Coronavirus and infant - is it possible?

Thecoronavirus that has caused a worldwide epidemic is not yet completely tested. Although, according to the World Health Organisation, there have not been a large number of reported cases of COVID-19 in infants, infection is not impossible, so it is very important to keep an eye on the child and to react quickly if there are worrying symptoms. The symptoms of coronavirus infection in children are slightly different from those in adults, so parents should be vigilant and react quickly if symptoms occur. Coronavirus in children usually has a milder course than in adults, but infants are more susceptible than older children, so it is important to contact a paediatrician as soon as possible if symptoms occur.

Symptoms of COVID-19 infection in children

The most common symptoms include:

High fever;
Cough;
Catarrh;
Weakness;
Sore throat;
Shortness of breath.

A Polish study of 163 children with COVID-19 showed that in nearly 37% of older children the disease did not cause symptoms, and only 7% of children reported diarrhoea, abdominal pain and just under 9% reported loss of taste. Cough and fever predominated in all children examined. It is estimated that up to 90 per cent of children pass COVID-19 mildly, but children were diagnosed with a multi-system inflammatory syndrome temporally associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection (PIMS-TS), accompanied by acute gastrointestinal symptoms, signs of shock, coagulation abnormalities, myocardial abnormalities or rash.

Worrying symptoms in infants

If you observe any of the following symptoms in your infant, contact your doctor immediately, who will refer you to the appropriate hospital. If the situation worsens, do not delay - call the emergency services.

Symptoms that should cause concern are:

High fever;
Coughing;
Shortness of breath;
Difficulty breathing.

In addition, if you have been in contact with a person with coronavirus or any member of your household is ill, this is a rationale for going for help as soon as possible.

Children under one year of age who additionally have concomitant illnesses such as asthma, lung disease, uncompensated heart defects, genetic conditions, cancer, kidney disease, immune deficiencies make this group more susceptible. In addition, an alarming symptom is a sudden reluctance to eat - caused by a lack of taste and smell, which is particularly dangerous for infants in whom dehydration is easy. Remember that a doctor cannot refuse to examine a sick child, and confirmation of a coronavirus infection requires an appropriate test.

PIMS-TS

COVID-19-associated multisystem inflammatorysyndrome is a multisystem inflammatory disease. PIMS-TS (paediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome temporarily associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection) is a consequence of the body's immune response following previous infection with SARS-CoV-2. The syndrome is considered a complication that may occur up to four weeks after infection. The development of PIMS is dynamic, the symptoms increase over time and the diagnosis is not always correct, as the first symptoms resemble a rotavirus infection.

Symptoms that may suggest PIMS-TS are:

High fever above 38.50;
Fatigue ;
Sluggishness;
Skin and mucosal symptoms (rash - macular, papular and other; conjunctivitis, "strawberry tongue" - tongue and characteristic colour, swelling of hands and feet, enlargement of lymph nodes);
Abdominal pain and vomiting;
Apathy, irritability, reluctance to eat ;
Cough, shortness of breath;
Scanty or even anuria;
Low blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythm.

Only a doctor is able to make a diagnosis indicating PIMS - a number of factors are considered for the diagnosis of pocovid syndrome, including confirmation of a link to SARS-CoV-2 infection. The symptoms may resemble Kawasaki syndrome, hence the importance of a prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Fever in a newborn, photo: panthermedia

Treatment of children with coronavirus

The treatment depends on the child's general condition. It is worth bearing in mind that, as with any infection, it is necessary to keep the child well hydrated and to follow the general advice of the doctor. It may happen that the child has to be hospitalised. Remember that while hospitalisation is not always necessary in the case of COVID-19 , it is necessary in the case of PIMS.

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