Covid-19 and your child’s health- tips and common queries

Globally, parents are deeply concerned not just about their health, but about the health of their children. Here are a list of common questions in a parent’s mind and their answers.

Total COVID-19 affected individuals globally: 99% adults and 1% children.

Is my child at risk of COVID-19? 

• Research and statistics until the present day have shown that children are not commonly affected by COVID-19 and in case of an infection, the symptoms are mild and manageable at home. Around 1-2% of the affected COVID-19 cases are children.
• Therefore, ensure the same precautions of social distancing and infection control such as wearing face masks, washing hands, etc.
• If your child has any underlying medical issues such as heart disease, asthma, diabetes, immune disorders, etc., additional safety precautions should be taken.

Should I make my baby wear face masks?

• The WHO does not recommend face masks for children below 24 months. Social distancing and hand washing, sanitising are the recommendations for babies.
• For children above two years of age, face masks and other precautions should be followed similar to that for adults.

My child is showing symptoms of COVID-19. Should I get testing done?

• NO, not all children showing signs of flu such as cough, sore throat, runny eyes, or mild body pain need testing. It is advisable to contact your pediatrician via teleconsultation before visiting a hospital.
• If your child has an underlying illness or is facing moderate to severe symptoms such as breathing difficulty, it is advisable to inform a pediatrician and visit an emergency department.

Should I take my child/baby for his regular appointments at the hospital?

• It is best to contact the pediatrician via teleconsultation to find out if it is okay to visit the hospital or if you could opt for an online consultation or postpone the appointment dates.

• Vaccination appointments should be adhered to strictly unless advised by the doctor.

I am pregnant, should I be worried about my baby?

• Mothers should take all precautions possible to protect themselves and their babies. However, there is no reason to panic.
• Speak to a gynecologist about your fears and keep up all appointments either via teleconsultations or if advised by the doctor, directly in the hospital.

Can I breast-feed my baby like usual?

• Breastfeeding is advised even during these times and research has not shown any possibility of COVID-19 transmission via breast milk.
• It is advisable to take extra hygiene precautions such as frequent washing/wiping breast with anti-bacterial wipes before and after the feed.
• Speak to a gynecologist or a pediatrician via teleconsultation for any issues about mother or baby.

My child misses school. What should I do?

• It is important to take care of a child’s mental health during these times as they are vulnerable to a lot of mental stress and confusion due to the current scenario.
• Talking openly to your child about what is happening around them in a way they will understand is important rather than hiding the situation.
• Keeping your child engaged is a very important task to prevent any unwanted emotions or thoughts. Make your child engage in activities he/she loves to do.
• Allow your child to stay in touch with his/her friends via social media to avoid loneliness.

A child’s physical and mental health is very important and Curie stands by all parents at this tough time by offering a teleconsultation platform to connect with a pediatrician.