Coronavirus: Most common COVID-19 signs in kids
How does COVID-19 impact kids?
The most striking thing about COVID infection in kids is that the presentation of symptoms is slightly different, or delayed in kids. Not only do they have a less severe form of infection, but the symptoms can also hit them a bit differently. It could also be a reason why they mount a weaker antibody response, compared to the adult population.
While a COVID vaccine for kids may not be available just as early as right now, and with schools reopening in a graded manner, it's important to keep the kids safe, and spot the signs early on.
We tell you some of the most common signs of trouble to watch out for:
COVID-19 symptoms may differ for kids and adults
The most striking thing about COVID infection in kids is that the presentation of symptoms is slightly different, or delayed in kids. Not only do they have a less severe form of infection, but the symptoms can also hit them a bit differently. It could also be a reason why they mount a weaker antibody response, compared to the adult population.
While a COVID vaccine for kids may not be available just as early as right now, and with schools reopening in a graded manner, it's important to keep the kids safe, and spot the signs early on.
We tell you some of the most common signs of trouble to watch out for:
The study
A combined study done by a team of UK researchers based out of King's College London, Guy’s and St. Thomas’ hospitals and data-science company, Zoe, studied the behaviour and symptoms of at least 200 children who tested positive for novel coronavirus.
One third of the children in the group were asymptomatic, meaning they didn't showcase any typical signs of the viral infection. The findings go along with the largely studied evidence that asymptomatic children can host the virus for a longer duration, and even go on to transmit the same for more than three weeks time. The same was also observed in a wide analysis done out of Korea a couple of months back when the schools had reopened.
Children can also act as the superspreaders of the infection, implying that they have the ability to transmit the contagious infection at a higher rate to the ones around them. However, the remaining group of kids who do present symptoms, may not do so outrightly, or the same way as adults.
What are the common symptoms then?
The UK-based study pointed out that the children who did contract COVID-19 develop three symptoms in particular. What's strange is that sore throat or cough, which is a typical COVID sign was not so prevalent in the younger ones.
Researchers also feel that the symptoms could also be a way to differentiate seasonal cold, allergies or other common viral infections are known to impact kids from COVID-19.
The three symptoms to watch out for in kids are as below:
Fever
A low-grade, running fever is a common sign of infection in kids. Nearly 54% of the kids in the study reported suffering from a fever.
It should be noted that fever is also one of the most prevalent signs of infection amongst adults, present in over 75-80% of the cases, be it mild or severe.
Fatigue and tiredness
Exhaustion, fatigue and energy loss are other signs the COVID-causing virus can display among the younger ones. As per the study, chronic fatigue and tiredness seemed to plague 55% of the kids. This can be a rather worrying sign because exhaustion caused due to the virus can take a longer time to recover from as well.
Headache
Headache isn't a primarily common COVID-19 symptom. It only affects 14% of adults. However, headaches can be a common complaint in kids and a possible sign of infection. Over 50% of the kids in the research suffered from mild forms of headaches.
Can loss of smell impact kids?
Loss of smell and taste, or anosmia, which is perhaps the strangest symptom of COVID-19 so far can also impact the kids, even if rare. The latest findings suggest that a fraction of the children reported suffering from a diminished form of loss of smell and taste, apart from a sore throat, runny nose.
Other symptoms, such as diarrhoea, body aches, loss of appetite were also fairly common.
Other unusual symptoms
Researchers have said that apart from the above-listed signs, another symptom to look out for possible signs of infection can be skin rashes and inflammation, which have been come to be termed as the infamous 'COVID toes'. If a child develops unusual rashes or redness on the skin, which is not a typical cold sign, it may be a COVID symptom.
Much like adults, the earliest medical attention can prevent complications later.
Even though kids suffer from milder forms of infection in most cases, a doctor's assistance could help treat the signs of trouble. Medication, steam inhalation, breathing exercises can help kids recover faster.
If a child displays one or more symptoms and has been in contact with someone who has tested positive for the virus, a test should be done immediately. Quarantine and isolation measures should be put in place.