Here’s how to protect your child against delta variant

The COVID-19 pandemic has been very rough on all of us. People everywhere today are concerned about this highly contagious and deadly Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus.

This strain of the COVID-19 virus has been called a variant of concern by the World Health Organization (WHO) as it has been found to have increased transmissibility along with a greater ability to cause a severe form of this deadly disease. Where the Delta variant is found, it efficiently and rapidly spreads between people in close proximity or contact. 
The spread of viruses is inevitable when kids mix at school or take part in outdoor activities. As a result of the pandemic, it has been driven by a variant of COVID-19 known as the delta variant. This fall, CDC recommends the following measures for keeping your child protected against this highly contagious strain of the virus: wearing masks in schools and other crowded places and getting the COVID-19 vaccine for all family members over 12 years of age.

What type of mask is the best to keep your child away from the virus?

Masks play a crucial role in stopping the spread of this disease. Wearing any mask that fits well and that has no gaps around the mouth, nose, and chin while being comfortable can help with the prevention. While all adults today are being encouraged to step up our cloth masks or any disposable face masks made in the USA, the advice for children may be slightly different. The best mask is one that can be worn for long periods of time, even during school. A cloth mask is the most lightweight, breathable, and comfortable.
 
Adding elements of sparkle and design acts as bonus points if the kids like the design. Decoration may not serve the purpose. However, it is seen that kids seem more enthusiastic about face masks when they are attractive and fun in their view. The addition of cartoon characters and other such designs drive them to wear their masks at all times.
Many parents have said that their kids have the cutest of masks, and they are extremely enthusiastic about wearing them. Adding that sense of whimsy also keeps them from complaining about the discomfort.
Gandhi, an expert in the field, suggests that wearing two masks helps you get additional protection for you and your kids. However, it is a long shot for the younger generation. The use of two masks creates a tighter mask fit on the face while adding a filter layer to the face masks for kids. The material of vacuum bags can be used as a filter in a cloth mask. It's thin and blocks viruses very well," she continues. Finally, she agrees that the bottom line with kids is comfort and whimsy. Consequently, if these interventions lead to children not wearing the mask, she says parents can skip them.

 
What else can you do to keep your child safe?

Having multiple forms of protection is key.
Vaccines are the first line of defense. To protect everyone in the household, including the child, we need to make sure they are all vaccinated. Vaccinated people can provide care without quarantining themselves, provided they are healthy and without any symptoms of COVID-19.
The older child who is sick with COVID-19 may be able to spend time in their own bedroom, maybe with a bathroom. As a result, the spread of the virus is restricted to a specific part of the house.
Even with limited space and bathrooms, there are proven ways to reduce the risk of transmission. Most COVID-19 transmission occurs through the air, so respiratory hygiene should be the number one priority.

It is best to use an air purifier and a respiratory mask in order to prevent the virus from spreading. Here are a bunch of things you can do to curb the spread of the virus:

•  Good hygiene: Snyder, another expert in the field, said parents must also continue to reinforce the message about good hygiene. The parents must shine a light on these aspects now more than ever while teaching their children how to cough into their elbows and wash their hands right away. The use of sanitizer and soap must also become a part of their routine.

Ensuring that the children also keep their belongings clean is something that could benefit them. Trying to touch things and people must be minimized.

• Masks and distance: Three feet of physical distance may rapidly reduce the spread of the virus. Good ventilation helps, and respiratory masks for indoor activity are crucial, public experts say. The American Academy of Pediatrics tells everyone older than age 2 to wear a mask, irrespective of the vaccination status, when they go to school. The data and research are very strong that masking continues to be a very effective method to prevent infection. By some estimates, a mask minimizes the risk of catching COVID-19 by about 50%, experts said. Face asks are most effective in places where the risk of exposure as well as transmission is high. The use of air purifiers also helps to minimize transmission risks to a great extent.

 
Is it safe to hug your children?

The reassurance that one can get only through physical contact like hugs and cuddles can be rather important, especially for little kids. Having to restrain your children physically is extremely distressing; however, it has proved to be the most effective method of preventing the spread of COVID-19.
Studies also suggest that a person with COVID-19 is most infectious and dangerous in the first five days, so experts say the aim is to limit close physical contact in that period. Distracting your kids during this period to avoid physical contact is key.
 
Conversations with children about COVID-19 are essential, pediatricians say. The kids are sponges, and they are able to soak up their environment rather quickly, and they pick up on all the emotional cues as well. Thus, even a toddler can understand the basics.
This time could be challenging. However, it is crucial to understand that health comes above all, and we must get over this tedious time and emerge stronger. Taking the vaccine and following the protocols, and especially ensuring to use face masks, is vital.