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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.

Life in Time of COVID-19: How to Keep Yourself Sane During Quarantine/Lockdown

As the COVID-19 continues to wreak havoc to our lives, we have no choice but to stay indoors and wait until everything is sort of okay already. This is actually the easiest thing we can do to help the government and to flatten the curve. This is also a chance for us to rethink our overall health.

COVID-19 chooses no one. From infants to the elderly, everyone can be at risk of contracting this disease. More so, those with compromised immune systems and pre-existing conditions are at higher risk of contracting COVID-19. Those who have asthma are also at risk of contracting the virus.

If you are suffering from asthma or any kind of allergies, you should consult an asthma doctor. An allergist will help you give asthma treatments to manage your conditions. Other than that, you should stay at home and build your health defense from this disease.

Why you should stay at home

A lot of countries implemented lockdown. This means citizens should stay at home to avoid the spread of the disease. Meanwhile, the government should also do their part in protecting their constituents from the disease. Businesses closed for the meantime and events got canceled as well.

For one thing, we should not downplay the impact of the disease. As of date, there are already more than 1.2 million total COVID-19 cases around the world. Out of these cases, about 70,000 have already perished. However, somehow good news is that more than 260,000 have already recovered from the disease.

As mentioned, there are people who are at higher risk of having COVID-19. These people should be extra cautious not to go outside as much as possible. If you have asthma and other kinds of allergies, you can contact an allergy specialist doctor. He or she will recommend the best asthma treatments to help manage your condition.

The doctor can also provide electronic prescriptions in case of medical needs. That is why you don’t have to worry about going outside to have an appointment at times like these. If you experience COVID-19 symptoms such as dry cough and difficulty in breathing, you should contact the nearest hospital for proper treatment and management.

How quarantine works

You should have a 14-day self-quarantine if you have been exposed to a COVID-19 patient. The same should also apply if you have been in a place where there are confirmed COVID-19 cases. However, even those without direct exposure and travel history should do quarantine as well.

It’s for everyone’s safety after all. Even those who don’t have symptoms can be a carrier of the virus. It can be more dangerous because you might be infecting a loved one without you knowing it.

Being on quarantine means you should not go outside, especially those who have travel history and exposure to a COVID-19 case. During that period, you should monitor for any signs of the disease like coughing, sore throat, and breathing difficulties.

If you are living with someone who manifests such symptoms (or if you are that person), make sure to follow quarantine protocols. Make sure to stay inside a designated room, wear protective equipment when needed, and disinfect more often.

What you can do during a quarantine

In the meantime, we have no choice but to follow the authorities if we want this entire health crisis to be over soon. We are fortunate to have a home where we can stay and keep healthy and safe. That is the easiest thing we can do to help flatten the curve.

Here are some things you can do while on quarantine.

  • Avoid going outside as much as possible unless for emergency purposes (ex. buying food and medicine).
  • Avoid social gatherings and large crowds.
  • Practice proper hygiene. Wash hands frequently, wear a mask especially when going outside, and disinfect your home every now and then.
  • Make the most out of the quarantine period. Enrich yourself through online workshops, watch video tutorials, and rediscover your former hobbies.
  • This is also the time to bond with your loved ones. Play board games, have a movie marathon and let your kids help you with cooking.
  • Schedule general cleaning. Get rid of clothes and other personal stuff you aren’t using anymore. Consider giving some to charity later on.
  • Seize the opportunity to be working at home. Not all industries can work at home (ex. front liners, manufacturing, law enforcers, etc.) We should be thankful we still have jobs we can do in the comfort of our home.
  • In case of allergy attacks, contact an allergy physician to know the next steps to do.

It’s for our own good

Being in quarantine can be boring. More so, we don’t know when this pandemic will end. Then again, we should be thankful we are able to stay at home until everything’s already fine.

 

You should be more careful if you have a compromised health. In case of asthma or allergy attacks in times like these, make sure to contact the best allergist in Germantown immediately. They are available for online consultation and will provide the medication you need.

 

 

It’s That Time of The Year Again: Managing Your Asthma This Winter Season

Allergy

Winter is just around the corner. A lot of people look forward to seeing and playing with snow at this time of the year. It is also a great time to show off your winter fashion and warm up with friends and family in front of the fireplace. But for some people, winter can be one of their worst nightmares.

For one, winter is also the time when asthma symptoms tend to get worse. Before your condition gets worst, you should visit an allergy clinic immediately. An asthma doctor will provide you the right medications to help alleviate your asthma symptoms. Knowing how to manage your asthma symptoms can help lessen the feeling of discomfort and somehow help you enjoy the chilly weather.

The link between winter and asthma

As mentioned, the cold weather can cause allergic triggers that can hinder you to enjoy the season. In fact, Chinese findings back in 2014 found that people who got hospitalized due to asthma attacks increased significantly during the winter season.

The cold and dry air is one of the most known triggers of asthma. It can irritate the airways and cause muscle spasms. The result is an asthma attack that can literally take your breath away, albeit in a negative way.

If you are prone to allergies and asthma attacks, you should consult an allergy physician to help manage your symptoms. An allergy specialist doctor will help you manage your allergic reactions. Aside from the cold and dry weather, there are other lesser-known asthma triggers.

Other common winter asthma triggers

Cold and dry winter air is not the only cause of asthma at this time of the year. Regardless of these triggers, asthma attacks can be potentially fatal if not treated immediately. Once asthma symptoms occur, consult an asthma doctor immediately.  These are some of the following.

Smokes and scents

Most homeowners would be setting up their fireplaces to warm up their respective homes. Meanwhile, some homeowners light up scented candles to add up to the warm ambiance as well as to make the room smell like the holidays. However, smoke may contain particles that can trigger asthma. The same goes for scented candles, which can also cause allergic reactions.

Christmas tree

Believe it or not, your Christmas tree, especially real ones, can also cause asthma triggers. These real pine trees may carry pollen and mold which can be potentially fatal for allergy sufferers. While you can opt for plastic Christmas trees, nothing beats the real thing – unless you are not prone to allergies.

Pets

Cats and dogs are some of the most common household pets, and they tend to stay more indoors during winter. This means higher chances of pet dander and fur floating around your home, which can result in allergies. An allergy testing may be necessary to confirm whether pet dander is the culprit to your asthma attacks.

How to avoid winter-related asthma attacks

You cannot control the weather, but you can somehow manage your asthma symptoms. Having allergies doesn’t mean you cannot enjoy the chilly weather anymore. Still, you need to take extra precautions especially if you know that you are prone to asthma attacks during the winter season.

Here are some preventive tips you need to take note of so you can make the most out of this festive season.

  • As much as possible, avoid using firewood to light up your fireplace. There are fireplaces that are lighted using gas that you can use instead.
  • If you are sensitive to the scent of essential oils, candles, or incense, consider shopping online instead. This lessens the risk of allergic reactions as compared to buying these items in a physical store.
  • Prevent the spread of flu bacteria and germs by washing your hands. Do not kiss people who have colds or coughs.
  • Use a scarf loosely wrapped around your neck when you go outside. This warms up the air you breathe, hence lessening the risk of asthma triggers.

Enjoy the holidays asthma-free

As mentioned, we cannot control the weather nor have the power to cease winter. However, there are ways to manage your allergy and asthma symptoms and be able to enjoy the holiday seasons in better health. Upon noticing signs of asthma, make sure to find an allergy doctor in Germantown MD to help manage your symptoms.