Coronavirus Disease & How it has affected Children

There is no evidence of children being more susceptible to contracting coronavirus disease. Most cases of coronavirus disease which were confirmed and reported in China have occurred in adults.

A relatively smaller number of children who were confirmed to have been affected by coronavirus disease in China have shown flu-like symptoms, such as fever, cough and runny nose. Vomiting and diarrhea are other symptoms which have also been reported in very few cases.

These limited reports suggest that kids with established coronavirus disease usually exhibit meek symptoms and that acute complications (such as septic shock, acute respiratory distress syndrome, etc.) are very rare.

However, as is the case with most respiratory infections, children with underlying health conditions and other such populations of children are at an augmented risk of developing severe infection.

There are currently no antiviral drugs recommended for coronavirus disease. Clinical management includes prompt implementation of recommended infection prevention and control measures in healthcare settings and supportive management of complications.

Children who have not yet contracted coronavirus disease should take preventive measures in order to prevent its spread, including covering their noses and mouths while coughing, washing hands more frequently than usual with soap and water or with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, avoiding going near people who are sick and getting vaccinated on time.