How to protect a child from ARVI, Komarovsky’s advice
Unfortunately, there is no one hundred percent protection against infection, but it is still possible to reduce the likelihood of infection.
We have already talked about how to protect yourself from a harmful virus when going outside. Let’s remind the main thing: avoid crowded places, try to talk to people without getting close, wash your hands more often, ventilate the room and moisturize the nasal mucosa. But what if someone has already picked up the infection and brought it home? How to protect the child in such a situation?
Doctor Komarovsky advises the patient to isolate as much as possible. No, this does not mean that you need to kick him out onto the balcony and throw him there until he stops sneezing. If possible, you need to arrange a quarantine: put the sick person in a separate room and only allow him to go to the toilet – so that there and back. Yes, you will have to look after him like the crown prince, but he will not spread the infection around the house. Another item in the isolation program is cookware. Yes, you need to take a separate plate, spoon and cup to the patient so that no one else can eat or drink. Moreover, this dish must be washed with hot water and preferably with soda. Particular attention is paid to objects that the patient touched: door handles, tap valve. They also need to be wiped with a disinfectant.
“The apartment needs to be regularly ventilated – not only the room where the patient is lying. Wet cleaning more often. And, of course, the house needs to maintain an optimal humidity and temperature regime, ”the doctor advises.
The optimal temperature is from 16 to 22 ° C, the relative humidity is from 40 to 70 percent.
“Everyone needs to be given wet sanitizing sanitary napkins. Use them more often, and wash your hands during breaks. The patient’s hands are the source of infection. Give the sick person themselves disposable handkerchiefs and put a container next to him, where he will throw them away, ”recommends Dr. Komarovsky.
It makes sense to put on a mask only on the patient, and even then only during communication with household members. And for healthy ones, once or twice an hour, pshik saline solutions in the nose.
And if a nursing mother fell ill?
“If possible, use other family members to care for the child, and treat the mother and“ take care ”for feeding. Remember: if mom is sick, then legally, dad may well count on sick leave to take care of the child, ”says Yevgeny Komarovsky.
The doctor advises to apply the same isolation rules as with other adults: separate dishes, fewer contacts, constant disinfection, cleaning, ventilation. And even the feeding time should be limited – if possible, of course. Before feeding, mom should definitely wash her hands and put on a mask. And for the child, drip drops based on saline into the nose. Well, and most importantly, the baby should spend more time in the fresh air. For this, it is worth attracting as many assistants as possible: from grandmothers to girlfriends.