23/04/2021
Corona virus in kids...
So far, scientists know that this coronavirus typically appears to make babies and kids less sick than it makes adults. Children and babies may also have different symptoms.
Here’s a rundown on what we know so far on why most babies and children don’t seem to get as sick — or sick at all — and how you can help protect your little ones.
How common is coronavirus in babies and kids?
But we do know that babies and children of any age, including newborns, can get a COVID-19.
Fortunately, it does seem to be very uncommon for children to have serious
Symptoms of coronavirus in babies and kids
Babies and children can have a range of COVID-19 symptoms, including:
fever
fatigue
feeling sleepy
runny nose
cough
muscle aches
vomiting
not feeding much / loss of appetite
diarrhea
Some newborn babies may also have breathing problems and other symptoms of pneumonia caused by the coronavirus. This is because they have tinier airways and new immune systems that haven’t started working properly yet.
Do we know why kids may be more likely to be asymptomatic?
On the other hand, as with adults, some children and babies may have the virus without
There might be more than one explanation for this, but we still don’t have the answer. Kids might be naturally more immune to this coronavirus because they catch more colds — some of which are related to this virus.
This means that their body may have more immune cells that can attack the coronavirus. This doesn’t explain why some newborns have no symptoms, though.
It’s also possible that children have more balanced immune systems that can fight the coronavirus without overreacting to it. In adults many of the symptoms caused by COVID-19 happen because the immune system reacts too strongly, attacking its own body by mistake (in a cytokine storm).
Another reason could be that diabetes is less common in babies and children than in adults. Several medical studies found that people with diabetes had much worse COVID-19 symptoms.
This might be because diabetes and prediabetes can spike blood sugar levels. This might weaken the immune system and make it easier for the coronavirus to get into cells and spread throughout the body. Similarly, children with type 1 diabetes also have a higher risk of COVID-19 symptoms and complications.
What’s the outlook for babies and kids with coronavirus?
Newborn babies and babies under the age of 1 year with COVID-19 typically have mild symptoms. The virus also seems to get out of their system faster. Some newborn babies with COVID-19 tested negative by day More serious COVID-19 illness can happen in babies and kids, however. Some children may need a ventilator to help them breathe.
What should you do if your baby or child has symptoms?
Most babies and children who get COVID-19 won’t be sick enough to have to go to the hospital. They may be able to ride it out at home, with you.
As with anyone who might have contracted COVID-19, make sure your child is quarantined to a bedroom. Keep other children and family members away for at least 2 weeks.
If they’re over the age of 2, make sure they wear a mask when around others. Wear a mask and gloves when you’re around them. Wash your hands frequently and have your child do the same, even if they’re feeling better.
Both adults and children who have an underlying illness are at higher risk of getting more serious COVID-19 symptoms. Tell your doctor immediately if you think your child might have been exposed to coronavirus and if they have a chronic illness, like:
asthma and other lung conditions
diabetes
heart disease
a genetic condition
a nervous system condition
any condition that affects metabolism
an autoimmune disease
serious illness
Taking medications that change the immune system like steroids and chemotherapy can also raise the risk for more serious coronavirus symptoms in children.
What is MIS-C?
Some children can get a rare complication from COVID-19 called multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C).
This serious condition causes inflammation (swelling) in several parts of the body. MIS-C can happen in the brain, heart, digestive tract, kidneys, skin, eyes — anywhere. Getting COVID-19 can sometimes trigger this illness.
Tell your doctor right away if your child has signs and symptoms of MIS-C, like:
fever that lasts longer than 2 to 3 days, or that goes away for over 24 hours and then comes back
vomiting
skin rash
diarrhea
stomach pain
red or swollen tongue or lips
red or swollen hands or feet
Get urgent medical help if your child has any of these MIS-C warning signs:
difficulty breathing
chest pain
chest pressure
confusion
excessive sleepiness
inability to wake up
blue-tinged lips or face
