Dr Ashley Jeevarathnum, Dad, Paediatric pulmonologist (lung specialist) Allergist. ❤️Helping you raise healthy, thriving kids. Visit his website or follow on Instagram
It is well known that children seem to handle COVID-19 infections much better than adults. A large portion of children remain completely asymptomatic despite a positive diagnosis. Up to 55 percent of children will only display mild symptoms. Nevertheless, it is important that we are aware of the signs and symptoms of the Coronavirus in children.
Credit: https://www.unicef-irc.org/covid19/
General symptoms that may or may not indicate Covid in children
It can be confusing as many respiratory infections cause similar symptoms. Here is a list of completely non-specific symptoms which could indicate COVID-19 or another viral illness in children:
- fever
- cough
- blocked nose
- poor feeding
- sore throat
- headache,
- muscle aches
- tiredness
- diarrhea
- vomiting
- loss of taste or smell
If any of these symptoms do develop, please do not panic.
Danger signs of Covid in children
If your child tests positive for COVID-19, seek early medical care if any of the following symptoms develop:
- Persistent fever higher than 38.5 degrees which lasts longer than 48 hours, and definitely longer than 3-5 days.
- Severe vomiting and/or diarrhea with poor feeding, or unable to eat without vomiting.
- Fast and labored breathing
- Appears confused and is lethargic
Children with severe symptoms may require admission for oxygen, intravenous fluids and supportive care. Please see your medical practitioner if you suspect your child is seriously ill.
Managing mild symptoms of Covid in children at home
If none of these danger signs develop then it is very likely that your child has a mild illness and can safely be managed at home.
Management of Covid in children at home would include the following:
• Vitamins – ongoing research is under way but supplementation with vitamin D and Zinc shows promising results
• Adequate fluid intake
• Sufficient rest
• Healthy diet
• Nasal sprays to alleviate cough
• Throat lozenges or lollies for sore throat
• Fever meds- very important to control fevers
Useful related articles:
- Covid-19 Isolation Kit: a shopping list to help you get through
- What if you choose NOT to send your child back to school? Jozikids
- Someone in your home tests positive for Covid-19. Dr Daniel Israel
- Mental health tips for kids and teens during Covid-19. Dr Sheri Fanaroff
