Children Can Be Exposed to the Corona Covid-19 Virus, Recognize the Signs and Symptoms

Kapanlagi.com - It all started when this corona virus infected the city of Wuhan, China at the end of last December. Until now, the corona virus is still haunting several countries around the world. The corona virus is a virus that can attack people of all ages, from infants, children, adults, to the elderly. Previously, it was also widely discussed in Indonesia that cases of COVID-19 affected infants and children.

Basically, the cause of children being infected with this corona virus COVID-19 is if the child has visited areas infected with COVID-19. In addition, other causes include exposure to people who have been tested positive for corona and low immune system in children.

The Indonesian Pediatrician Association (IDAI) stated that the transmission of the corona virus in children is small, so parents do not need to worry excessively. Although the transmission is considered small, the symptoms of the corona virus in children should also be understood. This is to take appropriate actions if unforeseen circumstances occur.

According to sources from doctors in China, children infected with the corona virus have the same symptoms as in adults, such as frequent coughing, nasal congestion, runny nose, diarrhea, and headache. Less than half of infected children experience fever. However, many also do not have symptoms.

Coronavirus in children may not show severe symptoms like adults. This actually makes parents need to be aware of the symptoms of coronavirus infection in children. So, what are the signs and symptoms of children exposed to coronavirus? Check out the following review:

1. Decreased Appetite

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Decreased appetite in children is common. However, if this happens continuously, it is advisable for parents to respond immediately. According to liputan6.com, based on the analysis of Dr. Darmawan Budi Setyanto, a pediatric specialist from the Indonesian Pediatrician Association's Respiratory Coordination Work Unit (IDAI), a clear symptom of corona virus infection in children is a decreased appetite. The child's appetite will decrease drastically accompanied by fever and other symptoms.

2. Shortness of Breath

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Furthermore, the symptoms that appear when a child is exposed to the corona virus are shortness of breath. This symptom is one of the symptoms that also occurs in adults. According to Doctor Darmawan, he explains that the child will experience coughing, runny nose, and wheezing. This is an indication that the child may be experiencing symptoms of being infected with the corona virus.

3. Not Initiated by Fever

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In some cases, fever becomes one of the symptoms that must be watched out for. However, there are some cases that do not cause symptoms such as fever. This is what makes the corona virus highly anticipated because its symptoms are very difficult to identify. Doctor Darmawan warns that COVID-19 is a new disease that is still under research to determine specific symptoms in children.

"There are reports abroad that have had cases beforehand, and many children were not initially accompanied by fever. So only respiratory symptoms, cough, runny nose, and then it turns out they are confirmed COVID-19," said Darmawan.

4. Other Symptoms

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Coronavirus is a new type of virus. This is what makes some symptoms need to be continuously researched. Darmawan said that the specific symptoms of the coronavirus, especially in children, are still unknown. However, he also revealed that it could reduce lung function decline in the future.

"We cannot answer, like the earlier question, whether it will cause residual symptoms or not in those who have pneumonia, we cannot answer exactly what it will be like because there have not been many cases reported in children,” he continued.

5. How to Prevent Covid-19 in Children?

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- Use hand sanitizer

Hand sanitizer is still one of the things used to prevent the transmission of the coronavirus. A good hand sanitizer contains at least 70 percent alcohol. The proper use of hand sanitizer is to apply it to the surface of the hands and use it for at least 20 seconds. However, it is also advisable for children to wash their hands with soap and water.

- Social distancing

It is important to implement social distancing for children, which means maintaining a distance of 1-2 meters. In addition to practicing the use of hand sanitizer and handwashing, it is also advisable to teach children proper coughing or sneezing etiquette.

- Getting immunizations

Next is to schedule immunization visits. This needs to be done by making an appointment in advance to avoid crowds. Getting immunizations is very important to protect children. If in doubt, it is best to consult a doctor or other healthcare professional.

- When should you take your child to the doctor?

If the child has a fever, mild cough, and runny nose, and can still be managed at home, it is advisable to take care of them at home by giving fever medicine and plenty of water. However, if the fever continues until the third day, it is recommended to take the child for a check-up at a healthcare facility.

(kpl/dtm/gen)