After a year and a half of distance learning, the children are finally back in the classroom at the start of the new year, which will kick off a few days later in a number of international schools, a month before the return of full studies in public schools. Common colds and respiratory infections that may spread at school lead to a lot of anxiety among parents Here are three things parents need to know, according to a report by the Times of India.
Wearing masks, getting vaccinated, and following good hygiene is crucial to preventing any kind of illness, even colds and flu, as well as getting a flu shot.
Get a test to confirm if it’s corona or a cold
The most puzzling question now is whether the symptoms that appear on the child or adults are cold or corona? Corona can appear in children with a wide range of symptoms similar to those of the common cold, including low-grade fever, runny nose, sore throat, headache, cough, and digestive problems. An infected child can have any combination of symptoms or none at all..
Loss of smell and taste is not uncommon in children, especially younger children. There is not even a single symptom that can distinguish coronavirus from a common cold or an upper respiratory infection..
Distinctive symptoms in children
The only unique symptom seen in some children and teens with corona infection is “toes” or skin lesions that look like bruises.
Who and how do you test?
It can be difficult to assess whether a child should be tested given how mild their symptoms are but if there is someone in the home who is at high risk, such as an immunocompromised or elderly, if the child goes to school, plays outside or meets friends, the child should be tested. Definitely test it, getting a baby tested quickly will help make an informed decision at the right time.
What if your child’s test result is positive
If your child tests positive, the first thing you need to do is not to panic. Everyone else at home should also be tested. There are not yet approved treatments for the coronavirus in children, they just need to take a break and plenty of fluids to stay hydrated..
If your child is experiencing any more serious symptoms, watch out for signs such as sudden respiratory distress, severe chest pain, high fever, severe abdominal pain and shortness of breath, as it may be a sign of the syndrome. MIS-C or multisystem inflammatory syndrome.