Public Health Experts Share How They’re, Keeping Their Kids<br />Safe From COVID-19.<br />Here are, five common questions<br />about keeping your kids<br />safe from COVID-19, , answered by public health<br />experts who are also parents.<br />1. What do you do if your<br />child develops symptoms<br />such as sneezing, sniffles<br />or a runny nose?, Virologist Seema Lakdawala<br />recommends consulting your<br />pediatrician and taking any known<br />allergies into consideration. .<br />If there’s even a slight possibility that your child was<br />exposed to COVID-19, getting tested is quick and easy.<br />2. What if my child tests positive for COVID-19? , Dr. Pierre says the most important thing is not to panic,<br />as most cases of COVID-19 in children are mild. .<br />From there, it’s imperative to have a plan in place to prevent<br />household spread, such as making sure eligible children and<br />adults are vaccinated, wearing face masks in the house as much<br />as possible and periodically cleaning shared surfaces.<br />From there, it’s imperative to have a plan in place to prevent<br />household spread, such as making sure eligible children and<br />adults are vaccinated, wearing face masks in the house as much<br />as possible and periodically cleaning shared surfaces.<br />3. What kind of<br />mask should my<br />child be wearing?, Dr. Pierre says the<br />best mask is “one that<br />they can wear for long<br />periods of time.” .<br />This means a well-fitted cotton mask, preferably with fun<br />designs on it, that is comfortable, lightweight and breathable. .<br />4. Can I hug my child<br />if they have COVID-19? , While Dr. Pierre recommends<br />physical distancing with older<br />children, she acknowledges<br />the difficulty of doing so with<br />younger children or with a child<br />that needs comfort. .<br />Doing all you can to promote respiratory hygiene, such<br />as wearing a mask, opening windows and using air purifiers,<br />will allow you to be there for your child while also<br />helping reduce the risk of transmission.<br />Doing all you can to promote respiratory hygiene, such<br />as wearing a mask, opening windows and using air purifiers,<br />will allow you to be there for your child while also<br />helping reduce the risk of transmission.<br />Doing all you can to promote respiratory hygiene, such<br />as wearing a mask, opening windows and using air purifiers,<br />will allow you to be there for your child while also<br />helping reduce the risk of transmission.<br />5. What do I do if my child is sent home after<br />being possibly exposed to COVID-19 at school?, Dr. Pierre suggests taking reasonable precautions<br />such as keeping some physical distance between the child<br />and other household members and getting tested.<br />A full-blown quarantine isn’t necessary<br />unless the child’s exposure was direct, they develop symptoms<br />or they test positive for COVID-19. .<br />If no symptoms develop or they test negative,<br />you should still wait 7 to 14 days to resume usual activities,<br />unless your school’s policy says otherwise.
