lang, dapat ginagamot na agad para hindi na lumala pa. Kahit simpleng sipon lang, ipadama na ang yakap ng isang magulang at bigyan siya agad ng ginhawa laban sa sipon at kasamang sintomas nito.

How do we stay careful in the face of threats caused by viruses?
The best way to prepare our homes for the new normal is to take it one day at a time. Following healthy habits can help keep your families safer from illnesses.

Cleaning and Disinfecting
Hygiene is very important when it comes to the prevention of diseases. Most viruses are avoidable with good handwashing. Kaya dapat gawin nating ugali ang paghuhugas ng ating mga kamay at paglilinis ng ating bahay at kapaligiran.

Disinfecting kills germs on surfaces. So clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects such as tables, countertops, light switches, doorknobs, and cabinet handles.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food. Just make it a habit.
If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
Lastly, wash items including washable plush toys based on the manufacturer’s instructions. If possible, when doing your laundry use the warmest appropriate water setting for the items and dry items completely after washing. Dirty laundry from an ill person can be washed with other people’s items.

Social Distancing and Staying at Home
Social distancing helps limit opportunities to come in contact with contaminated surfaces and infected people outside the home. Social distancing, which is also called “physical distancing,” means keeping space between yourself and other people outside of your home. To practice social or physical distancing ito ang mga kailangan tandaan.

Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people
Do not gather in groups
Stay out of crowded places and avoid mass gatherings

Stay Away but Stay Connected
It is quite difficult to be in isolation for a long period of time, especially for children. Kaya it’s very important to stay in touch with friends and family that don’t live in your home. So go ahead, tawagan ang mga kapamilya ninyo, or go on a video chat and have your kids interact with their lolos and lolas, titos and titas, cousins, and friends.

Maaaring ito na ang ating new reality, pero we will adapt and try to thrive as much as we can. As long as we remain careful, to treat symptoms of illnesses at the onset to prevent it from getting worst, to make cleaning and disinfecting a habit, to maintain physical distancing and avoid mass gatherings, and to keep connections with friends, family, and loved ones even when in isolation will definitely make us more prepared as we settle into this new normal. Kaya natin ‘to.

¹https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/en/covid-19-what-parents-need-to-know