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COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by a new strain of Coronavirus. It’s genetically related to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome. Both SARS and MERS also originated from the Coronavirus found in small mammals.
Is COVID-19 in children life-threatening?
SARS-CoV-2 infections can be fatal for anyone. This is true for those with weak immune systems, with preexisting medical conditions, and the elderly. However, the combination of children and COVID-19 appears to be of lesser concern for experts.
There are relatively fewer reports of COVID-19 infection in children aged 17 years and below as compared to adults. Those that do get sick have experienced no symptoms at all. If ever they experience severe symptoms, parents or primary caregivers should call 911 and ask for immediate medical assistance.
Are there reports of children who tested positive for coronavirus?
In the United States, only 2% of severe COVID infections were reported to be pediatric cases. However, positive COVID-19 cases in children reached almost 12.8 million since the start of the pandemic in 2020.
This data shows that children are less likely to be at risk of contracting the infectious disease SARS-CoV-2. Their bodies react differently to this highly infectious disease, but it doesn’t mean they’re completely immune from it. COVID-19 is a devastating sickness that affects the elderly. In children, the illness is typically minor, and being hospitalized is uncommon.
An infectious disease called Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children is linked to coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19. MIS-C has also been identified in children in NYC. It’s a serious inflammatory condition similar to Kawasaki disease and toxic shock syndrome. Children with MIS-C have problems with their heart and other organ systems. They need to be brought to the hospital to undergo intensive health care programs.
What are the signs and symptoms of coronavirus in children?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 in children infected with the virus are similar to but milder than those in adults. Despite the reduced severity, they could still cause harm if left untreated.
The most common symptoms and signs of coronavirus in children are fatigue, discomfort, and loss of appetite. These are on top of the usual coronavirus symptoms such as the following:
- Headache
- Fever
- Runny nose
- Dry cough
- Sore throat
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
Can children who tested positive for coronavirus spread it?
Just like adults, children who tested positive for coronavirus can infect anyone. However, there isn’t much research available on this matter. Whether or not coronavirus in children leads to higher community transmission remains a mystery.
Can children who tested positive for coronavirus be ‘superspreaders’?
Kids and adolescents can still transmit COVID-19 disease to others. Although they tend to easily infect others with respiratory germs, they’re not considered ‘superspreaders’. This is the basis for allowing schools to reopen this school year.
It’s found that COVID-19 pediatric cases exhibit an interesting fact. Even if the viral load is high, it won’t lead to more severe symptoms like breathing difficulties. An increased amount of the virus also won’t cause a faster transmission of the virus.
Can wearing masks stop the spread of the coronavirus in children?
Yes. If you wear a mask around children, you’re doing your part of preventing virus transmission. It serves as a barrier between you and the kids. Everyone over the age of two is also required to wear a mask.
This risk of coronavirus transmission and spread is the same for both adults and children. SARS-CoV-2 infections spread through expelled respiratory droplets. This often occurs when a COVID-19 patient talks, coughs, or sneezes.
How can COVID in children be avoided?
Transmission and spread of coronavirus in children are lower. However, parents and primary caregivers should always observe strict health protocols to prevent COVID-19 cases in children. If one family member gets sick, he or she can potentially infect everyone.
Parents must inform their children of the truth about the global COVID-19 pandemic. Children must understand why they should follow rules and regulations set by public officials and health professionals.
To avoid getting SARS-CoV-2 infections, families will need to adopt a new lifestyle and reinforce existing good behaviors. These include the following:
- Stay at home
- Always wear a face mask
- Maintain physical distancing in public
- Avoid physical contact
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least twenty seconds
- If there’s no soap and water, disinfect using alcohol-based hand sanitizers
- Use 70% isopropyl or ethyl alcohol for disinfecting
- Clean and disinfect your child’s toys, books, and more
Coronavirus testing for children
If you want to make sure you and your child are negative for COVID-19 disease, you should get tested. Available tests include:
- RT-PCR test
- Rapid antigen test
- COVID antibody test
To protect your children, there are safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines available in urgent care centers, clinics, and other healthcare facilities near you. Pfizer and Moderna vaccines have been authorized by the FDA for use on children ages 6 months and older. COVID booster shots are also recommended for kids 5 years and up.
