As parents, you are always worried about your children and their health. So, the question of whether or not babies can get coronavirus disease is likely forefront of your mind right now. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) has released some information that may help ease your mind a little bit. Generally, the child develops symptoms of coronavirus between two and five days after being exposed to the virus.
As we have known that the coronavirus (COVID-19) is a respiratory virus that has been in the news a lot lately. Many people are wondering if babies can get the disease. The answer is yes, babies can get the coronavirus, but the risk to them is low. If your baby test positive for the disease, it is more likely that they were exposed to someone who has been diagnosed with the virus already. In this blog post, we will discuss the symptoms of the coronavirus in babies and how to protect them from getting sick.
In This Article
Do COVID-19 Affect babies?
Yes, COVID-19 can affect babies, but this is a relatively rare condition. Babies develop symptoms between two and five days after exposure to the covid-19. In younger children, the multisystem inflammatory syndrome does not occur any serious problem. In approximately 08% of the cases, the infection in infants will become serious and potentially life-threatening. For this disease control, a child life specialist and pediatrician may be necessary. The treatment for this disease in babies and infants includes the use of antiviral medication, oxygen supplementation and breathing assistance.
Moreover, infected children are usually more likely to present with symptoms of pneumonia, which are often seen in the lower parts of the lungs. As for older children and adults, they are more likely to show symptoms in the upper respiratory tracts. Many child’s doctor suggests that infants mothers should avoid breast milk in the first 4-5 days of infection.
As we are all aware that covid-19 is a contagious respiratory disease that can cause mild or no symptoms in babies, but it can be serious or even deadly in older children and adults. This disease is transmitted by droplets-containing respiratory secretions from the nose, mouth, or throat of an infected person. Although pediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome in pregnant women is rare, it can lead to preterm labor and therefore, all pregnant women should be vaccinated before the second trimester.
Additionally, a severely weakened immune system in older children and adults with chronic diseases may develop serious problems from coronavirus. This inflammatory syndrome in children and adults is a systemic disorder characterized by fever, rash, and organ failure. So, yes COVID-19 can affect babies and sometimes situations arise where medical intervention is required to control symptoms.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19 in babies?
However, there are severe symptoms in infected children under five years old. As well COVID-19 is a virus that may lead to the possibility of having a contagious disease which is often referred to as coronavirus in infants. In this case, you need to know their mild symptoms and they are
1. Coughing, runny nose, and sore throat
Infected children may suffer from flu-like symptoms such as coughing, runny nose, and sore throat. Symptoms range from mild to severe depending on the condition of the baby’s body. It is very possible for infected babies to experience fever and colds that do not fit into the normal pattern.
2. Decreased appetite
In some cases, infants can experience a decrease in appetite. In the event of a fever, a baby may not want to eat at all which can lead to malnutrition. If your child tested positive then severe illness can occur and can even lead to death. If your child test positive for multisystem inflammatory syndrome, this is a condition that leads to the swelling of the body organs.
3. Abdominal pain
In some cases, children with COVID-19 can have stomach pains on different sides of the abdomen. They may also experience vomiting and diarrhea at once or one after another. Belly pain is the most severe symptoms in infants with COVID-19 which is one of the signs needing medical treatment and you can use your personal protective equipment. Other less common symptoms are joint pain, chest pain, and sensitivity to light.
4. Trouble breathing
In the event of a COVID-19 infection, it is possible that your baby may experience difficulty in breathing as well as wheezing. Some babies may also have a runny nose and cough which makes it difficult for them to breathe easily. They also often inhale short breaths or pant. In this case, babies can experience rapid breathing and shortness of breath which is a serious symptom that needs immediate medical attention from your doctor or pediatrician to avoid further complications.
5. Skin rash
The child develops a skin rash with a red base and multiple water blisters. In the majority of infants who have been infected. If infants have this symptom so you should avoid breast milk or any other food, drink or supplement. There are reddish patches on the cheeks, palms of hands and soles of feet. The rash may also appear on the body of infants which is similar to a sunburn. In this case vaccination status in infants with COVID-19 is important and you are advised to get the vaccine on time to avoid further complications.
6. Symptoms of bowel inflammation
Infants who have COVID-19 tend to experience symptoms of bowel inflammation which make them suffer from nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. However, in most cases, there is no apparent connection between these signs of disease. In this case, it is important that infants with COVID-19 be seen by a pediatrician immediately. It is very rare for these symptoms to occur but if the child has serious signs of illness so you should seek medical attention for your infant.
What are the treatments of COVID-19 In children’s?
Furthermore, to COVID-19 disease control, there are many specific treatments for children’s not for infants and the doctors will try to reduce the symptoms. Supportive therapy is very important in order to treat your child COVID-19. Monitoring of respiratory function, cardiocirculatory system, fluid balance and blood electrolytes are very necessary for babies. Below are some healthy caregiver treatments for your baby’s COVID-19 disease and they are
1. Antibiotic
Antibiotics to control the general viral and bacterial infections. Health consequences for babies with COVID-19 In children’s so the antibiotic therapy is very necessary. The antibiotic helps your child to disease control and the doctors will recommend using antibiotics for your baby. In fact, the maternal-fetal medicine specialists will discuss with you which antibiotic is right for your child. Antibiotics and paracetamol to control fever, respiratory function, pain relief treatment.
2. Pneumothorax Therapy
This therapy helps to keep the air away from the outside and it makes a space between two lungs, ribs and the inner wall of the chest. In order to treat baby COVID-19 disease, this treatment is very important and doctors advise using this therapy. Some doctors advise using one more method named Chest physical therapy to treat your baby with COVID-19 disease.
3. Oxygen Therapy
Healthcare workers will tell you that if your child breath very quickly and breathe less than usual then it is necessary for him/her to use oxygen therapy. A special machine delivers oxygen into the air that your baby breathes in. Oxygen therapy is very important at times of COVID-19 disease.
4. Rehabilitation Treatment
Rehabilitation treatment will support recovery completely. In fact, rehabilitation care helps your child to progress by improving their physical abilities so they can walk, eat and drink with their own hands. Rehabilitation is very important in infant COVID-19 disease.
5. Intubation therapies
In some cases, the treatments of COVID-19 disease for infants it is sometimes necessary, especially in case your baby starts with respiratory failure. Intubation therapies for kids are very important in the case of COVID-19 disease. You should know that if your child has a breathing tube then it might be dangerous for him/her while sleeping. In fact, the doctors will tell you that it is better for your baby to sleep with a tube attached.
The Conclusion
Therefore, COVID-19 can affect babies and they infected with the virus may experience mild respiratory problems or diarrhea. In very rare cases, an infant may develop a more severe form of the disease and die. However, most infants who are exposed to the virus do not become sick. There are several things you can do to protect your baby from coronavirus infection including washing your hands often, breastfeeding if possible, and keeping your baby away from people who are sick. If you are concerned about your baby’s health after they have come into contact with someone who was sick, make sure to speak to your doctor immediately so they can help assess any risk factors for COVID-19. If you have queries then share with us through the comment section below.
