Kids and Corona Virus in Australia

Coronaviruses are common causes of colds and respiractory infections. After originating in China, the COVID-19 virus has now spread to over 150 countries, including Australia. 

The level of infection and public health response is unprecedented and confronting.  

A parent's first instinct is to protect their children.

Don't panic. Be prepared and pro-active.

Parents are concerned their babies and children may become infected, particularly those in daycare, where exposure to the virus may be higher than children who are cared for at home. 

What are the Symptoms?

According to Kids Health, the coronavirus (COVID-19) causes a fever, cough, runny nose, congestion and breathing distress.   At this stage, children seem to be experiencing milder conditions than infected adults.  

New Scientist suggests that children are displaying a lower COVID-19 infection rate, as they may have already been exposed to other coronaviruses in the last 12 months, and developed a slight immunity.

How is Corona Virus Spread?

Generally, it spreads through droplets sent into the air when people cough or sneeze. 

The virus can also pass into the body of young children if they touch an item with virus particles with their hands and fingers, then place fingers into their mouth. 

Virus particles generally stay active of surfaces for 9 days. 

Diligent handwashing and hygiene is always important, but there is an increased urgency to wash hands and surfaces more regularly. 

Pro-Active Prevention and Treatment

Advice is updating daily, with Health.gov.au recommending

• Avoid contact with people who are sick. 

• Self isolate for 14 days if any symptoms develop and stay away from kindys, schools, and large, enclosed areas of people. 

• Limit visits to the elderly and other immune-compromised people

• Wash your hands well and often. Wash for the duration of the "Happy Birthday" song with soap and water or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Add 3 drops of organic "Protection" Essential Oil to hand sanitizer to boost the immune power. 

• Wash hand towels, face washers, bath towels, pillows and sheets every week, and add 10 drops of 100% pure peppermint and eucalyptus essential oil to the washing machine load for increased cleanliness.

• Replace toothbrushes immediately after illness, or ever 3-4 weeks. Buzzy Brush Electric Toothbrushes are a fun way to complete 2 minutes of teeth cleaning, and the only the heads have to be replaced, which reduces the impact on the environment. 

• Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth, especially if you haven't washed your hands.

• Keep fingernails short and clean, using the Nail Snail. 

• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that are used often, including door handles and steering wheels.

WebMD advises that antibiotics can't treat viruses so they won't help with the coronavirus. Medicines and vaccines for the flu don't work either because the coronavirus is different from the flu virus. 

Right now, measles and the Influenza A are equal risks for children  Make sure your child is vaccinated and book the whole family in for a flu shot.

Practical Products To Help

It's wise to prepare your medicine box with paracetamol, hydration electrolite powders, regular prescription medication, a thermometer and organic breathing balms.

Thermometer

A high temperature is often a key indicator of Covid 19, and a no-touch digital thermometer is an important tool to have in the medicine box. 

Nasal Aspirator

Covid 19 symptoms include a blocked or runny nose.  Babies can only breathe through their nose, so congestion is uncomfortable and dangerous. Children can breathe through their mouth, although it's not their natural preference. 

As little ones can't blow their own nose, we must help them.

A battery powered nasal aspirator is hygenic, quick, easy and safe, and will clear nasal passages in seconds. It can be used many times a day, and comes with 3 different nozzles, to avoid cross contamination in families with more than 1 child. Check out our brand new Snotty Boss Aspirator here.

Ultrasonic Vaporiser

A high quality ultrasonic vaporiser (with built in air purifier and powerful mist dispersion) should run 24/7 in homes, to eliminate dust, allergen and airborne virus particles. 

Researchers at  MD-Mag found that a quality humidifier in a bedroom can increase relative humidity from 30-50%, which corresponded to a 32% drop in influenza virus survival.

Not only will a humidifier reduce the spread of viruses, but it will also make breathing easier if you are sick. Daily use of a humidifier in living rooms and bedrooms is the best way to improve indoor air quality and your breathing, says doctor and epidemiologist Alana Biggers 

“When the air is dry, your respiratory system just isn’t happy. Even if you have no medical problems at all, you can suffer,” she says. “Your skin and nasal passages get dry – all the way down to your lungs. You can wake up with a dry mouth and start coughing for no reason.”

The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention strongly recommends you use a humidifier if you are infected by a lung-based virus. It will ease sore throats and make breathing easier.

Using a humidifier can relieve:

• Chronic runny nose.
• Hay fever symptoms.
• Nose bleeds.
• Asthma and allergy flare-ups.
• Sinus congestion.
• Dry throat.

Hush ultrasonic vaporiser has built in humidifiers and air purifiers. We would recommend running one in all bedrooms and lounge rooms, 24/7. Check the range here.

We Are The Experts

The Corona Virus (Covid19) is an unprecedented challenge to the health economic future of Australia.  Our Brisbane warehouse stocked full of the practical and effective products you need to stay safe. We can dispatch on the same day to anywhere in Australia.  

We also appreciate your support of our small business in these uncertain times.

Stay safe, be prepared, keep calm, self isolate when necessary and keep informed. 

Laura Klein

CEO, Snotty Noses Australia

Disclaimer: We are not doctors or healthcare professionals or aromatherapists. Information from this blog has been sourced from worldwide government and medical websites.  Our products are offered for sale with general use guidelines provided by the manufacturer. Should any sensitivity to our products occur, please discontinue use. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, and/or take the place of medical treatment prescribed by a doctor or medical professional.