Monthly Archives: May 2020

Parenting in the Time of COVID-19: How to Explain the Impact of the Global Pandemic to Children

Contrary to popular belief, children also get stressed due to certain situations. Such a feeling of stress can affect their immune systems and make them more susceptible to health issues. More so, those with medical conditions like allergies and asthma should have twice the protection, especially during this COVID-19 pandemic.

An allergist doctor may not be available for face-to-face visitations in an allergy clinic. However, there are still ways that you can contact an allergist in case of emergencies.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, it is natural for adults especially parents to be wary of the current situation. But it is also important that children, even as young as toddlers, understand what the world is going through now.

COVID-19’s potential impact on children

This pandemic has caused serious fear mostly for adults. For one thing, parents are especially worried about how they can protect their children against the disease. However, young children can be smarter than we think when it comes to this kind of issue.

Most children thrive on routine. But because of the virus, they are not able to play outdoors. Parents are also mostly having second thoughts of letting their kids play with their neighbors. Basically, the virus has disrupted children’s daily routines. This can affect their mood and cause tantrums and unpleasant behavior.

Meanwhile, parents may have second thoughts of telling their small children what is going on. There is this notion that young children may not be able to understand what is going on around them. However, it is possible for them to understand the current situation. How?

Talking to your children about the ongoing pandemic

First of all, make sure to choose the right timing to discuss this concern with your child. You also need to understand COVID-19 and its impact on our daily lives. You can find more information from reliable sources including the World Health Organization and the US Centers for Disease Control.

More or less, your child is already somehow aware of what is happening right now. It’s just a matter of explaining why this is happening in the first place. More importantly, they should know what they can do to protect themselves against the virus. It is also better to consult an allergist specialist to protect you and your children if you have a history of asthma and allergies.

Points to ponder when discussing COVID-19 with your child

There are some important things that you need to consider when discussing COVID-19 with your child. These include:

Explain what really it is.

Children should understand what COVID-19 is, how it affects anyone who gets it, and how to keep themselves safe from the virus. Those with asthma and allergies should also be extra cautious at this time. Those who have such conditions are more prone to getting the virus. You can consult an allergy doctor to help manage your child’s asthma or allergies.

Get straight to the point.

Children deserve straightforward answers to their questions. Let them ask questions, and answer as truthfully as possible. Too much information can overwhelm them and cause anxiety and stress. As much as possible, avoid sugarcoating words when explaining things to them. They need to know what “virus”, “germs”, and even COVID-19 are.

Teach them to be clean and protected against the virus.

Aside from knowing about the virus, they should also learn how they can keep themselves safe. This includes teaching them the basics like keeping clean and practicing safe distancing. Children should also be taught proper manners when coughing and sneezing.

Helping your child cope up with the current situation

Parents have the major responsibility of shielding their children from the pandemic. More so, if they have allergy history. In case of an attack, you should find an allergy doctor the soonest.

Other tips that you can do to help your children understand the impact of COVID-19 include the following:

Create new routines that will benefit your child. Say, schedule a time for doing worksheets, mealtime, and bedtime. It will help the child back on track on their previous routines that are disrupted due to the virus.
Do not blame other races or people for the virus. No one wanted this to happen. Everyone is affected, even the most well-off people out there.
Try limiting access to news and social media as it can also lead to anxiety due to the constant COVID-19-related reports.
Keep calm. Bond with your child more especially during this pandemic. Keep yourself and your family strong and healthy. You can seek help from an allergy specialist in Manassas VA online in case of asthma or allergy emergencies.

The Truth About The Second Wave of COVID-19 and How to Protect Yourself From It

COVID-19 has dominated this year, so far. It was first discovered in Wuhan, China, with a few cases reported during the last few weeks of December 2019. The next thing we knew, this virus, which later officially called COVID-19, spread like wildfire in many parts of the world.

So far, there have been more than 4.6 million cases around the world. Out of that figure, around 2.5 million are still infected, and more than 1.7 million already dead. Those who have immunocompromised health should be extra careful especially when going outside.

The same goes for the history of asthma and allergies – make sure to consult an asthma doctor if you experience symptoms. Also, make sure to follow asthma treatments as prescribed by your allergist doctor.

The dreaded “second wave”

Several countries around the world, including the US, are slowly easing restrictions of the lockdowns. Chinese authorities have also announced measures that aim to prevent the dreaded second wave of COVID-19. This includes complying with the “new normal” such as wearing face masks and physical distancing.

This is exactly what health experts are worried about: the second wave of the dreaded virus. And it seems to be happening now in some countries. In China, for example, there were about 17 new cases reported in Mainland China according to a May 11 report.

In South Korea, on the other hand, there were 35 new cases reported since it lifted its lockdown. Apparently, the majority of these cases came from those who went out clubbing over the weekend. As a result, more than 2,000 nightspots have to close down again.

This is one of the most difficult dilemmas that the world has to face right now. On the one hand, countries are doing their best to contain the virus and prevent its further spread by implementing strict lockdowns. However, the world cannot afford prolonged lockdowns as it can affect the economy.

Even with strict measures, no one knows how effective it will be. There are even those so-called “silent carriers” who do not exhibit symptoms unless they take the COVID-19 test. Also, just because a country does not have new cases for several days or weeks doesn’t mean they are exempted from the so-called “second wave”.

Will it be worse?

It will depend on several factors. One of the most important of these is how people comply with the rules. This includes wearing face masks, physical distancing, and observing proper hygiene. Aggressive mass testing will also play an important role in the outcome of the second wave if ever it does happen.

Basically, there can be less impact of the second wave of the pandemic if there will be stricter measures implemented. This also applies to those with asthma and other chronic conditions. Make sure to consult an allergy doctor if you experience symptoms due to asthma or allergies.

It is also possible that there will be lockdowns again. You cannot visit an allergy clinic or get simple checkups unless it’s already urgent. As mentioned, that possibility will depend on how people and the government comply with the rules. Unless there is already a vaccine, we cannot be too complacent.

How to prevent the spread

First of all, you need to take care of yourself. If you have asthma or allergy history, you should consult an allergist doctor for proper management and treatment. Even if many countries are imposing lockdowns, it won’t guarantee that COVID-19 will be gone for good.

This is why people also have a vital role in containing the virus. It would take quite a while before we are able to travel elsewhere, attend events, and hug friends and loved ones. In the meantime, here are tips you can do to avoid the spread of the virus.

Avoid throwing face masks anywhere.

You can buy reusable masks that you can wash and wear as needed. Leave surgical masks to our brave frontliners.

Avoid going to the gym and other fitness centers.

It is important to stay fit and healthy during the pandemic. But it is not the best time to go to gyms now. Instead, you can do home workouts to maintain your health while on quarantine.

Maintain proper hygiene.

You should practice proper hygiene more than ever. If there is no access to running water and soap, use alcohol or hand sanitizer, and have access to it all the time.

Keeping vigilant in the middle of the pandemic

We are far from over from the wrath of the ongoing pandemic. In the meantime, we need to be vigilant and careful with our every move. More so, if you have asthma or immunocompromised health. Consult an allergist in Germantown MD for tips on protecting yourself from the effect of COVID-19.

Is it Allergies, Colds, or COVID-19? Here are the Symptom Differences

In times like these, it is difficult to be sick. Just a simple sneeze or sniffles can trigger anxiety for a lot of people. On the one hand, these are common symptoms of common colds. However, these can often be mistaken as signs of COVID-19.

There is no doubt how this global pandemic affected our daily routines. There might be some people who experience some kind of body discomfort but are afraid to go to hospitals. Even consulting an allergy physician and other medical specialists can be a little challenging nowadays.

Facing fears and the unknown

Whether we admit it or not, COVID-19 has caused anxiety and stress at some point in our lives. Even if most people are in the safety of their homes, we cannot help but think about others who aren’t. They might be front liners and medical personnel that have no choice but to attend to their sworn duties.

As for those at home, it is important to stay indoors as much as we can. Take vitamins and eat healthy foods to boost our health and immune system. Practice proper hygiene and handwashing at all times. Consult an allergy specialist doctor online if you experience any allergic symptoms.

But sometimes, we cannot help but think about what will happen in the next coming days. What if we suddenly fell ill and we have to go to an allergy clinic or a hospital? What if the hospital or clinic nearby is not sanitized enough and contains the dreaded virus? Worst, what if you get the dreaded virus?

Is it allergies or COVID-19?

It is the spring season in many countries, so you can expect a lot of people suffering from seasonal allergies. You might have to consult an allergist if you experience the usual allergy symptoms.

Unfortunately, the symptoms of allergies can be similar to that of COVID-19. Even a simple cough, sore throat, or sneeze can cause panic not only to you but also to other people. On the other hand, there are also a lot of people who recover from this dreaded disease.

Then again, we should not underestimate the potential complications COVID-19 can bring. As of date, there are more than 250,000 deaths around the world due to the virus. Some people experience mild to none of the symptoms. But some experience extreme symptoms which lead to intubation and oxygen support.

How to know if it’s an allergy, common cold, or COVID-19

First of all, you need to monitor your symptoms. As mentioned, allergy, colds, and COVID-19 symptoms can be similar. This includes cough, loss of sense of taste and smell, and breathing difficulties. If you suspect of being in contact with a potential allergen, make sure to consult an allergist doctor at least online.

Some people also experience diarrhea or vomiting due to allergic reactions (ex. lactose intolerance). But if symptoms worsen after a week or so, perhaps it is a good idea to contact a doctor to get tested for possible COVID-19.

Meanwhile, common signs of allergies may include itchy eyes and nose, sore throat, and sneezing. Some may also experience skin rashes that can be itchy. Most of these symptoms usually appear a couple of minutes or hours after you came into contact with an allergen. In such cases, you should consult an allergy doctor for proper treatment.

Common colds can also be mistaken as an allergic reaction and COVID-19. Sore throat, runny nose, sneezing, and coughing are some symptoms of common colds. You can take care of it by taking over-the-counter medications. Or try home remedies like drinking lots of water or natural citrus drinks.

Enlightenment, not fear

It can be easy to confuse common colds and allergies with COVID-19. For one thing, most of their symptoms are similar to each other. However, it depends on the severity and the duration these symptoms manifest themselves.

For example, allergy symptoms usually appear minutes or a few hours after coming into contact with an allergen. In such cases, you should consult an allergist doctor in Manassas VA immediately.

On the other hand, COVID-19 can be stealthy. Some people may experience symptoms, while others do not. Nonetheless, it is important to consider the people around you. Make sure to wash your hands and keep yourselves clean at all times. Most importantly, you should keep yourselves healthy and at home until it is safe to do our usual routines like before.