Kiddipedia

Kiddipedia

Colds and COVID-19 are all caused by viruses. There is no “common cold virus” per se. There are hundreds of viruses that can cause a whole host of symptoms from cough, red throat, runny nose, sore ears to vomiting, diarrhoea, rash and many other symptoms. Viruses, particularly in winter, are very common, especially in preschool aged children. Most children are well enough to be at home with fluids and simple pain relief with a virus. Some will need hospitalisation including babies, children with other medical problems and children with complications of the virus such as dehydration or other bacterial complications like pneumonia. The majority of viruses cannot be treated.

Coronavirus is the name for a family of viruses. Some Coronavirus strains we have known about for years and are harmless. COVID-19 is the new circulating strain that can cause serious disease in humans. As we have seen from around the world, the virus can be easily spread and can cause illness and death. The current experience, particularly from overseas, is that the disease is usually very mild in children. There is a much lower rate of severe disease in children than adults. Thankfully there have been no COVID-19 related deaths in children in Australia to date.

The symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, difficulty breathing and fatigue. Symptoms (more in adults) may also include nausea and diarrhoea. Confusingly, there may be no symptoms at all. Even more confusing – the hundreds of “harmless” everyday viruses can cause some or all of these symptoms too. In the midst of Australian winter these common cold viruses are usually rampant, as is the Flu, caused by a virus that can make children very sick. They are still more common than COVID-19, but because of the current pandemic and potential for severe illness, particularly in the older population, we have to be safe and assume that any cold symptoms could be due to COVID-19. This is why it is important to have a test done at the onset of any of these symptoms.

COVID-19, like many viruses, is spread by respiratory droplets. Sneezing, coughing etc and touching objects can transmit the virus and it can stay alive for many hours on surfaces even up to 3 days. Of course with young children social distancing is not easy! Following isolation rules, avoiding touching objects in public places (much easier said than done), hand washing before eating if old enough, cleaning commonly used surfaces at home frequently are just some examples of trying to minimise the spread of COVID-19. The upshot is, this should help reduce the spread of all the other viruses too! Continuing to get regular immunisations and the annual Flu vaccine is important to protect against other serious illnesses.

There are other predicted indirect effects of the pandemic in children. These may include mental health issues and the impacts of household stress such as job loss and family violence. It is important to seek help early from local resources. This is a very trying time for everyone and having open communication, detecting problems early and getting help will be the key.

Talk to children about COVID-19. Be honest, engage with them, use it as a learning opportunity and a time to connect if possible, acknowledge that it is difficult and remind them that it will get better. Combating this virus will require the whole community to do their part and it all starts in the home. We will get there.

 

Dr Nelu

Paediatric Doctor I Presenter

www.drnelu.com

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