What To Do If Your Child Has COVID-19?

If you feel that your child is showing symptoms of coronavirus and tested positive for COVID-19, here are some measurements you should take.

Many have raised concerns about the new coronavirus variants affecting more and more children, as we prepare for the reopening of schools in October. Parents worry and wonder what to do if their child contracts COVID-19. Dr Chuah Soo Lin, the paediatrician from University Malaya Medical Centre, tells us what we need to know.

What are the symptoms of coronavirus?

Coronavirus can cause a range of symptoms 2-14 days after exposure, including:

symptoms of coronavirus

Who should get tested?

Children who have symptoms of COVID-19.
Children who have had close contact (within 6 feet for a total of 15 minutes or over a 24-hour period) with a person who is tested positive for COVID-19.
Children who have taken part in high-risk activities like being in crowded or poorly ventilated indoor settings.
Children who have been asked to get tested by their healthcare provider or state health department.

What are the types of coronavirus tests?

There are two main types of tests for coronavirus: one that looks for a current infection and another that tests for a past infection.

Types of COVID-19 tests

Tests for CURRENT infection

Test for PAST infection

Nucleic acid test

(RT-PCR test)

Antigen test

(Rapid test)

Serology test

Sample type:

Nasal swab

Sample type:

Nasal Swab

Sample type:

Blood

Test time:

1-2 days

Test time:

15-20 minutes

Test time:

1-2 days

Test detects:

Viral genetic material

Test detects:

Viral proteins

Test detects:

Antibodies

Application:

The preferred diagnostic test for clinical settings

Application:

Useful for mass screening in non-laboratory settings

Application:

– Limited use for clinical testing

– Can be used for community surveillance and informing public health response

How to prepare your child for COVID-19 swabs?

Here are some useful tips for parents on how to prepare your child for the COVID-19 test to make it less stressful:

Image: Nationwide children’s

What to do while waiting for the COVID-19 test result?

While waiting for the test result, take these 2 keys steps to prevent further spreading of the coronavirus:

Stay home and monitor your child’s health. If possible, stay away from others, especially older adults who are at higher risk of getting very sick from the coronavirus. And continue to look out for the symptoms of COVID-19, since symptoms may appear any time between 2-14 days after exposure.
Think about the people and places that your child has been around recently. This is important information that healthcare workers will ask from you if your child tests positive for COVID-19.

What if your child is tested positive for COVID-19?

If your child is infected with COVID-19, stay in home isolation for 10 days; stay in a specific “sick room” until it’s safe for him or her to be around others. Home isolation is suitable for individuals (2 years old and above) who are tested positive with COVID-19 Category 1 (asymptomatic) or Category 2 (mild symptoms).

Most COVID-19 positive patients get better at home with fever-reducing medicine, and plenty of rest and fluids. Those with severe symptoms will require treatment in the hospital.

For parents caring for a child with COVID-19 at home, follow this general guide to protect yourself and others:

Image: UCrest

Download the iMedic app to track and assess your COVID-19 symptoms. The app also helps people with other chronic conditions track daily health metrics and connect with doctors for consultations with ease, at home.

Source: UCrest Medic Talk webinar (COVID-19 and Children)

This article has been republished with permission from Kiddy123.

Disclaimer: You are not allowed to share this article on any other website or on Facebook without providing proper credit and the original article link on theAsianparent Malaysia website.

Read more: 5 Tips to Keep Your Child Healthy and Happy During a Viral Outbreak

Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download theAsianparent Community on iOS or Android now!

Written by

kiddy123

partnerEnglishcoronaviruscovid-19kiddy123