Symptoms associated with COVID-19 in children: What do children typically experience?
In the ongoing battle against COVID-19, understanding the symptoms and precautions for children is crucial. While the virus is less dangerous for children than adults, it can still pose a threat, particularly for those with underlying health conditions or weak immune systems.
According to most evidence, COVID-19 is less severe for children. More than 90% of children with the virus in China had no symptoms or only mild-to-moderate disease. However, infants have a higher rate of hospitalization compared to older children. Common symptoms in children include fever, runny nose, cough, shortness of breath, vomiting, diarrhea, tiredness, headache, body aches, abdominal pain, and decreased appetite. Sudden loss of taste or smell is also a symptom to watch out for [1][4].
However, parents should be aware that some children may experience a serious condition related to COVID-19 called Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C). Warning signs of MIS-C include persistent fever, severe abdominal pain, vomiting or diarrhea, neck pain, rash, and bloodshot eyes. If a child exhibits these symptoms, immediate medical attention is required [1][2].
For immunocompromised or sick children, parents and caregivers should take additional precautions, such as staying at home and having groceries delivered, if possible. It's also advisable to speak to a medical professional about how best to care for a child with a suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection [3].
In some areas, a child may need a referral for COVID-19 testing. Most children can recover with home treatment, which includes encouraging rest, giving lots of fluids to prevent dehydration, checking on them regularly, and asking a doctor about over-the-counter pain and fever relievers. However, very sick children may need to go to the hospital for medical attention [5].
Adults can take steps to prevent the spread of the virus and lower the risk of a child having exposure to it. This includes avoiding public gatherings, stores, and social outings, wearing a face mask and maintaining a distance of 6 feet (2 meters) or more, frequently disinfecting surfaces, and calling a doctor before seeking medical care [6].
It's important to note that no medication can cure COVID-19, and hospitals and researchers are exploring experimental treatments, which are only available to very sick people. Emergency medical attention is required for symptoms such as difficulty breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion, inability to wake or stay awake, and bluish lips or face [7].
In conclusion, while the symptoms and risks of COVID-19 in children are generally less severe than in adults, parents and caregivers should remain vigilant and take necessary precautions. If a child shows any symptoms of COVID-19 or MIS-C, parents should call a pediatrician for advice, and seek immediate medical attention if the child exhibits emergency warning signs [1][2].
References: [1] https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/children-with-disabilities.html [2] https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/pediatric-mis-c.html [3] https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/children-with-disabilities.html [4] https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/clinical-care/pediatric.html [5] https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/clinical-care/pediatric.html [6] https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/care-of-others.html [7] https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/clinical-care/clinical-guidance-table.html
- For caregivers of children with chronic diseases or compromised immune systems, it's crucial to take extra precautions against COVID-19, such as staying at home and arranging for grocery delivery, and consult a medical professional about how best to care for a child with a suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- Pfizer has been researching experimental treatments for COVID-19, but as of now, no medication can cure the virus and hospitals are only making these treatments available to very sick people.
- Science has shown that COVID-19 is less severe in children, with more than 90% of children with the virus having no symptoms or only mild-to-moderate disease, but infants have a higher hospitalization rate compared to older children.
- If a child exhibits warning signs of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) such as persistent fever, severe abdominal pain, vomiting or diarrhea, neck pain, rash, and bloodshot eyes, immediate medical attention is required, as these symptoms could indicate a severe condition related to COVID-19.
