Understanding SARS-COV- 2 In Children: A Review
European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine,
2020, Volume 7, Issue 11, Pages 1102-1107
Abstract
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV- 2) is the causative organism for COVID-19. It transmits through direct or indirect inhalation of respiratory droplets from an infected person. The incubation period in children is 2 to 10 days. Compared to adults children may present with less severe symptoms and so all suspected cases required a laboratory confirmation by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Clinical features are the same as other respiratory illnesses likerhinorrhea,headache,myalgia, cough, shortness of breath, fever, sore throat, poor feeding,diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. All symptomatic children with a history of international travel and hospitalized children who experience severe acute respiratory illness should be tested for coronavirus. Young children experience more severe illnesses than older children. Respiratory specimens are used to diagnose the disease. Currently, no specific treatment is available. Children are treated symptomatically if admitted with the prevention and management of complications. Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) is one of the severe complications reported. Mild cases are recommended to manage at home with precautions to prevent the spread of infection. Newborn children born to suspected/ confirmed Covid-19 positive mothers tested between 24 to 48 hours of life and keep separate from others. Breastfeeding is allowed for mothers with Covid-19 if their condition permits as there is no evidence that infection spreads through breast milk but take precautions to prevent the spread of infection to the child by other means. Many children missed their routine vaccines as OPDs are closed and there is a risk for infection from these diseases.
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