As per Unicef, preliminary data emerged after the outbreak of the novel coronavirus established that children and young people (below 20 years) were less prone to the direct epidemiological effects on their health and survival after contraction of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), responsible for Covid-19 disease. 

This consensus was based primarily on early data collected from countries such as China, United States, Italy and a few other, high-income European countries where the virus rapidly spread during its first global wave.

However, more recent data collection efforts led by the Unicef in low-income countries that have a much larger younger population as opposed to the ageing populations of the high-income countries points at the fact that “…the risks of Covid-19 disease in children and young people depend largely on where individuals live and how vulnerable they are to disease and ill-health".

This new claim is backed by evidenced by a higher proportion of coronavirus positive cases among younger populations (under 20 years of age) in less developed or developing countries. New data shows that the contraction rate among younger populations stands at an average of 7% in most high-income countries while it goes up to 23% in some low- or middle-income nations.

Impact of Coronavirus on Children’s Physical Health

As per the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, most children who contract the novel coronavirus experience mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. However, severe cases among children are not unheard of and the causes of the Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) associated with severe Covid-19 cases among children is currently under investigation.

Babies under 1-year or children with pre-existing conditions may be at a higher risk of getting severely ill as a result of Covid-19 contraction. Children with asthma or chronic lung disease, diabetes, Genetic, neurologic, or metabolic conditions, Sickle cell disease, heart disease, a compromised immune system (Immunosuppression) or those who have a combination of medical conditions are at a much higher risk of severe illness. This is, however, not an exhaustive list and researchers around the world are currently investigating other phenomena that might make children especially vulnerable to severe Covid-19 symptoms.

Covid-19 symptoms among children

Symptoms in children are very similar to those experienced by adults and might resemble symptoms of other common illnesses such as the common cold, flu or strep. Parents and caregivers should especially be alert if their child experiences:

Fever

Chills 

Cough

Nasal congestion or runny nose

Loss of taste or smell

Sore throat

Shortness of breath 

Diarrhoea

Nausea or vomiting

Stomachache

Fatigue 

Head, muscle and/or body aches

Loss of appetite or poor appetite, specifically in babies (less than 1-year-old)

How to Protect and Care for Children during the Pandemic

Preventive Measures

Important measures that can protect your child from getting exposed to and potentially contracting the virus include:

Constant monitoring of children for possible coronavirus symptoms listed above.

Social distancing in public spaces and use of mask

Limiting all non-essential physical contact with individuals outside the household.

Teaching children the importance and the correct way to wash their hands at regular intervals throughout the day.

Important Tips for Caregivers Looking-after a Covid-positive Child

In case your child tests positive for the novel coronavirus, the following protocols should be followed for your child’s safety and that of others:

Keep your child quarantined at home in case of mild symptoms. If possible, limit the child’s access to one room to prevent others in the household from contracting the virus.

Constantly monitor your child at home for severe symptoms such as shortness of breath, low blood oxygen and unrelenting high-grade fever.

Immediately seek medical help and if advised by the doctor hospitalize your child for more specialized care.

The caregivers must protect themselves from the virus by:

Wearing a mask at all times when in presence of the unwell child.

Washing their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds throughout the day, especially after coming into contact with the child.

Monitoring themselves for symptoms such as those mentioned above.

For more information on how to stay safe and healthy during the pandemic, follow International Rescue Committee’s (IRC) COVID Free Pakistan campaign on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.