Post Covid signs in children that parents can't ignore

‘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.