Children are also affected by the Covid-19 pandemic

The novel coronavirus is affecting people of all ages, including children. Physicians are advising parents to keep their children as far away from crowded places as they possibly can and comply with hygiene rules

Mihai Pelin, 19.03.2021, 14:00

Since the onset of the pandemic, a year
ago, over 120 million people have been infected with the novel coronavirus. As
expected the virus gradually made its way to children and although they seem to
be the least affected category in terms of infection, SARS-CoV-2 can pose a
real threat to children suffering from a series of illnesses and who have low
immunity.

The virus can create severe symptoms or
complications in young children suffering from diseases. According to Diana
Ionescu, medical director with the Victor Gomoiu Children Hospital in
Bucharest, the facility is functioning at full capacity.

Diana Ionescu: We have 7
beds approved all occupied with patients plus the buffer wards full of presumably
infected children waiting for the results of their tests. Some of these have already
tested positive and we are trying to finds new beds for them or to transfer these
little patients. The less severe cases or children who have been treated for
the past 48 hours and whose condition is stable now can go home. Only the
severe cases remain in the Covid treatment wards. There are mainly less severe
cases which can be treated at home. However, we have lately witnessed an
increasing number of medium to severe cases in the little ones.

According to Diana
Ionescu, it is extremely important that family physicians should be immediately
consulted after a child has presented symptoms of infection, namely respiratory
or digestive issues. Children presenting such symptoms must be tested and
treated as soon as possible. Some of the symptoms are fever, coughing,
diarrhea, vomiting, digestive issues, sore throat and headaches. Other symptoms
in children may be fatigue, muscle pain and in most severe cases pneumonia or
acute respiratory failure. The Covid-19 can shortly change the life of a child.
The situations affecting families, friendships, the daily routine and the
community at large can have consequences upon the development, wellbeing and
protection of children.

Concurrently, quarantine and isolation
measures, the closed schools and various travel restrictions are breaking their
routine and social support putting more pressure on parents who are forced to
look for alternative solutions. According to studies, anxiety, stress and
uncertainties are strongly affecting children of all ages rendering them more
vulnerable to violence and psychological pressure. Although they have
mechanisms to cope with these emotions, children are in need of love and
support from their parents because they are the main providers of safety and
comfort to their children.

(bill)