Although less common than in adults, children can also become infected with the new coronavirus, COVID-19. However, symptoms appear to be less severe, as the most severe conditions of infection tend to cause only high fever and constant coughing.
Although it does not appear to be a group at risk of COVID-19, children should always be evaluated by a pediatrician and follow the same care as adults, wash hands frequently and maintain a social distance, as they can facilitate transmission of the virus. those most at risk, such as their parents or grandparents.
Symptoms of COVID-19 in children are milder than those in adults and include:
Symptoms are similar to those of any other virus and may therefore also be accompanied by certain gastrointestinal changes, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea or vomiting, for example.
Unlike adults, shortness of breath does not appear to be common in children, and many children may be infected and have no symptoms.
According to a CDC publication at the end of May [2], some children with multisiste inflammatory syndrome have been identified, in which various organs of the body, such as the heart, lungs, skin, brain and eyes, are ignited and generate symptoms such as fever, severe abdominal pain, vomiting, red spots on the skin, and excessive fatigue. For example, if you suspect infection with the new coronavirus, it is always recommended to go to the hospital or see a pediatrician.
Although COVID-19 appears to be milder in children, particularly with regard to respiratory symptoms, such as coughing and shortness of breath, some medical reports, such as the report published by the American Academy of Pediatrics [1], suggest that in children children may experience symptoms other than adults, which eventually go unnoticed.
COVID-19 in children may most often cause symptoms such as persistent high fever, redness of the skin, swelling and dry or cracked lips, similar to Kawasaki disease. These symptoms suggest that in children, the new coronavirus causes inflammation of the blood vessels rather than directly affecting the lung. However, more research is needed.
Although the child variant of the new coronavirus appears to be less severe, it is very important that all children with symptoms are evaluated to alleviate the discomfort of the infection and identify its cause.
It is recommended for all children with
In addition, when they are sick, children are more likely to become dehydrated due to water loss due to sweat or diarrhea, so it is important to seek medical attention if there are symptoms of dehydration such as sunken eyes, decreased urine, dry mouth, irritability and tear-free crying. See other signs of dehydration in children.
So far, there is no specific treatment for COVID-19 and therefore treatment includes the use of medications to relieve symptoms and prevent aggravation of infection, such as acetaminophen to reduce fever, antiallergic to treat cough and coriza, and some antibiotics. , if there is a risk of lung infection.
In most cases, treatment can be done at home, keeping the child at rest, well hydrated and administering the medications recommended by the doctor in the form of syrups. However, there are also situations where hospitalization may be recommended, especially if the child has more severe symptoms, such as shortness of breath and shortness of breath, or if the child has a history of other conditions that facilitate the aggravation of the infection, such as diabetes or asthma.
Children should receive the same care as adults to prevent COVID-19, including:
These precautions should be included in the child’s daily life because, in addition to protecting the child from the virus, they also help reduce their transmission, preventing it from reaching even the most at-risk people, such as the elderly.
See other general tips to protect yourself from COVID-19, even indoors.