Is coronavirus in children a deadly disease?
COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by a new strain of Coronavirus. It is genetically related to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS. Both also originated from the Coronavirus found in small mammals.
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 age 17 years and below than those of adults. Those that do get sick have experienced no symptoms at all. It seems that coronavirus is more fatal to the elderly and with pre-existing health issues.
Are there reports of children who tested positive for coronavirus?
The United States reported that only 2 percent represent pediatric cases. However, Coronavirus COVID-19 cases in children reached 97,000 in the last 2 weeks of July.
Data show that children are less likely to be at risk of contracting infectious disease SARS-CoV-2. Their bodies react differently to this highly infectious disease, but it doesn’t mean they are completely immune from it.
An infectious disease, called Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C), is linked to coronavirus disease 2019 COVID-19 and has been identified in children in NYC. It is 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?
Take note of what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. The signs and symptoms of COVID-19 in children infected with the virus are the same as those of adults. It may be milder, but these can still cause harm.
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 headache, fever, runny nose, dry cough, sore throat, nausea, and diarrhea.
Can children who tested positive for coronavirus spread it?
Just as adults, children who tested positive for coronavirus can infect anyone. However, there is not much research available on this matter. Whether or not coronavirus in children leads to higher community transmission remains the question.
Does coronavirus in children cause death?
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, coronavirus in children rarely leads to death. According to medical experts at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, babies and kids may experience milder symptoms and signs.
If this happens, parents or primary caregivers should call 911 and ask for immediate medical assistance.
Can children who tested positive for coronavirus be ‘superspreaders’?
Kids and adolescents can still transmit COVID-19 disease to others. Although they have a tendency to easily infect others with respiratory germs, they are not considered as ‘superspreaders’. This is the basis for safely reopening schools instead of delaying face to face education for this school year.
It is found that COVID-19 child cases exhibit an interesting fact. Even if the viral load is high, it doesn’t lead to more severe symptoms like having trouble breathing. An increased amount of virus doesn’t lead to faster transmission of the virus.
Can wearing masks stop the spread of the coronavirus in children?
Yes. If you wear a mask, you’re doing your part of preventing virus transmission. It serves as a barrier between you and other people.
SARS-CoV-2 infections spread through expelled respiratory droplets. This often occurs when a COVID-19 patient talks, coughs, or sneezes. This risk of coronavirus transmission and spread is the same for both adults and children.
Everyone over the age of two is required to wear a mask. This will help minimize outbreaks in coronavirus three C’s: Closed Spaces, Crowded Places, & Close Contact.
How can coronavirus 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.
In order 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 or face shield
- Maintain physical distancing in public and avoid physical contact
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least twenty seconds
- If there is no soap and water, disinfect using alcohol-based hand sanitizers
- Use 70% isopropyl or ethyl alcohol for sanitizing your hands
- Clean and disinfect your child’s toys, books, and more with alcohol or Clorox wipes
Coronavirus Testing Near You
If you want to make sure you and your child are negative for the COVID-19 disease, Statcare can help you.
Statcare is listed on New York City’s website as a leading testing facility. It has performed over 8,800 COVID-19 Nasal Swab Test to diagnose acute COVID-19 disease. We also provide COVID-19 Antibody Blood Test and the Rapid In-Office diagnostic test. You can get immediate results in as little as 10-15 minutes.
Statcare’s mobile staff have been performing on-site testing for large NYC businesses, nursing homes, and utility & telephone companies. It will soon provide mobile pop-up, walk-through, or drive-through COVID-19 testing services near airports and schools.
All test results are discussed by online doctors over a Televisit. Through Statcare’s virtual doctor service, you can discuss your medical concerns from your home or office within the hour! If you need online prescriptions for medications, they can be sent to a pharmacy near you.
Statcare urgent care services are readily available and easily accessible in eight NYC area locations: Hicksville, Long Island; Astoria, Jamaica, Jackson Heights in Queens; Brooklyn, NYC; the Bronx at Bartow Avenue in Co-op City; and the Bronx at E. 174th Street).
