The Department of Health is concerned about young children at risk of COVID-19 from their families, warning that if they are found infected, let parents closely observe symptoms.
On February 23, at the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Situation Press Center, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi Province, Dr. Ekachai Piansrivatchara Deputy Director-General of the Department of Health, together with Dr. Teerachai Boonyaleephan, Deputy Director of the National Institute of Child Health Development, Department of Health, press conference “How to prevent and prevent when early childhood infected with COVID-19”
Dr. Ekachai Piansrivatchara Deputy Director-General of the Department of Health said that the information reported on the situation of COVID-19 infection New cases among children aged 0-5 years from April 1, 2021 to February 17, 2022 in Thailand have a number of In early childhood, 107,059 cases were accumulated, of which 29 died, with a small group every 1 year with the number of infections. At a level of more than 20,000 cases, but it is found higher in young children younger than 2 years, showing that Young children less than 2 years old, especially 0-1 years old, are more susceptible to infection than other groups because children are unable to protect themselves. There is also no vaccine. For very young children, which is the cause of infection with COVID-19 In most early childhood Has a history of close contact with an infected person in the family and due to the nature of children of this age who are unable to protect themselves well enough As a result, it is easier to cause infection. which the results of the health poll during the past outbreak About COVID-19 Infection Risk Assessment Of those in the family who came from outside the home, it was found that the risk was not assessed at 72 percent. In addition, a health poll on compliance with preventive measures at home found that almost a hundred good behaviors. 50 each is the use of personal devices separately from others. This included cleaning of shared utensils (45%) and not eating together (42%).
“As for disease prevention measures that are difficult to perform at home, most of them are unavoidable restrictions, such as the issue of wearing masks at home. The limitations were found to be uncomfortable, uncomfortable, and short of breath. and ensure that there is no infection in the house As for the issue of spacing, the limitation is that the space in the house is limited. including thinking that the family is not a risk group And eating together, the limitation is that food may not be enough if they have to eat separately. or eating together will be more economical which these limitations It’s an inevitable risk. As a result, it is a factor that causes more family infections. should teach children Know how to wash your hands properly especially before and after eating Children under 2 years old are not recommended to wear masks. because children may not be able to help themselves If a child is suffocating from wearing a mask Avoid bringing children on the premises. that have a lot of people together or have the opportunity to be close to the patient Including regular cleaning of common surfaces such as tables, chairs, door knobs, bathrooms, and toys. and always keep an eye on the health of children which group of children Those who must be especially careful are children under 1 year of age and children with congenital diseases such as heart disease, lung disease, or low immunity. Because these children are at risk of becoming seriously ill, pneumonia, respiratory failure. and may die,” said the deputy director-general of the Department of Health.
Dr. Teerachai Boonyaleephan, deputy director of the National Institute of Child Health Development, said the guidelines for children infected with COVID-19 can be divided into 3 cases: 1) if the child is infected. and parents are infected to receive treatment Emphasis is placed on family groups. 2) In the case of children who are infected But the parents were not infected. Have the child be admitted to a hospital or a hospitel, provided their parents should be fully vaccinated. Age not over 60 years and no underlying disease Able to take care of children in hospitals but for field hospitals should provide an area for children and parents in particular by isolating from other infected people to reduce the risk of being exposed to germs and 3) in the case of children who are not infected but the parents are infected let relatives take care of If there are no relatives or caregivers for the child Send the children to the orphanage. under the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security as a moderator or consider using the early childhood development center area In the community is the care of children.
“The level of symptoms of children infected with COVID-19 What parents need to closely monitor is Type 1, the symptoms at the level that can be observed at home are low-grade fever, runny nose, and a slight cough. No symptoms of breathlessness, watery diarrhea, still eating food or milk normally, not absorbing Type 2 symptoms that parents should contact the staff to take the child to the hospital as soon as possible is a fever higher than 39 degrees Celsius, shortness of breath faster than usual. Use force to breathe, green mouth, fingertip oxygen level less than 94%, seep down, do not suckle and do not eat. The devices for monitoring children’s symptoms include a thermometer, a fingertip oximeter. Photographic equipment or video camera and household medicines by parents, guardians, and must wear a mask at all times Wash your hands properly Avoid touching your face, eyes, mouth, nose with your hands. Do not share things with infected children. And to take care of the child according to the symptoms. If there is a fever, take antipyretic drugs. And wipe yourself to reduce fever. If you have a cough, runny nose, take cough medicine. or nasal decongestants and drink a lot of water, but if there are symptoms of diarrhea to drink mineral water often, which is a care technique Children infected with COVID-19 when isolated at home This can be done as follows: 1) Invite children to discuss issues that children may have questions. or fear 2) Find an activity that the child likes and can do on his own. 3) Teach the child not to share personal belongings with others. 4) Prepare freshly cooked food. Emphasize that children eat vegetables and fruits in 5 colors to strengthen their immunity and 5) practice on wearing masks, washing hands, social distancing. It is a personal hygiene habit,” said Deputy Director of the National Institute of Child Health Development.