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Friday, March 29, 2024

Children and Coronavirus: Symptoms, Precautions & More

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Until last year, kids were not catching or spreading coronavirus much. Covid in kids was lesser compared to covid in adults. Thus, the main focus back then was safeguarding elders and the vulnerable. Besides that, the virus made kids mildly sick or did not show any symptoms at all. 

However, the appearance of the Delta variant has changed things now. Many reports say children have been catching the Delta variant in higher numbers now, and the degree of sickness has probably increased compared to the initial strain. Though things are unclear now, taking precautions to remain safe beforehand makes more sense. 

No surprise that these would have caused moments of worry in parents on how to keep their kids safe, coronavirus symptoms in children, covid-19 vaccine and so on. So, here’s everything about coronavirus in kids, the symptoms, how to keep kids safe & much more.

What are the Coronavirus Symptoms in Kids?

Generally, coronavirus in children is less severe compared to that in adults. Many children might not even show any symptoms. There is a range of coronavirus signs and symptoms, and some of them are as follows: 

  • Fever
  •  Chills
  •  Common Cold or Runny Nose
  •  Cough
  •  Muscle Ache or Body Pain
  •  Shortness of Breath
  •  Loss of Taste or Smell
  •  Sore Throat
  •  Diarrhoea
  •  Fatigue
  •  Nausea
  •  Vomiting
  •  Headache
  •  Congestion

Some symptoms like the common cold, fever and more are common among adults and children. 

If your child experiences any of the below-stated symptoms, then get medical care right away: 

  • Severe Stomach Pain
  •  Unable to Breathe
  •  Confused or Not Making Any Sense
  •  Cannot Stay Awake
  •  Pain or Uneasiness in the Chest
  •  Lips or Face have Turned Blue.

Covid-19 in Kids with Medical Conditions

Children with the said medical conditions could have severe symptoms if they contract covid-19:

  • Diabetes
  •  Asthma
  •  Weak Immune System
  •  Kidney Disease
  •  Heart Disease
  •  Liver Complications
  •  Blood Diseases

Covid-19 in Kids: How to Protect Kids from the Coronavirus? 

As discussed earlier, with other Covid-19 variants, there’s a highly infectious Delta variant, which spreads specifically in areas with low rates of fully vaccinated people. The best way to keep children who are young to take a vaccine shot safe is by encouraging them to stay indoors and by making them adapt to these ways: 

  • Teach your children to maintain a physical distance from anyone they meet. The higher the duration of the meet, the higher the risk of transmission of Covid in the kid. 
  •  Ensure or teach your child to maintain a minimum six feet distance from outsiders. 
  •  If your child’s school has reopened, check whether the school takes appropriate social distancing measures. 
  •  Say no to play dates with other children
  •  Keep your children away from those who have weak immunity or other health conditions.
  •  Ensure your child wears a mask properly whenever they come in contact with visitors or step outside. 
  •  Develop a habit for your child to maintain hand hygiene by washing their hands with soap and water.

Why Babies and Toddlers Should Not Wear a Mask? 

CDC recommends not wearing a mask for children under 2, as it can be a choking hazard. Therefore, young babies should avoid wearing a mask – here are some detailed reasons: 

  • Babies and toddlers have smaller airways, so wearing a mask can lead to difficulty in breathing. 
  •  Since young babies might have trouble breathing when wearing a mask, it could lead to suffocation as they cannot communicate or remove it themselves. 
  •  Children who cannot remove the mask alone may drool or chew it. They should avoid wearing a mask. 
  •  As the mask is worn on the Face, babies can chew the elastic strings of the mask and choke. 
  •  Young children might touch their Faces now and then when they have worn a mask, which could lead to an increased risk of getting infected.

What Kind of Face Mask Should Children Wear? 

Children can wear a cotton fabric mask or a non-medical mask. Generally, cotton masks are preferred since cotton material is thin, breathable and comfortable. Adults are encouraged to wear N-95 masks, but that is not the case for kids. The best masks that make kids feel comfortable and the ones they can wear for a longer time when outside. As a parent or guardian, you must give your kid a mask that fits well and covers the nose, mouth and chin enough. 

Children with other health conditions like cancer, asthma, immunosuppression, etc., should wear a medical mask after discussing it with their doctor. Medical masks protect anyone from getting infected and spreading the virus if they are already infected. Children who have a higher risk of getting ill from Covid-19 should wear a medical mask without fail.

Covid-19 in Kids: The Delta Variant

The Delta variant is a highly contagious version of the coronavirus compared to the previous strains. However, the question is why some statements say the delta variant has affected kids more. Here’s the answer: 

Delta variant is mainly the disease that occurs in unvaccinated people. Since young children are not allowed to take Covid-19 vaccines, their probability of getting infected stands higher. Most Covid cases in children are caused due to delta variants now, making it appear that this strain is more dangerous than the previous strain. 

Parents must be worried about their children because the delta variant is going strong. So, to ensure the safety of your kids, if eligible, get them vaccinated, and if not, here are three ways to protect them: 

Mask – Children or adults can spread the virus even if they’re asymptomatic, so wearing a nice-fitted mask to ensure safety from a delta variant is necessary. To add a layer of protection to your child, apply RxSAFE Facitize Junior, a natural and no-alcohol face sanitiser made with essential oils and certified by NABL Accredited Lab to kill 99.9% of germs, viruses and bacteria. 

Ventilation – Covid-19 spreads through the air. So, if you’re in an enclosed room with a group of people, you will soon start breathing one another’s air if the ventilation is improper. When your child goes to school, many students will be in the same class. Thus, schools should keep students outside whenever possible and install an air purifier or air disinfectant spray in the classroom. 

Handwashing – For optimum protection, ensure your kids wash their hands every time they sneeze or cough, before and after eating and when returning home. Check that kids wash their hands from the front and back properly. When using soap and water is not feasible, consider a hand sanitiser but supervise your kids when they apply it on their hands.

Covid-19 in Kids: Precautions to Take to Keep Kids Safe 

Coronavirus proceeds to grow, and so do other harmful germs, viruses and bacteria. We cannot stop the virus or germs from spreading, but we can always take some precautions in advance to keep children safe. As parents, here are some precautions you must take to keep your children safe: 

  • Avoid inviting any visitors to the home. 
  •  Ensure your child wears fully-covered clothes to avoid touching surfaces when stepping outside.
  •  Disinfect highly touched surfaces like doorknobs, faucets, tables, chairs, switches etc., in your house.
  •  Ensure your child does not share a face or hand towel with anyone in the home. 
  •  Wash your kids’ clothes outside by soaking them in hot water. 
  •  It could be tough but convince your kid to avoid playing outside with others. So, motivate them to read, paint or indulge in indoor games. 

Times are tough, especially for kids who have a habit of playing outside or going to school every day, but with the right practices, precautions and steps to engage them in some fun activities, you will sail through!

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