10 Questions About COVID-19 in Children

In babies and children, sleep disorders such as difficulty falling asleep, short naps during the day, and frequent waking up in the middle of the night can occur. Dr. Esra Kutlu, a Pediatric Specialist at Anadolu Medical Center, emphasizes that parents can navigate sleep problems in babies aged 0-3 years with patience and attention. "While teaching babies to sleep independently, we should remember that crying is a natural response. However, if we are there to support them while they cry, the bond of trust and love we build will not be harmed," said Dr. Esra Kutlu, providing important information on the topic.

What Are the Differences Between Influenza and COVID-19?

The current Influenza A outbreak can cause more severe symptoms in children compared to COVID-19. High fever, nasal congestion, and cough can be more intense, and abdominal pain is commonly observed. In COVID-19, nasal congestion and mild cough are frequent, and the illness may have a milder course. However, these symptoms may vary depending on the amount of the virus the sick child has been exposed to. Since the symptoms of Influenza and COVID-19 are quite similar, we recommend testing. The rapid antigen test for Influenza provides results within 2 hours, is easy to perform, and is cost-effective. For COVID-19, PCR testing provides more accurate results.

How Much Have the Rates of COVID-19 and Influenza in Children Increased Recently?

Both have been seen frequently in the past month, but Influenza is observed more often.

What Are the Symptoms of COVID-19 in Children (Delta and Omicron variants)?

Currently, 75% of PCR tests conducted in our hospital show the Omicron variant, and the rest show the Delta variant. The Omicron variant has become more prevalent, and its symptoms are generally milder, often resembling a common cold, unlike Delta, which tends to have more severe symptoms.

What is the Treatment for COVID-19 in Children? Can Medication Be Used?

For children with COVID-19, we only administer supportive treatment. Paracetamol is given for fever, and herbal cough syrups are used for cough. We recommend keeping the nose clear, regularly cleaning it with saline, and encouraging the intake of plenty of vitamin C through natural means.

What Measures Can Be Taken to Prevent the Disease? Should Supplements or Vitamins Be Taken During the Outbreak?

For children over 1 year old, we recommend taking vitamin D during the winter months. For children under 1 year, vitamin D is given in drop form. The correct dosage varies for each child, so it’s important to consult a doctor on this matter.

What Should Be Done at School and Home?

At school, attention should be given to mask use, physical distancing, and proper ventilation of classrooms and the school building. Since masks will be removed during meals, distancing should be emphasized in the cafeteria as well. At home, rooms should also be ventilated, and items such as cups, towels, and pillows should not be shared. Individuals infected with COVID-19 should be isolated in a separate room.

What Are Your Recommendations for Parents?

I recommend that parents educate their children about COVID-19, especially informing them about preventive measures.

Who Should Definitely Get the COVID-19 Vaccine?

I recommend that everyone aged 12 and above, and those whose vaccination is registered in the e-Nabız system, get vaccinated, unless their doctor has contraindicated it. If mask-wearing, physical distancing, and vaccination are all implemented together, we can protect ourselves from COVID-19. If any of these measures are missing, unfortunately, our chances of preventing the disease are significantly reduced.

Is There a Specific Risk Group for Severe COVID-19 in Children?

Just like in adults, children with underlying chronic diseases, those with allergic bronchitis, those using immunosuppressive drugs, and children with cancer or rheumatologic conditions have a higher risk of experiencing severe COVID-19.

Which Vaccine Should Be Preferred for Children?

Children should get vaccinated as soon as they are registered in the e-Nabız system after turning 12. It’s important to get vaccinated without wasting too much time to prevent getting sick. For children, the BioNTech vaccine should be preferred, as it is the most tested vaccine globally and has been found to be effective, which is why it is used in our country. No serious side effects have been reported worldwide for BioNTech in children.

Last Updated Date: 05 January 2022

Publication Date: 05 January 2022