Children and COVID-19: what scientists have learned over the year of the pandemic
'15.01.2021'
Source: Tut.by
Humanity has been living with coronavirus infection for about a year. During this time, scientists have learned that children get sick less often than adults, but some of them tolerate COVID-19 very hard. What parents need to know about coronavirus infection in children today, says Tut.by.
Children can get sick too
We know that coronavirus mainly spreads through airborne droplets when infected people cough, sneeze, talk, or even breathe (although it can spread in other ways as well).
Some people with COVID-19 have fever, cough, shortness of breath, muscle aches, headaches, and diarrhea - symptoms similar to those of other viral infections (such as the flu). But others have no symptoms at all. Children can contract COVID-19 from family members and others, such as friends, teachers at school, and coaches during sports. The older the child, the higher the risk of developing COVID-19 with the need for hospitalization. Moreover, newborns and children of the first months of life are also at risk.
Children with chronic diseases and pathologies at risk
Research has shown that children with certain underlying chronic diseases and conditions are at higher risk of developing severe COVID-19. These conditions include obesity, asthma, neurological disorders, heart disease, and immunodeficiency.
Some children may develop multisystem inflammatory syndrome
On rare occasions, children infected with COVID-19 develop a condition called multisystem inflammatory syndrome. It can appear about 2 to 4 weeks after infection, and some children with this syndrome may not even have symptoms of the coronavirus. Children with multisystem inflammatory syndrome require hospitalization, and many of them require complex supportive therapy. Some children with this syndrome have died.
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The main symptoms of coronavirus disease are: fever lasting 24 hours or more, abdominal pain, diarrhea, neck pain, skin rash or discoloration, sore eyes, fatigue, trouble breathing, prolonged chest pain, bluish lips or face.
How parents can protect children from coronavirus
The most important way to prevent COVID-19 in a child is to avoid getting it yourself. To do this, family members must follow the already well-known guidelines.
First, observe social distancing, try not to approach other people closer than 2 meters, wear a mask when you leave the house, and often wash your hands with soap and water for more than 20 seconds, do not touch your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
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Second, avoid confined spaces with poor ventilation, crowded areas, and situations in which close contact with people is necessary, such as face-to-face conversations.
Parents need to balance the safety of their children with their learning and peer communication needs. In addition, doctors recommend not to forget to vaccinate against influenza all children over 6 months of age - vaccination is especially important during a pandemic.
The material is published for informational purposes only, does not constitute medical advice and does not replace medical advice. ForumDaily Woman is not responsible for any diagnosis made by the reader based on the site's materials, as well as for the consequences of self-medication, and may not share the point of view of the author or expert.
