Has your little one also caught (COVID-19)? Don't worry, let's talk about this!

Many parents are probably wondering what to do if their child gets COVID-19. In fact, COVID-19 is usually less severe for younger children than for adults. However, for some children, it can be quite severe. So, it's important to be aware of this.

What symptoms do young children show when they contract `(COVID-19)`?

This virus can cause a variety of symptoms when it enters the body. The most common symptoms are fever, cough, shortness of breath, and stomach upset. Stomach upset includes stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In addition, headaches, body aches (muscle aches), loss of taste, and symptoms of the common cold can also occur. For some people, this can be more severe. Also, some people can have `(COVID-19)` without having any symptoms.

Let's also learn about the special condition called `(MIS-C)`

Some children, a few weeks after contracting the virus, may develop symptoms of inflammation throughout their body. This is called ``Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children'' or ``MIS-C''. This can affect many organ systems, including the lungs, heart, brain, kidneys, blood vessels, skin, eyes, and gastrointestinal system.

Think of it this way, `(MIS-C)` is like the body's immune system overreacting to the virus.

Most of the time, children with `(MIS-C)` recover with special care in the hospital. Sometimes, they need to be treated in the `(ICU)`, that is, the intensive care unit.

What should I do if my child has these symptoms?

If your child has a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, sore throat, stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, dizziness, or if they feel unwell, call your doctor right away. Also tell your doctor if your child has been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19 or has traveled to an area where COVID-19 is common.

Talk to the doctor about whether your child needs to be tested for COVID-19. The doctor will then decide if your child should:

• Can I treat it at home?
• Do you want to come and show me?
• Can I see you over a video call, that is, via ``Telehealth''?

With `(Telehealth)`, you can see your child from home via video call to a doctor. If possible, try to get `(Telehealth)` services from a doctor who sees young children. If the doctor thinks your child needs immediate treatment, he or she will tell you where to go.

The child may need more medical help. If you have these symptoms, go to the hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately!

Be very careful about these symptoms. If you have any of these, don't delay.

• If you see that the child is having a hard time .
• If you have difficulty breathing , look closely to see if the skin is pulling in between the chest bones or if the nostrils are flaring when you breathe.
• If the child seems confused or is very sleepy .
• If you have chest pain.
• If the skin is cold, sweaty, pale, or has blotchy skin.
• If you feel dizzy.
• If you have very bad belly pain .

Also, if your child is having severe difficulty breathing, is unable to talk or walk due to difficulty breathing, turns blue, or faints, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately. This is an emergency.

How can I protect the rest of the family when my child has symptoms?

This is also very important, because if one person in the house gets sick, there is a high chance that others will also get infected.

• As much as possible, keep the child away from other people and pets in the house.
• Try to have only one person take care of the sick child. This will reduce the risk of spreading the illness to others.
• If the child is over 2 years old and can wear a `(mask)` without difficulty breathing, the child should wear a `(mask)` when the caregiver is in the room. The caregiver should also wear a `(mask)`.
• If possible, let the sick child use a separate bathroom. If not, wipe down and clean the bathroom regularly.
• Everyone in your family should wash their hands often and thoroughly. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Clean frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, toys, remote controls, and phones daily with household cleaners or wipes.

How do doctors test for `(COVID-19)`?

Simply put, to test for COVID-19, doctors use a small cotton swab (also called a Q-tip or swab) to take a sample of the virus and send it to a lab. There are now home tests for COVID-19. However, it is best to get tested under the guidance of a doctor.

How is `(COVID-19)` treated?

Most people, including young children, who are not seriously ill do not need specific treatment. They can get better with plenty of rest, plenty of fluids (such as water, soup, fruit juice), and fever-reducing medicine.

However, a very small number of children who are at higher risk for severe COVID-19 are given certain medications, such as antiviral drugs, to prevent them from becoming very sick and having to be hospitalized.

Some people need hospital care if they get very sick with COVID-19. They may also need to be admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). There, doctors can monitor them closely, give them oxygen or IV fluids if needed, and treat any problems. Rarely, they may also give antiviral drugs or steroids. People who need extra help breathing may be connected to a ventilator.

What else do we need to know?

This is also very important. Everyone 6 months of age or older should get the updated COVID-19 vaccine for the 2023-24 season. This new vaccine protects against the most common variants of the virus. So, talk to your doctor about getting this vaccine for your child and the rest of your family.

Finally, a few things to remember (Take-Home Message)

Okay, so I hope you can remember some of the most important points from what we've talked about.

• Don't panic, but be aware: Most of the time, young children don't have any major problems when they get COVID-19, but it's important to be aware of the possible risks.
• Recognize symptoms: Watch for fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Also remember the condition `(MIS-C)`.
• Call a doctor immediately: If your child has symptoms, call a doctor without delay.
• Recognize emergencies: If the child is in a lot of pain, or has difficulty breathing, take him to the hospital immediately.
• Protect your family: Take necessary steps to prevent the sick child from spreading the disease to others.
• Get vaccinated: The `(COVID-19)` vaccine provides protection for children and adults.

Wishing you, your child, and your entire family good health!

` COVID-19, Pediatrics, Covid Symptoms, MIS-C, Emergency Care, Child Health, Covid Vaccine