Two experts share their recommendations to protect the health of the people we love most from infectious agents.

Taking care of our families during times of preventive isolation is the best way to demonstrate our responsibility and affection. “The main measure to take care of the health of our loved ones is to comply, as rigorously as possible, with confinement, which will truly protect us from contact with a virus,” says Carlos Eduardo Moncada, professor at the National University of Colombia and specialist in family care.

The expert also recommends that we “refine and strengthen hygiene measures at home, especially handwashing. In addition, we must restrict contact with family members, friends and neighbours who are not strictly complying with the measures given by the authorities.”

Dr. Moncada adds that the member assigned to leave the house, whether for work, errands or grocery shopping, must follow a cleaning and hygiene protocol to avoid getting sick and, in the process, infecting his partner, his children and the elderly people who live with him.

On the other hand, the expert reminds us that, in addition to hygiene, we must take care of the mental and emotional health of all family members. To do this, there must be continuous communication, respect for private spaces, reaching agreements, expressing solidarity in difficult situations and sharing moments of fun.

Practical tips

Dr. Elsy Cristina Sierra Vargas, a physician and specialist in internal medicine, advises us that in order to take care of our family we must have a good diet and establish, if possible, exercise routines at home for both adults and the elderly.

The teacher recommends, in addition to those already mentioned, other measures to take care of ourselves and our families:

- wash our hands: We should do it frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating and after blowing our nose, coughing or sneezing.

– If we do not have soap and water, we can use an antibacterial gel that contains at least 60% alcohol.

-  Let's clean and disinfect objects and surfaces that are frequently touched, such as cell phones, computer keyboards, light switches, and door knobs. To do this, we can use sodium hypochlorite or antiseptic alcohol.

- Let's cover our nose and mouth with a disposable tissue when coughing or sneezing.

– Anyone with respiratory symptoms should wear a face mask and avoid contact within two meters of other family members.

– To take care of children, in addition to the measures already mentioned, adults must ensure that children are washing their hands properly. We must, as far as possible, prohibit them from touching their eyes, nose and mouth. In addition, We must disinfect, at least every other day, the floors where children frequently play.

– To care for the elderly, two aspects must be taken into account: do not share personal items such as plates, glasses, cutlery or towels with them. Some family members may experience mild symptoms or not feel anything, so contact with the adult must be limited. And second, do not receive visitors, since anyone from outside is a potential carrier of a virus.

– There are two basic precautions we should take with pets: first, if a member of the family has a cold, it is best not to touch them. Second, we should clean their paws after taking them outside.

Let us remember that caring for our families must be comprehensive and must combine hygiene, good nutrition, exercise and quality time together.