Coronavirus in kids: How to help a child with COVID-19 recover at home

The second wave of coronavirus is causing a rapid surge in infections, and impacting children as well.

As per studies, children, who were once considered to be less affected, or asymptomatic carriers of the disease are now increasingly turning symptomatic as well.

Even though kids testing positive for the virus tend to have fewer symptoms, and recover faster, it could be a hard ordeal for the little ones, and their families to go through. No matter how prepared and aware you are, mitigating the COVID situation at home could be panic-inducing. Isolating kids alone can be tough too. However, since symptoms recognized early could help you cope with the diagnosis better, here is a ready guide to handling COVID infection in kids.

Statistics suggest that children aged between 1-5 could be the most affected ones during this phase of the pandemic.

The most common signs and symptoms currently observed in kids, as per doctors include congestion, cough, fever, headache and body pain. What could be confusing is that most of these symptoms could also strike up with the flu or viral infection but right now, if you do see these symptoms existing for more than 2 days, it is best to get tested.

Upset stomach, nausea, diarrhoea could also be symptoms that can occur in some.

Breathlessness, common with adults, is less commonly seen in kids right now. Also be on the lookout for signs like mottled skin, rashes, runny eyes.

Getting a COVID-19 test done is unpleasant for anyone. For the little ones, it can be all the scarier.

However, there are ways you can alleviate your child's anxiety. Make sure they sit comfortably, prepare them in advance, educate them about the importance of getting tested, and most importantly, follow appropriate behaviour yourself. Try and also refrain from negative information, which could further scare them.

The best time to take a test would be soon after you start observing symptoms, or start to feel sick yourself, along with your child. Some also feel that 2-4 days after the infection onset gives the most accurate results.

Even if you do get a false negative, remember to quarantine and follow protocols. Do not send children outdoors, even if they have the mildest symptoms.

Consult a doctor who will help guide you about the treatment protocols and medicines which you may want to use. However, do remember that strong doses of the medicines could be a tad bit harsher for children. Infants and toddlers may even hesitate about having medicines but offer gentle support and care.

Medication in children should majorly be SOS, and only if they have symptoms. Don’t give medicine unnecessarily.

If the fever runs over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, cold ice compress and tepid sponging could also be done. Syrups, paracetamol tablets may also be offered, but make sure you check with the doctor about the doses suited for children.

If your child has pre-existing allergies, medical conditions which could put them at a high COVID severity risk, inform medical authorities at the earliest.

Many kids could also show symptoms for a couple of days and turn asymptomatic after. Yet, continue to monitor and quarantine your child till he/she tests negative.

Older children, teenagers can be quarantined in a room alone with minimal contact. However, younger kids, infants cannot be isolated alone and doing so may also make them terribly anxious. Neither would they be in a state to manage their condition alone.

While doctors advise caregivers and parents (who haven't tested positive along with the child) to quarantine the child to avoid the spread of infection, parents should try to maintain adequate distance from the child, if they are in the same room and make sure there is enough ventilation and airflow. Double masking is also a measure suggested right now to minimize infection transmission.

However, it's crucial that you do not expose sick children to high-risk adults, including grandparents and senior citizens, since they are more prone to severe infections.

Diet and nutrition play a crucial role in speeding up recovery. When your child is sick, make sure to feed them adequately well and include all vitamins and minerals.

Give them good, fresh home-cooked food while they quarantine and recover. Hydration is also an important factor to check. ORS solutions and other nutritional supplements may also be given post consultation with the doctor. Avoid feeding them junk food. Immunity-boosting kadhas and herbal concoctions may also be used, but follow care.

Again, more than the adults, the pandemic and the thought of being sick with coronavirus could be quite unsettling for the children. Not being able to make contact with their peers, friends, or being kept under isolation could impact their mental health. Stress, anxiety can fuel up and the little ones could also suffer from nightmares.

That said, it is important to do what you can and make recovery easier on your young ones. Make the environment a calming, comforting one for them by offering them their favourite toys, books or play sets. Educating them about the infection and explaining the risks is also a good way to calm them down. Make sure you avoid negative talk.

Most symptomatic and asymptomatic infections among kids could be easily managed at home by following set precautions and protocols. However, it's crucial that you avoid doing certain things during the recovery. Remember, what may work for the adults may not work for kids suffering from COVID-19:

-Avoid going for additional tests, diagnosis without consulting a doctor.

-Do not give children steroids, anti-viral, inflammatory drugs.

-Multivitamins can be given to children, but in small doses, which should be ideally checked by a doctor first.

-Make sure they wear a mask at all times, wash their hands frequently.