Breastmilk is the best for babies. The World Health Organisation recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life. Unnecessary introduction of bottle feeding or other food and drinks will have a negative impact on breastfeeding. After six months of age, infants should receive age-appropriate foods while breastfeeding continues for up to two years of age or beyond. Consult your doctor before deciding to use infant formula or if you have difficulty breastfeeding.
MYTH OR FACT?
AptaAdvantage is here to help you debunk some of the most common myths on coronavirus.
Myth
THE CORONAVIRUS DOESN'T EXIST IN HOT AND HUMID CLIMATES
Fact
Unfortunately, from the evidence so far, the Coronavirus can be transmitted everywhere, including places with hot and humid weather. That's why it's important to follow WHO's 7 protective rules wherever you live or might be travelling to.
Myth
COLD WEATHER ELIMINATES THE CORONAVIRUS.
Fact
The human body, where the virus thrives has an average temperature of around 36.5°C to 37°C, regardless of the external temperature or weather. So cold weather does not eliminate the Coronavirus. To better protect your baby and yourself, follow the WHO's 7 protective rules.
Myth
GIVING MY CHILD A HOT BATH WILL HELP PREVENT INFECTION WITH THE CORONAVIRUS.
Fact
Giving a hot bath to your little one will not prevent them from catching the virus. Their body temperature stays at 36.5°C tp 37°C, regardless of the temperature of the bath or shower. Also be careful when giving a hot bath, because very hot water is harmful to your child.
Myth
THE CORONAVIRUS CAN BE TRANSMITTED FROM MOSQUITO BITES.
Fact
There has been no evidence to date to suggest that the Coronavirus can be transmitted by mosquitoes. The Coronavirus is a respiratory virus which spreads primarily through droplets generated when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose.
Myth
THERMAL SCANNERS CAN DETECT INFANTS INFECTED WITH THE CORONAVIRUS.
Fact
Thermal scanners are useful for a fever in a child (i.e. they have a temperature) possibly due to infection with the Coronavirus or due to other reasons. However, they cannot detect children who are infected but don't have feverish symptoms. This is because children sometimes won't show feverish symptoms at all, or because it takes between 2-10 days for people infected with the Coronavirus to develop into a fever with high temperatures.
Myth
RINSING MY CHILD'S NOSE WITH SALINE SOLUTION HELPS PREVENT CORONAVIRUS INFECTION.
Fact
There is no evidence that regularly rinsing with saline solution protects your tot from respiratory infections such as the Coronavirus. Yet, regularly rinsing their nose with saline solution can help them recover from a common cold.
Myth
THE CORONAVIRUS DOESN'T AFFECT YOUNG PEOPLE.
Fact
People of all ages can be infected with the Coronavirus. Older people, and people with pre-existing medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease) appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill from the virus.
The WHO advises people of all ages to take steps to protect themselves from the virus, find out more about WHO's 7 protective rules.
Myth
ANTIBIOTICS PREVENT AND TREAT THE CORONAVIRUS.
Fact
Antibiotics do not work against viruses, only against bacteria. Therefore, antibiotics should not be used as a means of prevention or treatment for a Coronavirus infection. However, in the case of hospitalization, a patient may receive antibiotics because of bacterial co-infection (being infected by bacteria and virus at the same time).
Myth
THERE ARE ALREADY MEDICATIONS TAHT PREVENT OR TREAT A CORONAVIRUS INFECTION.
Fact
Unfortunately to date there is no specific medicine to prevent or treat the new Coronavirus. The WHO is currently working with institutions around the world to accelerate research and develop a vaccine and treatment as soon as possible. The best way to fight the virus is with our own antibodies and those infected with the virus should receive immediate care to relieve the symptoms.
Myth
PNEUMONIA VACCINES CAN PROTECT YOU AGAINST THE CORONAVIRUS.
Fact
Vaccines against pneumonia, such as pneumococcal vaccine and Haemophilus influenza type B (Hib) vaccine, do not provide protection against the Coronavirus.
The virus is so new and different that it needs its own vaccine. Researchers are trying to develop a vaccine against COVID-19, and the WHO supports their efforts.
Although these vaccines are not effective against COVID-19, vaccination against respiratory illnesses is highly recommended to protect you and your little one's health.
Myth
HAND DRYERS ELIMINATE THE CORONAVIRUS.
Fact
Hand dryers are completely infeffective at eliminating the Coronavirus. To protect yourself and your child against the Coronavirus, you should follow the WHO's 7 protective rules.
Myth
ULTRAVIOLET INFECTION LAMPS KILL THE CORONAVIRUS.
Fact
UV lamps should not be used to sterilize your child's hands or other area of skin as UV radiation can cause skin irritation.
Myth
SPRAYING ALCOHOL OR CHLORINE ALL OVER YOUR BODY KILLS THE.
Fact
It is very dangerous to spray alcohol or chlorine all over your child's body as it can be harmful to the skin. Also it won't kill the viruses that have already entered the body. Be aware that while alcohol and chlorine can be used to disinfect surfaces, they need to be used appropriately.
Myth
EATING GARLIC CAN HELP PREVENT INFECTION WITH THE CORONAVIRUS.
Fact
Garlic is healthy food that may have some antimicrobial properties. However, there is no evidence from the current outbreak that eating garlic has ever prtoected people from the Coronavirus, adults and infants alike.
BE CAREFUL AND STAY SAFE!
STAY INFORMED AND FOLLOW MEDICAL ADVICE!
It is very important for you to be aware of the latest information on the COVID-19 outbreak, available on the World Health Organization (WHO) website and through MOH. Please check them on a regular basis. Always seek advice from trustworthy, reliable sources for you and your baby. This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Contact a healthcare professional if you have any questions or
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