What is the difference between COVID-19 in children and how to recognize it

Despite the fact that COVID-19 usually affects middle-aged and older people, children also become infected. Patients under 18 years old make up only 12% of the total number of cases. What is the difference between coronavirus in children and how to recognize it, the publication told Lifehacker.

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How COVID-19 in children differs from the disease in adults

First of all, the disease is characterized by extreme ease or complete absence of symptoms. Among adults infected, there are also asymptomatic, but this happens in children at times more often.

According to some reports, in about 9 cases out of 10, neither the parents nor the pediatrician even suspect that the child has a coronavirus. The disease is discovered quite by accident: for example, during selective preventive testing for COVID-19.

German researchers also came to the conclusion that it is extremely difficult to recognize coronavirus in children. They tested for antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 virus on almost 16 thousand children aged 1 to 18 years.

It turned out that there are 6 times more children with antibodies than previously thought.

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This means that most cases of the disease go unnoticed. And the real number of infected children is most likely much higher than statistics report.

What are the symptoms of coronavirus in children

It is very difficult to recognize COVID-19 in children. Symptoms, if present, are similar to those of a common cold:

• low, up to 38 ° C, temperature;
• lethargy, fatigue;
• cough or light coughing.

Much less common are fever, sore throat, muscle and body aches, nasal congestion, runny nose, diarrhea, headache, nausea or vomiting, and loss of smell and taste.

When to see a doctor immediately

Children also have serious complications, but this happens quite rarely.

According to a report from the American Academy of Pediatrics, hospitalization is needed in 3-50 cases for every thousand cases. For comparison: among adults who have taken SARS-CoV-2, according to the WHO, every fifth person needs hospital treatment.

At the same time, there are a number of signs that you should pay attention to, they indicate complications:

• shortness of breath, delays, interruptions in breath;
• uncontrolled urination;
• clouding of consciousness;
• difficulty waking up after a prolonged sleep;
• bluish lips.

All this may indicate a lack of oxygen due to large-scale damage to the lungs.

In addition, COVID-19 sometimes causes a specific complication in children - multisystem inflammatory syndrome... At first, scientists associated it with Kawasaki disease, but now multisystem inflammatory syndrome has been isolated as a separate and very dangerous diagnosis.

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If a child has any of the following symptoms, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible:

• red rash on the body;
• conjunctivitis;
• stomach ache;
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
• red chapped lips;
• swelling of the limbs.

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome, although in some cases can lead to the failure of the heart and other internal organs, is most often successfully treated. But for recovery, it is extremely important to diagnose and begin treatment as soon as possible.

How to treat COVID-19 in children

If the disease is mild, treatment will be the same as for any other respiratory virus.

Specialists from the American Academy of Pediatrics have identified several tips to help make your child feel better when they are sick.

1. Don't give your child pills

There are no antiviral drugs for treating COVID-19 at home. Antibiotics against viruses also do not help (but they have side effects, often dangerous).

2. Knock down the temperature competently

Antipyretics are not needed at temperatures up to 38,5–39 ° C. Temperature helps the body fight infection.

But you can give an antipyretic if the child complains of pain or feeling unwell.

3. Make sure your child drinks more

Give your child more liquid - water, compote, juice, tea - in unlimited quantities. The body needs moisture to perspire and remove excess heat.

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4. To relieve coughing, give honey

Half to whole teaspoon as needed. Honey makes the discharge thinner and helps ease coughs. Please note that honey cannot be given to children under 1 year old.

5. Ease sore throat

It is worth trying to give your child a warm liquid - tea, warm juice or broth. Some children feel better with cold foods such as popsicles or ice cream.

If the child is over 8 years old, you can try rinsing the throat with warm water and a little table salt.

6. Help deal with muscle pain

If the child complains of muscle pain, you can massage the painful area with your fingers or stretch it slightly. Warm compresses also help: apply a heating pad or sponge soaked in warm water to the sore spot for 10 minutes three times a day.

If the muscles ache all over the body and the discomfort is strong, you can give the child a moderate pain reliever.

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