We would love to think that COVID 19 is a thing of the past but unfortunately it is here to stay. We will from time to time experience increased cases in waves mixed in with all the other viral illnesses that we have been seeing this year.
Let’s recap, the symptoms of COVID 19 are similar to other viral illnesses:
1. Fever
2. Cough
3. Sore throat
4. Runny or stuffy nose
5. Fatigue or tiredness
6. Headache
7. Muscle or body aches
8. Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
9. Loss of taste or smell
10. Nausea or vomiting
11. Diarrhea
3. Sore throat
4. Runny or stuffy nose
5. Fatigue or tiredness
6. Headache
7. Muscle or body aches
8. Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
9. Loss of taste or smell
10. Nausea or vomiting
11. Diarrhea
It’s important to note that some children with COVID-19 may experience mild or no symptoms at all. So if your child has contact with someone who is COVID19 positive, better to test and know rather than assume and spread it to other little ones.
So down to the meat of the matter, your child has tested positive for COVID-19. Now what?
1)DON’T FREAK OUT: Most babies and children do quite well and recover fully with only mild fuss and muss.
2) Isolate the child: Keep your child at home and isolate them from others to prevent further spread of the virus.
3) Provide supportive care: Offer your child plenty of fluids to keep them hydrated.Don’t worry if your child’s appetite has decreased, that is normal , the priority is to get them to drink as much and whatever they want, within reason. Help them get adequate rest.
4) Symptomatic management: Use over-the-counter medications (such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen) for fever and pain. Nose drops such as normal saline for stuffy noses. Along with other conservative treatments such as humidified air from a humidifier or a nice steamy bathroom and eucalyptus and menthol oil for stuffy noses.
4) Seek medical advice: Reach out to your healthcare professional for guidance and advice specific to your child’s case. We can provide personalized recommendations based on your child’s age, symptoms, and medical history.
5) Monitor symptoms: Pay close attention to your child’s symptoms and monitor their temperature regularly. Trust your parental instincts, if their symptoms worsen ,they experience difficulty breathing or you are worried about how they look ,seek professional medical advice immediately. That’s what we are here for.
