COVID 19 In Babies: Symptoms & Prevention

By: Bindu Raichura

Coronavirus has brought the health system on the knees and even the babies are also not left behind. COVID 19 in babies has come as a shock and it is really difficult to watch them crying. Helping them get well is also not an easy task. Let us understand what are some of the important things to keep in mind when it comes to COVID 19 in babies.

Can Babies Get Coronavirus?

A Chinese study of over 2,000 COVID-19 babies found that 10.6% of the babies under the age of 1 had serious or vital signs. Many of these have survived but, after the COVID-19 diagnosis, a small number of babies have died in the United States. The early diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 in babies may be helpful.

Symptoms of COVID in Babies:

Like in other age groups, the majority of babies with COVID-19 may have mild, cold- or flu-like symptoms. In some babies, there will be no signs or symptoms of coronavirus.

Common symptoms for COVID in babies are:

• Airway Infection:

The Infections such as cough, sore throat, fluctuating nose,  sneezing, fever and muscle pain, leading to frequent crying or sleeping difficulties.

• Mood Changes:

For example, more or less sleeping, difficulty in feeding or more frequent bruises — due to pain or fever, such as nausea, vomiting, stomach ache.

Babies that show more severe symptoms do so within a week of the onset of mild symptoms. Serious symptoms of COVID in babies may include:

• Breathing Difficulty:

Intensive shortness of breath that can make your baby gasp for low oxygen air signals, such as blue lips or tongue

• Oxygen Saturation:

White fingertips or a fast heart rate of 92 percent or less oxygen saturation. The intensity of these symptoms can escalate rapidly, so it is important to watch carefully.

What are the Complications Associated with Coronavirus in Babies?

COVID in babies can cause serious complications, including:

This is a form of systemic infection that can cause organ failure, particularly in the kidneys, and shock and heart failure.

If the body doesn’t get enough oxygen, hypoxia occurs, damaging the brain and other organs.

• Long-Term Risks:

COVID in babies has not yet been linked to any long-term risks, according to doctors.

Is COVID 19 in Babies Dangerous?

COVID in infants has no known cure, and all therapies are experimental. The disease normally clears up in a few weeks for babies with mild to moderate symptoms.

However, if  babies have any COVID-19 symptoms, it is important to contact a doctor. A doctor will refer the baby for tests and suggest which symptoms to keep an eye on.

Parents or caregivers should contact a doctor if their child’s symptoms worsen after being diagnosed with COVID-19 or if they experience any of the following symptoms:

• Signs of breathing difficulty or respiratory failure signs of organ problems, such as an irregular pulse or reduced urination
• A sudden shift in consciousness, such as excessive sleeping or signs of confusion, failure to breastfeed or eat, sunken eyes, or drowsiness

COVID 19 in Babies: Precautions

• Maintain Social Distancing:

Avoid large crowds and keep a reasonable distance (at least 6 feet) from other people when out of the house to protect your baby.

• Avoid Meeting Infected People:

People who are ill should be avoided so that the baby is no infected.

• Wash their Hands:

Every time you feel like your baby is sneezing, coughing or blowing their nose, you should wash their hands. The easiest solution is to use soap and water. Make sure they lather for at least 20 seconds on the backs of their palms, between their fingertips, and under their nails.

• Keep your Hands Clean:

This is particularly relevant when returning home from outside and handling your baby before breastfeeding, preparing a bottle, or preparing food.

• Keep them Home:

For the time being, it’s important to avoid direct contact with others to prevent the disease from spreading. Stop going to public areas like shopping malls and movie theatres as much as possible. Avoid playdates or sleepovers.

• Sanitize and Keep Clean:

Clean surfaces and often touched objects (like doorknobs, countertops, and cell-phones).

Some vaccines have been licensed for use in the case of an emergency to avoid COVID-19 in people aged 18 and up. It’s uncertain when or if they’ll be accepted for babies. Therefore, it’s important to do everything possible to keep your child and the rest of your family safe.

Source: https://www.beingtheparent.com/covid-19-in-babies-symptoms-prevention/

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