Although cases of Corona virus infection in children are relatively rare, parents still have to be vigilant. It is important for parents to recognize preventive measures and what are the symptoms that can indicate a child is infected with the Corona virus.
Corona virus infection, also known as COVID-19, is a disease that attacks the respiratory system. Patients with COVID-19 so far are mostly adults. However, cases in children have also been reported, including in infants.
The Corona virus or SARS-Cov-2 is increasingly mutating and forming new virus variants. Unlike the previous types of Corona Virus, variants of the new Corona virus, such as the Delta variant, are known to spread more quickly. Not only in adults, this virus is also quickly transmitted to children.
If you need a COVID-19 check for your child, click on the link below so you can be directed to the nearest health facility:
- Rapid Test Antibodies
- Antigen Swab (Rapid Test Antigen)
- PCR
Recognize the Symptoms of Corona Virus Infection in Children
The reason is, the symptoms of COVID-19 in children tend to be mild like the common cold, or even asymptomatic. This is presumably because in children, the thymus gland, which is involved in the body's immune system, is still working optimally.
Symptoms of Corona virus infection that can appear in children include:
- Fever
- Have a cold
- Sore throat or dry throat
- Coughs
- Hard to breathe
In addition, symptoms of indigestion, such as vomiting and diarrhea, can also occur, although very rarely. Although generally mild, symptoms in children can also progress to septic shock and acute respiratory distress syndrome or severe acute respiratory failure. After recovering, children are also at risk for long-haul COVID-19 conditions in children.
If you suspect that your child has symptoms or has recently taken your child to a country that has the Corona virus, such as China, South Korea, or Italy, you can try to detect whether your child is at risk of being infected with the Corona virus by clicking the image below.
How to Prevent Corona Virus Infection in Children
The Corona Virus (SARS-CoV-2) has attacked tens of thousands of people in various countries and claimed thousands of lives. Currently, it has been confirmed that there are 2 Indonesian citizens who have tested positive for COVID-19.
The following are ways to prevent infection with the Corona virus or COVID-19 that parents can apply to their children:
1. Teach children to wash their hands properly
Teach your little one to wash their hands with running water and soap, for at least 20 seconds. Make sure he washes all parts of his hands, including the backs of his hands, between his fingers and the tips of his nails.
Get your child used to washing his hands regularly, especially before and after eating, after touching animals, and after coughing or sneezing.
You can also provide hand sanitizer with a minimum alcohol content of 60% in the school bag for use when soap and water are not available when washing hands is necessary.
2. Get used to children wearing masks
The use of masks can also prevent transmission of the Corona virus to children, although it is not as effective as using masks on people who are sick to prevent the spread of the disease to others.
Choose a mask that is the right size for children and encourage your little one to wear a mask when near people who are sick. Don't forget to teach him how to wear a mask properly and remember to always wash your hands before and after touching the mask.
3. Give children nutritious food
Intake of nutrients rich in vegetables and fruits high in beta carotene, such as carrots and oranges, is known to strengthen a child's immune system to fight infections, including Corona virus infection.
In order to build a strong immune system to prevent Corona virus infection in children, don't forget to meet their nutritional needs. In addition, make sure the food given to your little one has been cooked thoroughly.
4. Invite children to exercise regularly
Not only maintaining fitness, exercising can strengthen the body's resistance to fight infection. Therefore, invite your little one to exercise regularly, at least 30 minutes a day.
Choose a sport that your little one likes. Any exercise and anywhere, as long as it is done regularly and keeps your little one's body active, can be an effective way to maintain his health and protect him from Corona virus infection.
Apart from applying the methods above, remind your little one to cover their mouth with a tissue when sneezing or coughing, and not to touch their eyes, nose and mouth before washing their hands.
Prevention of Corona virus infection in children is actually the same as prevention in adults. However, disease protection in children also needs to be added by completing their immunizations. Even though there is no COVID-19 vaccine for children, make sure your little one gets the basic immunizations that are complete and on schedule.
In addition, as much as possible avoid children traveling outside the house, except when there is a very important need, for example when it is time for immunization. This may make him feel bored, but limiting travel is very important to prevent him from transmitting the Corona virus. If possible, try to explain about the dangers of the Corona virus to children.
If your little one shows flu symptoms and has a fever, you should let him rest at home. You canchat doctors directly in the Alodokter application to consult about their complaints. If necessary, You can also make an appointment with a doctor at the nearest hospital through this application.