Coronavirus Effect on Children and Infants
Most of the people who have contracted COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus, are adults. Babies and children don't seem to be at high risk. Babies may be at higher risk, but experts don't know for sure. In very rare cases, children with the new coronavirus can develop a serious illness, such as fluid build-up in the lungs or organ failure. But for most children, the risk appears to be greater than they could accidentally spread the virus, not get sick from it
Can children get the coronavirus?
Yes. Although in most cases the illness appears to be milder in young children, parents and caregivers need to understand that children can become infected with SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, and can pass it on to other people.
In rare cases, children can become seriously ill with COVID-19 and deaths have occurred. That is why it is important to take precautions and prevent infections in both children and adults. Symptoms of COVID-19 in children, how to keep infants and children safe, the risk that infected children may pose to others, and an overview of MIS-C, a rare condition that may be related to exposure to the virus.
However, some children become seriously ill with COVID-19. They may need to be hospitalized, treated in the intensive care unit, or placed on a ventilator to help them breathe, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Children with underlying conditions, such as obesity, diabetes, and asthma, may be at increased risk for serious illness with COVID-19. Children who have congenital heart disease, genetic conditions, or conditions that affect the nervous system or metabolism may also be at increased risk for serious illness with COVID-19.
COVID-19 is also found to be more prevalent in Hispanic and non-Hispanic black children than in non-Hispanic white children, according to research.
Some children can develop a severe condition that appears to be linked to COVID-19 in rare cases.
Why does the second wave of Covid-19 effect children and adolescents?
Experts say that the double mutant coronavirus variant along with a cocktail of other strains has a greater tendency to infect children. Children who become infected from family members who go out and do not maintain proper Covid-19 behavior are also part of the spread seen during the second wave. The double mutant variant has immune escape phenomena. It disguises itself as our body system and then escapes our immune protection. This is why more children get Covid-19.
With the rapid spread of the virus, the total number of patients (both young and old) is expected to increase, but there does not appear to be any sign that the virus affects the younger population more than the elderly. The percentage of affected people under the age of 30 can be around 32% compared to 31% in the previous wave.
What are the signs and symptoms of the coronavirus (COVID-19)?
COVID-19 can manifest itself in several ways, including:
- fever
- cough
- difficulty breathing
- symptoms of a cold such as a sore throat, stuffy or runny nose
- shaking chills
- Muscle pain
- headache
- loss of taste or smell
- nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- tiredness
What is a multi-system inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C)?
Multisystemic inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a serious condition in which some parts of the body, such as the heart, lungs, blood vessels, kidneys, digestive system, brain, skin, or eyes, become severely inflamed. Evidence shows that many of these children were infected with the COVID-19 virus in the past, as evidenced by positive antibody test results, suggesting that MIS-C is caused by an excessive COVID-related immune response.
Symptoms of MIS-C can include:
- fever
- stomach pain
- vomiting or diarrhea
- a rash
- neck pain
- red eyes
- red and chapped lips
- swollen hands or feet
- swollen glands (lymph nodes)
How to protect your children from coronavirus and COVID-19
The best way to prevent children from getting sick with COVID-19 is to avoid exposing them to people who are (or may be) sick with the virus, including family members. Here are three of the best ways to protect your children from infection. Maintain physical distancing. The more people your children come into contact with, and the longer that contact lasts, the greater the risk of coronavirus infection.
- Children must stay at least 6 feet from other people outside your home.
- Check your child's daycare and schools (if open) to make sure physical distancing measures are in place.
- Limit in-person play with other children and make sure children wear masks correctly.
- Wear a mask. When in public, adults, and children should wear a mask that covers both the nose and mouth, especially in situations outside the home where physical distance is not possible.
- Hand hygiene. Children should wash their hands after using the bathroom, sneezing, coughing, or blowing their nose, before eating (including snacks), and immediately after going outside to play.
