Post Covid signs in children that parents can't ignore
In recent days, the rate of children infected with Covid has increased, especially those who have not been vaccinated. Fortunately, most children infected with Covid are mild and recover faster than adults. However, recent observations show a few children are still at risk of mild to severe ‘Post-Covid’, especially MIS-C Syndrome.
12/31/2021 11:09:54 AM
‘Post-Covid’ signs in children
1. Difficulty breathing
Because Covid-19 attacks the lungs directly, some children may experience chest pain, cough, and shortness of breath with strenuous activity. This symptom can last up to 3 months or longer. Children over 6 years of age should have pulmonary function measurement and a comprehensive cardiovascular re-evaluation if the dual respiratory symptoms persist, especially with exertion.
2. Heart Problems
Infection with Covid-19 can cause inflammation of the heart muscle. Children with myocarditis may experience chest pain, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, nervousness, fatigue, etc. that persist even with normal activities.
3. Smell and taste
Up to a quarter of children infected with Covid may experience a change in or loss of their sense of smell and taste. Most will recover in 2-3 weeks. However, there are cases where it lasts longer and significantly affects children’s eating habits.
4. Nervous
In the acute phase, Covid-19 can attack the nervous system (rarely) leading to stroke or encephalitis. In mild cases, children may experience a prolonged loss of concentration, language, movement and emotional disturbances...
5. Memory disorders
Forgetfulness, decreased ability to concentrate. Learning is more difficult, literacy is slower, children need more support in learning and need more relaxation time than before to continue new lessons.
6. Prolonged fatigue
Children always feel tired and less active than usual, significantly affecting their ability to play and learn.
7. Headache
This is a common symptom and affects the quality of life of children and their families
8. Mental health disorder
Children are scared because of being infected with Covid, with a pressure of hospitalization, isolation and online learning at home. This is a matter of great concern.
9. Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (MIS-C)
This is a rare, serious complication. Is inflammation of multiple organs in the body, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, skin, eyes or digestive organs... leading to multi-organ failure. Children can die if not treated promptly.
MIS-C occurs 2-6 weeks after infection with Covid. Symptoms are fever for 3 days or more accompanied by:
- Skin lesions: rash, red eyes, red lips, red tongue like strawberry skin, edema of hands and feet
- Manifestations of digestive disorders: abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting
- Signs of heart failure: fatigue, blue, pale lips, cold hands and feet
MANY CASE OF THE HOUSEHOLDERS DON’T KNOW THE CHILDREN IS CONFIRMED WITH COVID SO MAY IGNORE THE IMPORTANT SYMPTOMS FOR TIMELY TESTING AND TREATMENT
Conclude:
- Post-Covid in children is also a matter of concern, especially life-threatening complications such as MIS-C.
- Parents need to monitor and detect children infected with Covid early, notify the child’s doctor for care and monitoring instructions in the Post-Covid period.
Refer
1. For Parents: Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) associated with COVID-19
2. Post-COVID Conditions in Children and Teens -AAP
3. CDC and WHO case definitions of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children - Up To Date 2021
Contact CarePlus’s pediatricians for advice on abnormal post-Covid symptoms for children at the website or call the free hotline 18006116.