With the possibility of potential Ebola infections in parts of the US, it is important for parents to keep a close eye on their young ones as infants have a tendency to be careless in and around their surroundings.
The Ebola virus causes a fatal combination of fever, headaches, gastrointestinal distress among other symptoms. It is contagious from one individual to another via an exchange of infected body fluids such as blood, waste, sneeze droplets sweat and possibly saliva as well; and contaminated items such as clothing and drinking utensils as these can often come into direct contact with body fluids, traces of which are potentially dangerous.
Disclosure: This post is for informational purposes only. If you think you or your child has Ebola or other illness, please consult a doctor, health care professional, or go to the nearest emergency room.
Here are some quick household tips which you as parents should be aware of to keep your kids safe.
Soap Kills!
Yes, not necessarily medicated soap, but any kind of soap can function as a disinfectant against the Ebola virus. The virus can enter through small skin cuts, bruises, and cracks; hence one should be very particular about having their kids washing hands. Using a trusted liquid antiseptic along with soap would make it more effective though.
Kids sneeze and tend to rub everything on their clothes, effectively contaminating what they wear. It is thus also important that their clothes are regularly washed with detergents to minimize the risk of infection.
Ebola Cannot Handle a Hangover!
The Ebola virus can in fact survive on dry surfaces for several hours. And the best way to counter this is to use alcohol based sanitizers on surfaces or objects that regularly come into contact with human hands – kids we tell you – are hard to control! Now it may obviously be theoretically and practically impossible to disinfect every piece of furniture like this, but generally one can be careful with doors, doorknobs, windows, drawers, counters and table tops.
Some Hot Water Therapy?
Scientists assert the presence of the Ebola virus in human saliva, and also suggest that this could be a mode of human to human transmission. Ebola virus too cannot withstand high temperatures. Boiling and simmering cutlery, crockery, drinking utensils is an effective way of controlling contraction of the infection via oral methods. Chances are that you probably are extra careful when washing dishes, but we’re saying this just in case you missed that one spot. Also, unfortunately if someone in your home does contract the infection, the last thing you’d want everyone else to do is drink out of the same mug!
Several parts of the country including South Tampa have already started setting up urgent care facilities in case the need arises. If you feel that you your kid might be in trouble, don’t waste time and get him to the nearest urgent care.
Author Bio:
Zyana Morris is a blogger who usually writes about health related topics. She also writes for different health related brands.
Photo Credit: Flickr via Creative Commons
Comments
4 responses to “3 Household Tips To Keep Your Homes Safe From the Ebola Virus”
I’m glad it looks like this has been contained in the United States. I can imagine it would be stressful for parents with kids who go to schools outside the home.
These are very simple, yet very effective tips. Thanks for sharing!
These are all great tips. I was overly worried about this at first but so true that if we keep our house and hands sanitized we are doing our part.
Thank you so much for the tips! Now I feel a lot safer and better.