Covid-19 Illness in Children & Teens

Coronavirus is everywhere, it has become a part of our lives and all of us have adjusted ourself to this new norm of live. Children in comparison to adults have been less affected by this pandemic but children can get coronavirus, become sick with it and spread the virus to others.

What we need to know?
Most children with COVID -19 infection have mild symptoms or are asymptomatic.
Incidence of Severe illness due to Covid -19 in children is around 2 3 % and they may require intensive care, ventilator to help them breathe and multi - disciplinary care. Infants and children with underlying co - morbid illness like asthma, childhood diabetes, children with underlying genetic disease and heart problems are at increased risk of severe illness.

Symptoms of COVID-19 in children:
Most common symptoms are fever, cough and cold but children can present with vomiting, loose stools,
abdominal pain, sore throat, poor appetite and oral intake, lethargy, fast breathing and chest pain .

Multi -System Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C)
MIS-C is a serious illness where children recover from initial Covid-19 infection and after 2-4 weeks, present with wide spread inflammation involving predominantly heart , lungs, gut, brain , skin or kidneys .

Five things we need to know about MIS-C

1. Presents 2-4 weeks after COVID-19 infection

2. Causes inflammation in multiple organs

3. Need prompt medical care and acute ICU care

4. Symptoms include vomiting / rash/ abdominal pain/ diarrhea/ blood shot eyes / lethargy

What can you do for your child?
Prevention of Covid-19 infection: Children can be kept away from COVID -19 by teaching our children and reinforcing them about washing hands with soap water, following social distancing and wearing mask appropriately.

Monitor your child for any COVID-19 symptoms (cough, cold, fever, runny nose , loose stools and vomiting ) and keep a track of people coming in close contact with them.

Care of child who developed Covid-19 infection: If your child develops symptoms or comes in contact with an adult with Covid -19 illness, call and discuss with your Pediatrician whether you child needs to be evaluated or managed at home. Notify your Pediatrician in case the child is brought to the COVID-19 clinic

Don’t delay seeking medical care in case of an Emergency. Emergency department have infection prevention plan to protect you and your child in case of an emergency.

If your child shows any of these symptoms, seek medical care immediately

1. Trouble breathing
2. New confusion, lethargy and extremely irritable
3. Bluish discoloration of hands and feet, lips with cold clammy extremities

Routine health care and vaccine visits are essential during COVID -19 pandemic and discuss with your Pediatrician about Flu vaccine

Caution about MIS-C:
After apparent “recovery” from Covid-19 infection some children develop features of MIS-c after 2-4 weeks.
Hence keep a watch on symptoms of new onset fever, skin rash, redness of eyes, diarrhea, Drowsiness, poor feeding, breathing difficulty etc. and contact your pediatrician as soon as you encounter such symptoms.
Children who recovered from Covid-19 infection and develop MIS-C do not require isolation like an active infected Covid-19 patient.

Keep your child healthy, stay safe and prevent the spread of Covid.