COVID-19 IN CHILDREN

The second wave of COVID-19 has left parents searching for information on protecting their children and what to do if their child or a family member exhibits symptoms or tests positive for the virus. One hallmark of the new wave is that, unlike the first wave, entire households are now infected with the virus. We must remain vigilant and strictly adhere to COVID-19's recommended behaviors. It's also crucial to be mindful of how youngsters are feeling on a daily basis.

Coronavirus illness can affect children of all ages in 2019 (COVID-19). Most infected children, on the other hand, do not become as sick as adults, and some may show no symptoms at all. Learn about COVID-19's signs and symptoms in babies and children, how the virus affects children differently, and what you can do to stop the virus from spreading.

Impact of COVID 19 on Children:

Children aged 10 to 14 are less likely than those aged 20 and up to become infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, according to research. Despite the fact that the disease appears to be milder in young children in the majority of cases, parents and caregivers should be aware that children can contract SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, and spread it to others. As the number of people in India who have tested positive for COVID-19 has grown, so has the number of children who have contracted the virus. However, we have not witnessed a rapid increase in the overall percentage of children in India who are infected with COVID-19.

COVID-19, on the other hand, can make some children quite sick. They could need to be hospitalised, treated in an intensive care unit, or put on a ventilator to help them breathe, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In children with underlying conditions including obesity, diabetes, or asthma, COVID-19 may raise the risk of serious disease. COVID-19 may increase the risk of serious illness in children with congenital cardiac disease, genetic disorders, or illnesses affecting the brain system or metabolism. Some children may acquire a serious condition that appears to be associated with COVID-19 on a rare occasion.

Symptoms of COVID 19 for children and adults:

Youngsters' COVID-19 symptoms are usually milder than adults', and some infected children may show no symptoms at all. COVID-19 symptoms in children are usually milder than in adults, and some infected youngsters may not show any symptoms at all. Symptoms for children and adults include the following:

• Cough
• Fever or chills
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Muscle or body aches
• Sore throat
• New loss of taste or smell
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Congestion

Fever and cough are frequent COVID-19 symptoms in both adults and children; however, adults are more likely to have shortness of breath. Pneumonia can strike children with or without evident symptoms. They may also have a sore throat, be extremely tired, or have diarrhea.

Reaction of children affected by COVID 19

COVID-19 may not harm children as badly as other coronaviruses that circulate in the community and cause infections like the common cold, according to some scientists. Children's immune systems may be pre-programmed to provide some protection against COVID-19 due to their frequent colds. It's also possible that the virus interacts differently with the immune systems of children and adults. Some adults are getting sick because their immune systems seem to overreact to the virus, causing more damage to their bodies. For children, this may be less likely to occur.

Corona variants and children

Coronavirus variants, notably the highly infectious delta form, are spreading, especially in places where community COVID-19 immunization rates are low. Children who are too young to be vaccinated (as well as adults who have not had coronavirus vaccinations) should adopt established COVID-19 measures such as wearing a mask when in public, indoor places to reduce the chance of becoming infected with the coronavirus. Indoor activities are riskier than outdoor activities, but masking, distancing, hand washing, and improved ventilation can help reduce the risk.

Risk factors for serious COVID-19 in children

According to the findings of the CDC study, some children may be at a higher risk of developing a serious case of COVID-19 that necessitates hospitalization:

• Those under age 2
• Those living with obesity or chronic lung disease

If you suspect your child is infected with COVID-19, trust your instincts, especially if the child is coughing or has a fever. If you don't have a doctor, contact your child specialist, family care practitioner, or urgent care facility, and carefully follow their directions for isolation and testing. Keep your children at home as much as possible, don't invite other children (or adults) over to visit, and don't go into other people's houses for the time being.

If a parent or guardian notices these warning signs in a child, they should seek urgent or emergency medical attention.

• Difficulty breathing or catching his or her breath
• Inability to keep down any liquids
• New confusion or inability to awaken
• Bluish lips

In case of emergencies, do not hesitate to reach out to the best Pediatrician in Chennai at Prashanth Hospitals.