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Dad and mom are understandably nervous about what would occur if their toddler caught COVID-19. Infants could also be thought of susceptible attributable to immature immune programs, and are additionally not eligible for many of the remedies and vaccinations accessible for older youngsters and adults.
The excellent news is, most infants expertise gentle sickness. Right here’s what to anticipate in case your child assessments optimistic.
Can I defend my child if I’ve COVID-19?
In case you check optimistic, and have a new child or toddler at residence, there are some protecting steps you may take. These embrace hand-washing earlier than offering care, and carrying a masks when breastfeeding or in shut contact. Present proof suggests COVID-19 can’t be unfold by breastmilk.
Learn extra:
Ought to I get a COVID vaccine whereas I am pregnant or breastfeeding? Is it secure for me and my child?
It’s nonetheless actually vital to proceed breastfeeding (for those who achieve this already) and there’s no must separate mom and child.
Transmission from older siblings and different shut contacts may be diminished by vaccination. Vaccination of fogeys and caregivers may also scale back their likelihood of extreme illness, thereby minimising the dangers and interruptions for mom and child.
What do I do if my child has chilly signs or a fever?
Testing your child is just like testing your self. Infants can typically get PCR assessments in the identical locations the place you’ll be examined, or you should utilize a fast antigen check (RAT) on them.
If you’re utilizing a RAT it’s vital to verify it’s for the right age group, as not all RATs can be utilized on youngsters. It’ll say on the packet whether or not it’s appropriate. In any other case ask your pharmacist for the right check in your baby’s age.
It’s additionally vital to observe the particular directions for the check you will have bought, as not all would be the identical.
Infants not often expertise extreme illness from COVID an infection.
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COVID-19 is normally gentle in infants
All through the pandemic, youngsters of all ages have been much less prone to expertise extreme illness in contrast with adults. The chance of extreme illness additionally seems to be decrease with Omicron in contrast with earlier variants, though the transmission of later variants has been increased.
From our scientific expertise, and worldwide analysis, infants with COVID-19 have principally had gentle illness. The necessity for hospitalisation or intensive care is extraordinarily unusual. Infants could also be at increased threat if they’re untimely or have one other underlying critical sickness or situation. Research describing COVID-19 in newborns mirror that just like different respiratory viruses like influenza and RSV, deaths are very uncommon.
Learn extra:
Coronavirus whereas pregnant or giving beginning: here is what it is advisable to know
A spread of immune variations in newborns have been proposed to elucidate why infants normally get much less extreme illness. Whereas there isn’t a vaccine for infants, antibodies switch from moms who’ve been vaccinated whereas pregnant to newborns, which can supply safety.
What signs do infants normally get?
Infants could exhibit a variety of signs after they have COVID-19 which are typical of different respiratory viruses. As much as 25% of infants could don’t have any signs.
Fever, nasal congestion, feeding difficulties and cough are extra widespread signs.
Respiration difficulties, lethargy and protracted fever could also be indicators of extreme illness.
How do I deal with it?
You may give your child paracetamol or ibuprofen if there’s fever or discomfort, and nasal saline drops can ease congestion. If you’re contemplating giving medicine to an toddler beneath three months of age, please seek the advice of your GP.
Infants with COVID could really feel congested.
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When ought to I search medical recommendation?
Speak to your physician in case your child has any of the next:
problem respiration
persistent fever
feeding difficulties impacting hydration or inflicting lower than 50% of regular variety of nappies.
It is very important word any fever in a new child as much as three months of age requires a medical evaluate, no matter whether or not the newborn has COVID.
The rest I ought to know?
Particularly as we enter winter, defending towards different widespread circulating viruses which might have an effect on infants, reminiscent of influenza, can be vital. Youngsters above six months of age can obtain the influenza vaccine.
The authors don’t work for, seek the advice of, personal shares in or obtain funding from any firm or group that might profit from this text, and have disclosed no related affiliations past their tutorial appointment.
