Coronaviruses: Symptoms in Children and Guidelines for Parents

What is COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2), and How is it Transmitted?

The novel coronavirus-2019 (SARS-CoV-2) was first identified in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak a Global Public Health Emergency, and two weeks later, an International Public Health Emergency. COVID-19 is a new disease with high transmissibility.

Coronaviruses are a group of viruses that usually cause respiratory infections of varying severity in humans and animals, ranging from the common cold to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV). This new strain had not been previously isolated in humans.

Transmission occurs primarily through respiratory droplets released during sneezing, coughing, or breathing.
The incubation period ranges from 2 to 14 days.

Common Symptoms

Respiratory symptoms: Fever, cough, and difficulty breathing.
Other symptoms: Fatigue, muscle and joint pain, diarrhea, abdominal pain, or vomiting.
Severe cases: Pneumonia, bronchitis, acute respiratory distress syndrome, kidney failure, multiple organ failure, or death.

High-risk groups, including the elderly, individuals with heart disease, diabetes, immunosuppression, liver disease, or lung disease, are more likely to develop severe illness.

Children can be infected but usually exhibit milder symptoms.

Protection and Prevention Measures

Avoid contact with individuals showing respiratory infection symptoms.
Practice proper hand hygiene:
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20-30 seconds, especially after being in public spaces, blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are unavailable, use hand sanitizer with 70% alcohol.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, or use your elbow. Dispose of tissues immediately in a trash bin.
Avoid crowded places and events during high-risk periods.
Maintain a balanced diet and proper hydration to support a healthy immune system.
For any respiratory infection symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.

Special Precautions for Newborns and Infants

Follow all general measures applicable to the population.
Wash the baby’s clothes with baby detergent in a separate load, using high temperatures, and iron them.
Ensure proper ventilation of rooms, airing out one room at a time to avoid exposing the baby to drafts.
Clean surfaces that the baby touches, especially if they are sitting, crawling, or standing.
Use separate feeding utensils for the baby.

Key Points