By Paul Fischbuch, MD
Pediatrician, Ascension Medical Group, Rhinelander
WISCONSIN – Scientists are learning new information and making new recommendations daily regarding coronavirus (COVID-19). Many parents have concerns about what to do if their child becomes sick. So far, it appears that most children exhibit similar symptoms as adults, but they generally have much milder cases.
Symptoms
Reported symptoms of COVID-19 in children include cold-like symptoms, such as fever, sore throat, dry cough and fatigue. Vomiting and diarrhea have also been reported but are less frequent. Most children will recover within one to two weeks after symptoms start. Some children are asymptomatic with this virus– they will test positive, but will look and act healthy.
Treatment at Home
Children who are mildly ill with COVID-19 will most likely be able to isolate at home during their illness. If a child becomes ill with viral symptoms, such as fever and cough, they should be separated from other family members as much as possible. If a child is old enough to wear a facemask, they should do this to try to minimize spread to other family members.
Everyone in the family should stay home and continue to frequently wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not easily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands with sanitizer and rub together until they feel dry. If it is possible, the child should use a bathroom that is separate from others used by the family. If this is not possible, the bathroom should be wiped down often with bleach or antibacterial wipes.
Parents should also make sure that children are well-hydrated and getting plenty of rest. A child may need further medical attention if they begin to have trouble drinking, show signs of dehydration (such as not urinating), have fast or labored breathing, or have difficulty staying awake.
Children with underlying health issues such as asthma need to maintain their regular medications and follow their asthma action plan if they develop symptoms of COVID-19.
Seeking Treatment
A parent should call the child’s pediatrician/physician if they have concerns about their ill child. It is important at this time to not immediately assume an emergency room visit is necessary. A child’s doctor knows his/her medical history and can determine if a child needs to be seen, and what type of visit may be appropriate (whether emergency room, office visit, virtual care/telemedicine visit, etc.).
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many pediatricians are using technology to provide telehealth medicine. This way a child can stay at home and be evaluated over a video visit using technology like Ascension Online Care, Google Hangouts, FaceTime or another telehealth option, and the parent can then be given advice for treatment.
In general, testing for COVID-19 in children is not necessary. Testing will become more available in the future, but it is still largely limited to people who are more severely ill or in cases when knowing the diagnosis will make a difference in treatment or management.
There are currently no known treatments or vaccines for COVID-19. Prevention is still the key in keeping children healthy. It is crucial to maintain social distancing, frequently wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and to stay up to date on the most recent information.
An important reminder
Remember, making sure that your child remains current on the recommended vaccines for typical childhood illnesses is an important part of maintaining optimal health, despite COVID-19.
Ascension pediatric practices have implemented safeguards to protect those we serve and minimize the exposure risks related to COVID-19. The current pandemic should not deter you from seeking care or obtaining necessary vaccinations for your baby or child.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 715-361-4765.