Signs of COVID-19 in Infants: Key Indicators to Observe
Babies and young infants can be affected by COVID-19, although the long-term effects of the virus in this age group are not yet fully understood. Here's what parents and caregivers need to know about the symptoms, risks, and precautions to take.
In a recent Chinese analysis, 10.6% of infants under one year old experienced severe or critical symptoms from COVID-19. Although mild-to-moderate symptoms usually resolve within a few weeks, five of the babies in the study required intensive care unit (ICU) stays.
Common symptoms in babies and toddlers include cough, fever, changes in mood or behaviour, digestive problems, and loss of sense of smell (though this is less common in infants due to their age and inability to communicate effectively). Other symptoms to watch out for are vomiting, diarrhea, tiredness, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain. Intense stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea can be warning signs of severe inflammation.
For early diagnosis and treatment, it's essential to consult healthcare professionals if any of these symptoms are observed. Additionally, symptoms of long COVID in younger children might include difficulty sleeping, fussiness, poor appetite, and coughing, which can be challenging to identify due to their inability to describe symptoms.
Young infants, especially those under 1 year old, are at higher risk for severe illness if they have underlying conditions. Even if symptoms are mild or absent, they can still transmit the virus to others. Therefore, vigilance and prompt medical evaluation are essential if any symptoms are noticed or if there has been exposure to COVID-19.
To reduce the risk of a baby getting COVID-19, people can avoid public outings, limit visitors, wash hands frequently, disinfect surfaces, wear masks, practice physical distancing, and quarantine sick individuals.
In a study of over 2,500 children with COVID-19 in the U.S., 62% of babies under 1 year old had to go to the hospital. Severe symptoms in babies may include intense shortness of breath, signs of low oxygen, severe organ failure, and sepsis. If a baby's symptoms suddenly get worse after improving or they develop any of the listed symptoms, a doctor should be contacted immediately.
The risk of fatality for children with severe COVID-19 illness may be low, as only three of the 2,572 children in the study died. However, it's crucial to remember that every case is unique, and the virus can have serious consequences for some babies.
There is no cure for COVID-19, and all treatments are currently experimental. A type of severe inflammation following COVID-19 is called Pediatric Multi-Inflammatory Syndrome (PMIS). Parents or caregivers should contact a doctor if a child develops any symptoms of COVID-19.
[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C). Retrieved 27 April 2021, from https://www.cdc.gov/mis-c/about/index.html [3] American Academy of Pediatrics. (2020). What Every Parent Should Know About COVID-19. Retrieved 27 April 2021, from https://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/news-features-and-safety-tips/pages/What-Every-Parent-Should-Know-About-COVID-19.aspx
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