{"id":342974,"date":"2025-11-07T13:18:55","date_gmt":"2025-11-07T18:18:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/?p=342974"},"modified":"2025-11-07T13:18:56","modified_gmt":"2025-11-07T18:18:56","slug":"protect-home-and-family-during-covid-19-crisis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/insurance\/homeowners\/protect-home-and-family-during-covid-19-crisis\/","title":{"rendered":"Protecting Your Kids and Home During Covid-19 Crisis"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">In This Article:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"is-style-blog-list\"><li><a href=\"#kids\">Protect Your Kids<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#property\">Protect Your Property<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#sanitize\">Sanitize and Stay Safe<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#practices\">Best Practices<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#bottom\">The Bottom Line<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Emergency-Contact-Form.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Additional Resources: Emergency Contact Form<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The latest news on the spread and impact of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">COVID-19 pandemic<\/a> shows clear seasonality with autumn rises and winter peaks in the Northern Hemisphere. Surveillance that emphasizes hospitalizations, emergency department visits, mortality, and wastewater trends indicates the burden is concentrated in older adults and people with underlying conditions, while overall activity remains well below 2020\u20132022 levels. See ongoing global variant tracking from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/activities\/tracking-SARS-CoV-2-variants\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">WHO<\/a> and regional updates from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ecdc.europa.eu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">ECDC<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Although reported case counts are less reliable now due to reduced testing, several evidence-based patterns are consistent across recent seasons:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"is-style-blog-list\"><li>COVID-19 is a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uchicagomedicine.org\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">highly contagious respiratory disease<\/a> spread mainly through the air; most infections are mild, but the risk of hospitalization and death is highest in older adults and in people with underlying medical conditions. See current CDC guidance on layered prevention: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Respiratory Virus Guidance<\/a>.<\/li><li>Infected children under 20 usually experience mild illness, yet can transmit the virus. Typical symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, congestion, headache, and fatigue; loss of taste\/smell is now uncommon. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/covid\/signs-symptoms\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">CDC: Symptoms of COVID-19<\/a><\/li><li>Early in the pandemic, some reports (e.g., <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2020\/03\/18\/health\/coronavirus-young-people.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">news analyses<\/a>) highlighted severe illness in some younger adults. Current surveillance shows weekly hospitalization rates in adults \u226565 years are several-fold higher than in younger adults, while pediatric rates remain the lowest across age groups and peak well below adult rates. See CDC\u2019s national dashboard and age-stratified hospitalization data (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">dashboard<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/covid.cdc.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">COVID-NET<\/a>).<\/li><li>The COVID-19 virus <a href=\"https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/article\/us-health-coronavirus-study\/new-coronavirus-can-persist-in-air-for-hours-and-on-surfaces-for-days-study-idUSKBN2143QP\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">was shown early on<\/a> to remain stable for hours in aerosols and on some surfaces; later investigations (including the \u201c17 days\u201d cruise-cabin finding) reflected RNA detection, not necessarily viable virus. Current guidance prioritizes clean air and routine cleaning, with targeted disinfection when someone is sick: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">CDC cleaning and disinfection<\/a>.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Today\u2019s public health guidance focuses on practical, layered steps: stay home when sick and return to normal activities after symptoms are improving and at least 24 hours after fever has resolved, then add 5 days of extra precautions (improve ventilation, practice hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette, and consider masking around vulnerable people). Keep vaccinations current: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/covid\/vaccines\/stay-up-to-date.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">CDC recommends the current seasonal COVID-19 vaccine for everyone \u22656 months<\/a>; annual <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/mmwr\/volumes\/73\/rr\/rr7305a1.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">influenza vaccination<\/a> is recommended for everyone \u22656 months; and infant RSV protection is provided via <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/rsv\/hcp\/vaccine-clinical-guidance\/infants-young-children.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">nirsevimab<\/a> or maternal vaccination during pregnancy (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/rsv\/hcp\/vaccine-clinical-guidance\/pregnant-people.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">CDC guidance<\/a>). Routine childhood immunizations remain essential (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">CDC schedule<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"kids\">Protect Your Kids<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Children continue to have substantially lower risks of hospitalization and death from COVID-19 than adults. Pediatric hospitalization rates are the lowest across age groups and typically peak in winter alongside influenza and RSV; within pediatrics, rates are highest in ages 0\u20134 years and lower in ages 5\u201317. Adults \u226565 years account for most COVID-19 admissions and have several-fold higher rates than younger adults. For current U.S. indicators, see <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">CDC\u2019s Respiratory Virus Dashboard<\/a> and pediatric hospitalization trends in <a href=\"https:\/\/covid.cdc.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">COVID-NET<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Kids are navigating seasonal waves of COVID-19 alongside flu and RSV. Help them focus on concrete steps: staying home when sick, clean indoor air, hand hygiene, and keeping vaccines up to date. For infants and children with underlying conditions (e.g., chronic lung disease, obesity, neurologic disorders, immunocompromise), discuss individualized precautions and early treatment options with your pediatrician.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How much should they know?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Tailor conversations to your child\u2019s age. Younger children may just need to know when to stay home and how to wash hands; older children and teens often want specifics about how viruses spread, why schools emphasize ventilation, and how vaccines reduce the risk of severe illness. Emphasize that variants change over time\u2014JN.1-descended lineages have predominated recently\u2014and that public health updates come from trustworthy sources like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">CDC guidance<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/activities\/tracking-SARS-CoV-2-variants\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">WHO variant tracking<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ecdc.europa.eu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">ECDC surveillance<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Katie Ziskind, a licensed marriage and family therapist and the owner of <a href=\"https:\/\/wisdomwithinct.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Wisdom Within Counseling<\/a> in Connecticut, says, \u201cWhen talking to children about a virus, it\u2019s really important to use age-appropriate terms. You don\u2019t want to cause a child to have more anxiety or more fear.\u201d Try to answer their questions honestly and point them to age-appropriate resources (for example, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/sections\/goatsandsoda\/2020\/02\/28\/809580453\/just-for-kids-a-comic-exploring-the-new-coronavirus\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">kid-focused explainers<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the topic of how to find the right words to discuss such a complex topic, Global Chief Academic Officer at <a href=\"https:\/\/kido.school\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">K\u00efdo Schools<\/a>, Thasin Rahim, notes, \u201cThere\u2019s no need to use technical words like \u2018pandemic,\u2019 \u2018epidemiology,\u2019 etc. On the contrary, we should use a language (and resources) that children are able to understand easily, including drawings, stories, videos, etc.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Parents should also remember that many children won\u2019t know how to ask the right questions to help them understand what\u2019s happening. Rahim says, \u201cThe idea is to explain it to them according to their capabilities, giving them the fundamental guidelines for taking care of themselves (and others), using a vocabulary that is easy for them to understand.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The words you use to frame the pandemic can significantly impact how your kids feel about it. As an important final note, Rahim adds, \u201cWe should consider not highlighting that the virus comes from China, or that it is associated with certain types of people, and places, because we could end up with a confusing, potentially racist, wrong message about the matter.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Lead by example&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Model calm, practical habits. Improve indoor air by opening windows when safe, using HVAC correctly, upgrading to MERV-13 filters where compatible, and adding portable HEPA air cleaners sized for the room; simple <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">CDC guidelines<\/a> emphasize better ventilation and staying home when sick. A basic CO2 monitor can help identify poorly ventilated spaces. Teach and model frequent handwashing and respiratory etiquette.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Children should take extra care around people who are ill and around older adults or those with chronic conditions. Encourage seasonal precautions to help protect grandparents and medically vulnerable friends and family. Note: RSV vaccines are available for many older adults after discussion with their clinician, which can help protect newborns and infants in multigenerational homes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When children do get sick, most experience mild, upper\u2011respiratory symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, congestion, headache, and fatigue; gastrointestinal symptoms can occur. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/covid\/signs-symptoms\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">CDC: symptoms<\/a>. Long COVID does occur in children but is less common than in adults; population-based estimates in the Omicron\/vaccinated era are generally in the low single digits at \u226512 weeks. Seek evaluation if symptoms such as persistent fatigue, exercise intolerance, headaches, or concentration difficulties last beyond expected recovery: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">CDC post-COVID conditions in children<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/news-room\/questions-and-answers\/item\/coronavirus-disease-(covid-19)-post-covid-19-condition\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">WHO Q&amp;A<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If your child is exhibiting respiratory symptoms, keep them home and follow stay\u2011home guidance. Once symptoms are improving and they have been fever\u2011free for 24 hours (without fever-reducing medicine), they can return to normal activities while adding 5 days of extra precautions. Seek urgent care for emergency warning signs (e.g., trouble breathing, persistent chest pain, confusion, dehydration), and consult your pediatrician about testing or treatment if results would change care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"property\">Protect Your Property&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Early analyses called COVID-19 the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.imperial.ac.uk\/media\/imperial-college\/medicine\/sph\/ide\/gida-fellowships\/Imperial-College-COVID19-NPI-modelling-16-03-2020.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">worst public health outbreak<\/a> in a century; today, seasonal waves persist but with far lower overall severity than 2020\u20132022. Focus on practical steps that safeguard the services and coverage you rely on most during respiratory virus season, including resilient connectivity, updated insurance, and clear family plans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Equipment to work from home<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Hybrid work has stabilized: roughly 28\u201330% of U.S. paid workdays are now done from home, and office occupancy in large metros averages about half of pre\u2011pandemic levels. Set up a dedicated space with solid ergonomics, good lighting\/acoustics, and reliable connectivity so you can switch smoothly between home and office. Sources: <a href=\"https:\/\/wfhresearch.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">WFH Research<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kastle.com\/safety-wellness\/getting-america-back-to-work\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Kastle Back to Work Barometer<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you work on\u2011site or have irregular hours, give children your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Emergency-Contact-Form.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">emergency contact information<\/a>. During the emergency phase of the pandemic, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.foodandwine.com\/news\/grocery-store-employees-emergency-workers-minnesota-vermont\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">some states<\/a> designated \u201cessential workers\u201d differently; current supports vary by state and employer\u2014check local policies rather than relying on past emergency designations listed on resources such as an \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.natlawreview.com\/article\/shelter-place-orders-are-you-essential-business\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Essential Persons List<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Necessary services and coverage for your home and family<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Test your <a href=\"\/utilities\/internet\/best-wireless-router\/\">internet router<\/a> to ensure it can handle multiple users; consider Wi\u2011Fi 6\/6E or a mesh system and keep a hotspot for failover. The federal Affordable Connectivity Program stopped new enrollments in early 2024 and wound down as funds depleted, affecting home internet affordability for millions; ask providers about low\u2011income plans and community hotspot lending: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fcc.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">FCC ACP<\/a>. Review your <a href=\"\/insurance\/homeowners\/best\/\">homeowners insurance <\/a>for equipment coverage and consider a home\u2011business endorsement if you work from home regularly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you don\u2019t currently have dependable internet access, contact one of the major <a href=\"\/utilities\/internet\/best\/\">internet providers<\/a> in your area. Early offers such as temporary free service (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nydailynews.com\/coronavirus\/ny-coronavirus-internet-providers-free-wifi-20200315-6k7pzukriffdfcic5odfizmnri-story.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">news coverage<\/a>) were short\u2011term; current options depend on provider programs, schools, and libraries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Review liability and specialty coverages. Since 2020, many property and business interruption policies have added communicable disease exclusions; courts have largely rejected BI claims absent explicit disease coverage. Event cancellation policies commonly exclude communicable disease unless a sublimited buy\u2011back is purchased. Check your policy language and endorsements. Sources: <a href=\"https:\/\/cclt.law.upenn.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">COVID Coverage Litigation Tracker<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.howdengroup.com\/uk-en\/insights\/reports\/global-insurance-market-report-2025\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Howden Global Insurance Market Report 2025<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a homeowner, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.law.com\/2020\/03\/04\/can-coronavirus-victims-sue-for-injuries\/?slreturn=20200225135331\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">likelihood of getting sued<\/a> by someone who claims they contracted COVID-19 after visiting your home remains low because plaintiffs face substantial causation hurdles. Many states enacted time\u2011limited liability shields during the emergency period; statutes and sunsets vary by state and may still affect claims arising during covered periods. Check current state statutes: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncsl.org\/civil-and-criminal-justice\/covid-19-liability\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">NCSL liability overview<\/a>. For workers\u2019 compensation, most broad presumptions have expired, with some narrow presumptions retained for defined worker classes: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncci.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">NCCI tracker<\/a>. Vaccines recommended by ACIP remain no\u2011cost in\u2011network for most insured people, and the CDC Bridge Access Program provides free COVID\u201119 vaccines to uninsured adults through at least August 2025: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kff.org\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">KFF coverage explainer<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">CDC Bridge Access<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Auto insurance coverage and protection<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>During periods of disruption, rates of vandalism and theft can rise. Parents in dense areas: consider whether your usual parking spot is secure and whether to move your car to a safer location temporarily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Review your <a href=\"\/insurance\/car\/best\/\">car insurance<\/a> policy to confirm comprehensive coverage for theft and vandalism. If you\u2019re driving less due to hybrid schedules, ask your insurer about usage-based or mileage-adjusted options to reduce costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"sanitize\">Sanitize and Stay Safe&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The most important step families can take is to follow CDC\u2019s unified respiratory virus guidance: stay home when sick until symptoms are improving and you\u2019ve been fever\u2011free for 24 hours, then take added precautions for 5 days (better air, hand hygiene, and situational masking). Rather than asking <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">everyone in a household to quarantine<\/a>, the focus is on symptom\u2011based return and reducing risk to vulnerable people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Deep clean your home<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Routine disinfection isn\u2019t necessary for most households. Clean regularly, and disinfect high\u2011touch areas when someone is sick or at higher risk. Early studies from labs (and investigations like the cruise\u2011ship cabin analysis) demonstrated RNA detection and environmental stability, but current guidance emphasizes air quality and targeted surface disinfection. See <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">CDC cleaning\/disinfection<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For disinfection, use EPA\u2011registered products and follow labels for surface, dilution, and contact time. If needed, you can use a fresh diluted bleach solution (~0.1% chlorine; for 5\u20136% household bleach this is about 1\/3 cup per gallon of water) or 70% alcohol on compatible small surfaces. Ensure the surface stays wet for the full label contact time and never mix bleach with ammonia or acids. References: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">CDC<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/pesticide-registration\/list-n-disinfectants-coronavirus-covid-19\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">EPA List N<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">EPA safe use<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t forget to include the following spaces and items in your deep clean:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"is-style-blog-list\"><li>Doorknobs and banisters<\/li><li>Floors<\/li><li>Countertops<\/li><li>Blankets and toys<\/li><li>Light switches and remotes<\/li><li>Toilets, sinks, and faucets&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fun indoor activities&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Balance kids\u2019 energy with seasonal respiratory virus waves. Encourage outdoor time or well\u2011ventilated indoor play, and keep children home when they\u2019re sick. Adjust plans during local surges to protect vulnerable family members. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have access to a secluded outdoor area where your children can play independently, take advantage of that space. National parks and public spaces operate under current policies; earlier fee waivers reported in 2020 (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.pbs.org\/newshour\/health\/national-parks-are-free-but-some-oppose-that-amid-the-outbreak\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">news coverage<\/a>) were temporary\u2014check current information before visiting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For kids, everything can be turned into a game. Set up a routine that supports schoolwork alongside play, and make daily tasks fun. Consider doing some of the following activities with your children during indoor days:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"is-style-blog-list\"><li>Play board games, card games, and puzzles<\/li><li>Have <a href=\"https:\/\/www.deseret.com\/entertainment\/2020\/3\/16\/21182558\/coronavirus-covid-19-josh-gad-amy-adams-jennifer-garner-stories-childrens-books-reading-videos\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">virtual story time<\/a> and sleepovers<\/li><li>Complete involved arts and crafts projects<\/li><li>Write and produce a mini play or film<\/li><li>Begin studying a foreign language<\/li><li>Build a pillow fort or tree house<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"practices\">Best practices<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"infogram-embed\" data-id=\"6454d568-99fd-487e-961b-002075b89071\" data-type=\"interactive\" data-title=\"Protect Kids - Covid-19\"><\/div><script>!function(e,i,n,s){var t=\"InfogramEmbeds\",d=e.getElementsByTagName(\"script\")[0];if(window[t]&&window[t].initialized)window[t].process&&window[t].process();else if(!e.getElementById(n)){var o=e.createElement(\"script\");o.async=1,o.id=n,o.src=\"https:\/\/e.infogram.com\/js\/dist\/embed-loader-min.js\",d.parentNode.insertBefore(o,d)}}(document,0,\"infogram-async\");<\/script>\n\n\n\n<p>Hand sanitizer remains useful when soap and water aren\u2019t available. Choose alcohol\u2011based products with at least 60% ethanol or 70% isopropanol and supervise young children. Avoid homemade formulations; they can be ineffective or unsafe. See <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">CDC: hand sanitizer science and safe use<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What to use instead of DIY hand sanitizer<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"is-style-blog-list\"><li>Alcohol\u2011based hand sanitizer (\u226560% ethanol or \u226570% isopropanol)<\/li><li>Soap and water for at least 20 seconds whenever available (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">CDC: when and how to wash hands<\/a>)<\/li><li>EPA\u2011registered disinfectants (or properly diluted bleach) for surfaces, not hands (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/pesticide-registration\/list-n-disinfectants-coronavirus-covid-19\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">EPA List N<\/a>)&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Steps for safer hand hygiene when soap and water aren\u2019t available<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"is-style-blog-list\"><li>Apply enough sanitizer to cover all hand surfaces, including between fingers and backs of hands.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Rub hands together for 20\u201330 seconds until completely dry; don\u2019t wipe off early.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Supervise children\u2019s use and store products out of reach.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Avoid non\u2011approved or homemade products; check labels for alcohol content and expiration. For some germs (e.g., norovirus), prefer thorough soap-and-water handwashing.<\/li><li>Prefer soap and water when hands are visibly dirty and after restroom use or diaper changes.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"bottom\">The Bottom Line<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Expect seasonal increases in COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses in the fall and winter, with the greatest risk to older adults and those with underlying conditions. Families can reduce risk by staying home when sick, improving indoor air, practicing hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette, and keeping up with vaccinations (current seasonal COVID-19 vaccine for everyone \u22656 months; annual flu vaccine for everyone \u22656 months; infant RSV protection via nirsevimab or maternal vaccination; and routine childhood immunizations).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While no one can predict the exact size of each seasonal wave, the overall burden remains far below early pandemic peaks. Children continue to have the lowest COVID\u201119 hospitalization rates across age groups, and most pediatric illness is mild. Following CDC guidance and monitoring local indicators will help you adapt. The CDC offers a schools\/childcare <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">preparation checklist for parents<\/a> (earlier resource) and publishes <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">regular updates<\/a> via its respiratory virus dashboard. If your family will travel, ensure measles protection is current; infants 6\u201311 months traveling internationally should receive an early MMR dose (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">CDC travel guidance<\/a>). Staying informed\u2014and using practical, layered precautions\u2014remains essential to protecting your family.  <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In This Article: Protect Your Kids Protect Your Property Sanitize and Stay Safe Best Practices The Bottom Line Additional Resources: Emergency Contact Form The latest news on the spread and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic shows clear seasonality with autumn rises and winter peaks in the Northern Hemisphere. Surveillance that emphasizes hospitalizations, emergency department visits, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":345,"featured_media":342981,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[1268],"tags":[],"post_author":[14232],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v20.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Protecting Your Kids and Home During Covid-19 Crisis | Reviews.com<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Keeping your children safe is paramount. 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