* That 10 Days of Quarantine *

 2022 started quite uneventful...I think...(checks phone gallery) yup quite.

Until my daughter caught Covid-19 on the first day of school holiday, that is. 

Okay so here goes.

On Saturday 26th February 2022, I was working when my sister texted me saying that my daughter's self test kit showed 2 lines. I rushed to my mother's house to pick the kids up to get a professional test. Of course, a professional test was not necessary. But, because the kit only showed two lines after more than 15 minutes, we needed to confirm the diagnosis. So this is us waiting for our RTK results:

Results: Everyone negative, except for Yaya. So back home to self-isolate.

The first thing to do was to notify in MySejahtera app. But, first, you have to add your child as your vaccine dependant. Then, you can update your dependant's Covid-19 test results. So what to do when your child is Covid-19 positive:

1. Self-isolate: 

• If they are old enough to care for themselves and if you have space, you can arrange a room with an attached toilet for them. If no attached toilet, you can teach them to sanitize the toilet using a disinfecting spray after each toilet visit. Was it possible for Yaya to self-isolate? Yes, for the first 3 days ONLY due to the high fever, so she did not have her usual energy.
• If self-isolation is not possible - make sure everyone wears a mask in the house to lessen the exposure and reduce the risk of infection. Separate utensils should be used when eating. Breastfeeding can still resume with the mother wearing a mask and cleaning the nipple after each feed. Most importantly, ensure adequate ventilation in the house by opening up windows and avoiding recycled air eg airconditioning.

2. Medications: 

• Experts say that Covid-19 is mild in children. Yes, but it does not mean that they will have no symptoms. Therefore, medications need to be stocked.
• Fever, cough and flu medications are a must. 
• Maybe add in some rehydrating solutions and vitamins. Yaya had about 3 days of high grade fever which was followed by another one or two days of mild fever.

3. Vital signs monitoring: 

•  SpO2 machine - the device that detects oxygen saturation is the best medical device to use. Make sure it is approved by a medical device board - in Malaysia, you can check in the MDA website for a list of approved device. 
• Thermometer
• If you do not have any devices: 
• Palpate and count your child's heart rate - anything more than 100 is a cause for concern, if there is no fever. 
• Monitor the child's breathing, by counting how many breaths in one minute - anything more than 40 is a cause for concern.
• Monitor the child's activity - if she refuses and not appear interested at all to eat / drink, bring them to a medical professional
• Signs of dehydration - less active, sunken eyes, fatigue, sleepiness etc
  
  
  

4. Get familiar with your local health facilities, knowing their operating hours and their exact locations. You may need a trip to the emergency room or a quick run to the pharmacy to get medications. Also know that some pharmacies have delivery services that you can use during quarantine.

5. When to go for a healthcare professional assessment:

• High grade fever more than 3 days
• Signs of respiratory distress: Wavy chest, obvious ribs, pallor, bluish tinge on fingers, fast breathing
• Signs of dehydration: less active, tired, sunken eyes, refuse to eat or drink
• If your child has any chronic illness, it is best to take them for a professional assessment once diagnosed with Covid-19
• Babies less than 2 years old are recommended to be assessed by professionals

6. Stay calm and wait it out. Keep your children busy. Allow them to play within the compound of your house once they feel better.

We survived the 10 days quarantine. Alhamdulillah.

Lets learn to live with the virus.