Irish pharmacist Laura Dowling shared her top tips for helping to lesson the spread of germs and viruses, which includes stopping children (and some adults) from biting their nails or picking their nose.
Laura told RSVP Live that, in light of the two coronavirus cases in Ireland, now is as good a time as any to start teaching your children healthy habits to stop the spreading of germs and viruses.
“It’s also a good idea to have a little chat with children (and some adults) about nail biting and nose picking,” Laura recommended.
“This is because hand to nose and mouth contact spreads germs and viruses.”
Nose picking is dangerous because it can leave tiny cuts in your nasal tissue, which can allow bacteria you inhale to enter your system and cause an infection.
As such, nails can act as a breeding ground for harmful bacteria we pick up throughout the day and are often difficult to properly clean by normal handwashing.
Biting your nails puts that bacteria directly into your mouth and greatly increases your chances of contracting an infection.
However, the number 1 recommendation from all health professionals to stop the spread of the coronavirus continues to be hand washing.
“Stay calm and wash your hands,” says Laura, who also recommends that people sing ‘Happy Birthday’ in their head twice (for the length of 20 seconds) to ensure they properly disinfect their hands .
“Any soap will do, just get a good lather going and cleans hands for at least 20 seconds,” she says.
Symptoms of the coronavirus include
- a cough
- shortness of breath
- breathing difficulties
fever (high temperature)
Tips to keep children safe during a viral outbreak
- Proper and frequent hand washing.
- Teach kids to cough and sneeze into their arm or elbow, not their hands.
- Keep your children away from others who are sick with a cold or flu, and keep them home if they are ill.
- Don’t let them share water bottles, cups, glasses or anything else that goes into their mouth.
- Teach them not to touch their eyes or nose if unwell.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces around your home.
Follow the ‘Fabulous Pharmacist’ Laura Dowling on Instagram for more helpful tips and advice pertaining to the coronavirus.