Better Safe Than Sorry
Bona|December 2016

As a parent, you need to take charge and keep your child safe from getting into contact with infectious diseases.

Lungile Khumalo
Better Safe Than Sorry

Claire* was fortunate to enjoy six months maternity leave with her new baby. When the baby was two months old, it was time to hire a nanny to help her. After interviewing many prospective nannies, Claire was happy she had chosen the right one.

Seven months later, the nanny had developed a persistent cough, though she was doing a wonderful job. Claire wondered if it was possible that her nanny had TB, and had brought the infection into her house. This not only put the baby at risk, but the whole household, too.

Protecting your child from unwanted infectious diseases should be every parent’s priority. Exposure to minor infections such as flu, measles or chickenpox is inevitable. However, no parent wants to knowingly put their child in danger of contracting life-threatening diseases such as TB, HIV, meningitis or hepatitis.

Unfortunately, germs and bacterial viruses cannot be seen. This means there’s no way of stopping them from coming into your home, or preventing your child from being infected at crèche or while playing with other children. But, there are some steps you can take to minimise the risk of your child being infected by the people they come into contact with daily.

AT HOME RULES

Firstly, and most importantly, make sure your child’s immunisations are up to date. This not only protects your child from dangerous diseases, but also prevents the spread of diseases. It is good to establish standards of hygiene that the entire family and anyone living with you will follow. For instance:

A baby should not be kissed on the mouth.

No one other than the mother should breastfeed the baby.

All cuts or sores should be covered with a plaster or bandage.

Gloves should be worn before coming into contact with blood, urine, faeces or vomit.

This story is from the December 2016 edition of Bona.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the December 2016 edition of Bona.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM BONAView All
Damage At Work: Who Pays?
Bona

Damage At Work: Who Pays?

What happens when you damage company property or property that belongs to your employer? Are you liable for the costs?

time-read
5 mins  |
June 2020
Safety Tips When Driving With Kids
Bona

Safety Tips When Driving With Kids

The roads we drive on can be quite treacherous. Car safety is not only limited to you as a driver, but also your passengers including your children. Vuyi Mpofu gives us six safety tips that you must abide by.

time-read
3 mins  |
June 2020
The Impact Of The Coronavirus
Bona

The Impact Of The Coronavirus

When COVID-19 hit South Africa, it came as no surprise that the virus would impact vulnerable communities such as townships and rural areas the hardest. The frequently asked questions since then have been whether the government has given enough information and resources to the people in disadvantaged areas or not. Everson Luhanga investigates further.

time-read
5 mins  |
June 2020
Financially Surviving Covid-19
Bona

Financially Surviving Covid-19

Our finance guru, Sinesipho Maninjwa, shares advice on how you can navigate and survive the financial impact of the coronavirus.

time-read
9 mins  |
June 2020
All I Want Is A Baby
Bona

All I Want Is A Baby

Trying to conceive with no success, and undergoing fertility treatment can take its toll on your relationship. This is the reality for many couples, and yet it remains a taboo subject.

time-read
4 mins  |
June 2020
THE TRUTH ABOUT - feminine hygiene products
Bona

THE TRUTH ABOUT - feminine hygiene products

Despite numerous attempts by medical professionals to debunk the need for feminine hygiene products, numerous women still use them. Lethabo Nxumalo finds out why and if they are truly putting you at risk.

time-read
4 mins  |
June 2020
THREE GENERATIONS OF MTOBA women
Bona

THREE GENERATIONS OF MTOBA women

Linda Mtoba (27) is a mom, and she’s extremely happy about it. She chats to Amanda Mtuli about her pregnancy and what motherhood has taught her thus far. She also introduces us to her beautiful daughter, Bean. We are lucky to have the matriarch of the family, Linda’s mother Celiwe Mtoba (47), present during the interview. She lovingly gushes over her first grandchild while giving us insight into what it was like raising Linda.

time-read
9 mins  |
June 2020
THE OLDER SIBLING Blues
Bona

THE OLDER SIBLING Blues

Expecting the arrival of your bundle of joy may be exciting for you and your partner, but might not be so thrilling for your older child. Experts say kids sometimes struggle to accept the changes that a newborn brings. Fundiswa Nkwanyana spoke to some of them to help you prepare your firstborn for the new family member.

time-read
4 mins  |
June 2020
Owning THE SPOTLIGHT
Bona

Owning THE SPOTLIGHT

Film and TV star Fulu Mugovhani (29), currently graces our screens as Noli on the M-Net series, Still Breathing. The former Scandal! actress talks about getting into showbiz and lessons learnt on and off the stage.

time-read
2 mins  |
June 2020
Life After losing a child
Bona

Life After losing a child

A parent’s worst fear is the death of a child. And, when that fear becomes a reality, grief becomes unbearable and acceptance seems impossible. Four readers share intimate details of their journeys.

time-read
8 mins  |
June 2020