Covid In Children – Top 10 Important FAQs

FAQs regarding Covid In Children

• My child has a fever for one day – can it be covid? Can covid affect children too?

YES.
The second wave of covid is known to affect the children much more than in the first wave. Also, a reverse trend is being seen that is – child develops symptoms first and then adults are getting from children is also seen in 2nd wave.

The difference is while in the first wave most of the children were asymptomatic, in the second wave they are coming with symptoms viz. Fever, cold, dry cough, loose motions, vomiting, not feeding well, fatigue, loss of appetite are common symptoms. Few may have breathing difficulties, rash etc – like any other viral fever.
So early testing helps to differentiate.

• Why is this happening?

The covid virus has undergone a double mutation. (changes in genetic structure)
The current strain is highly infectious and hence many are getting infected
Also, another reason is increased exposure due to playing outdoor, travelling and inappropriate behaviour and laxity.

• My child is having a fever how early should we do the covid test?

Symptomatic child day 2 Covid RT PCR test should be done. Don’t delay or hesitate out of fear to do the test. Early diagnosis helps in early treatment. The asymptomatic child with both parents covid positive, there is no need to do the test but home Quarantine for 14days.

• My child had fever 2 days back – but now there is no fever. Can he play with his friends?

NO – Unless you have tested him for covid and it’s negative on Day 5. If you have not tested then it’s better to home quarantine for 14 days at least.
Keep in mind children can act as silent carriers or “super- spreaders” and spread it to other children and adults, who can then suffer severe diseases.

• My wife has tested positive for covid. We have a 1-year-old son and a 3-year-old daughter. Should we send them to their grandparents’ place who live in a separate house?

This would be the most dangerous thing to do. Keep in mind your child would already be harbouring the virus even though they have no symptoms. They can innocently pass on the infection to the elders where you have sent them.
Hence it would be wiser to keep them in your home along with you quarantined for 14 days. If possible isolate the index (affected) patient in a separate room and other members who are unaffected can remain in the same house.

• If my child’s RT PCR is positive – should I rush to the hospital and get him admitted?

No. You can monitor at home after consulting your paediatrician.
Watch for red flag /danger signs of breathlessness, fever beyond 5 days, poor oral intake, rash etc.

• If few members are negative, then do they still need to be quarantined?

ABSOLUTELY YES
14days home Quarantine for the entire family if anyone found positive is recommended. However, if it is inevitable to go out then Covid RT PCR test can be done on day 5 for asymptomatic member and if negative can then go out.

• I have already suffered from covid. Do I require to wear a mask still?

YES.

• I have completed two doses of covid vaccines. Do I still require to wear a mask?

Definitely YES,
No vaccine for any disease gives 100% protection. Of course, they do protect against severe disease as studies have shown.
So one MUST WEAR MASK even though they have taken the vaccine for their own and others protection.

• Is there a covid vaccine for children?

At present, there is no approval to use the covid vaccine on children.
Hence practice
S – sanitize hands
M – Mask always when out
S – Social distancing
Adults are role models for children. As parents what you practice your kids will follow.

For more information, please visit: https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus#tab=tab_1

By Dr Vipul Mehrotra, Consultant Pediatrician