How to manage Covid-19: Questions & Answers

In these tough times, we have curated a list of questions and answers that might help you and your family. This is an Expert blog authored from Doctors to help all the parents in the current times and especially ones who have a COVID positive in the family and want to manage their child's safety & wellness. 

Q1. What measures can I take to prevent my child from having COVID-19 infection? 

It can be a confusing time and it is okay to be worried for your children. Continue to take all personal protective measures like frequent hand washing or hand sanitization, wear a face mask covering your nose, avoid crowded places, cover your mouth and nose while coughing and sneezing, and eat healthy. Children above 2 years of age can also wear a mask.
 

Q2. What should I do if a family member has come COVID-19 positive? 

Do not panic. If a family member has tested coronavirus positive, then the rest of the family members should also get themselves tested for COVID-19 and continue to take all personal protective measures for the next 14 days. 

If the family member has been advised home isolation, they can start with Covid treatment at home. Then they can stay in a separate room (if possible) and wear a face mask at all times along with following other protective measures. It is important they take the Covid treatment medicine on time and strictly take all measures as advised by doctor, and follow home quarantine rules for covid positive and completehome quarantine period for covid positive.

Effect of coronavirus can be there for long, so it is important they take very good care.

Keep your children away from the COVID-19 positive patient.

If your child is more than 2 years old and is cooperating, then they can also wear a mask.

Make sure to wash their hands frequently, make them eat and drink well (home cooked food).  Check their temperature frequently, watch for development of any symptoms, and visit a nearby doctor if required.

If both parents are positive then you would obviously need a caretaker/babysitter. Preferably someone from the family whom the kid knows, to reduce the anxiety and stress. If both parents are in home isolation, then the kid can be allowed to see and talk to them with a transparent curtain in between. But no close physical interaction. If admitted, then no option. Kid needs a caretaker.

You can also join Parentune Expert Live on How to manage if anyone gets COVID in the family - Home care, to do-s, Don't-s with Pediatrician Dr. Narmada Ashok and ask your questions. 
 

Q3 What are the essential things to do for the caretaker if they are in the same house?

Patients must be isolated from Caretaker to avoid exposure. The caretaker must also take extra precautions like double masking, proper hand hygiene, ensuring least possible risk of exposure - from within the house or outside.
 

Q4. Do all children need to be tested for COVID-19?

 If your child is not having any flu-like symptoms after coming in close direct contact with a COVID-19 positive patient, then you should remain watchful for symptoms till 14 days from contact. At any point within 14 days of contact, if the child develops symptoms like fever, cough, runny nose, vomiting, loose stools, etc. (described in detail below), then you should get them tested for coronavirus.

Q5. What should I do if my child has symptoms of COVID-19? 

Do not panic if your child is having flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, runny nose). It can be due to any other viral illness.  If you have not already got your child tested for COVID-19, then get it done now.  Continue to follow personal protective measures for yourself and your child. Give them home cooked food and keep them well hydrated.  Measure their temperature frequently. If it is more than 100 degree F, then you can do tepid sponging with tap water and give them syrup or tablet paracetamol, on recommendation with your doctor.

You can also give nutritional supplements to your child, after consulting with your doctor. 

Other nutritional supplements like syrup multivitamin, drop vitamin D, calcium can be given as per their doctor’s advice.  Be watchful for danger signs (explained below). If present, seek urgent medical advice at your nearest hospital.

Also, kids' mental health during covid should be given importance. So maintaining a positive environemnt while takingb all measures is important. 

Q6. Do all children develop severe COVID-19 infection requiring admission in ICU?

Though we are still learning about coronavirus disease, most children are asymptomatic or develop mild flu-like symptoms which can be treated at home. But children who have been sick for a long time due to other illnesses (like lung diseases, cancer, heart disease, kidney disease etc.) have weak immunity and are at increased risk of developing severe COVID-19 infection that may require ICU care

You can also know about Covid - 19 And Pregnancy and learn from experts. 

Q7. If I have no fever but other symptoms like headache, diarrhoea, what should I do?

Do symptomatic treatment for headache. Fluids for diarrhoea. Look for signs of distress. Breathlessness, intolerance to exertion. Monitor the vitals, especially SpO2. If any sign is seen or headache / diarrhoea persistent - get tested and treated.

 

You can also join Parentune Expert Live on how to manage if anyone gets COVID in the family - Home care, to do-s, don't-s with pediatrician Narmada Ashok and ask your questions. 

Reference: All India Institute of Medical Sciences Patna