Darrick Robles Even the little ones cannot avoid the corona virus. According to the RKI, 35,773 babies and toddlers between the ages of 0 and 4 years and 116,081 children between the ages of 5 and 14 have been infected in Germany (as of January 21, 2021). In addition, there is probably a high number of unreported cases, because the Covid 19 infection is often symptom-free in children. Even if larger studies are still missing, research has been able to gather a lot of experience since the beginning of the pandemic – we can draw some conclusions from this.
How dangerous is the corona virus for children?
One thing is certain: children are better at dealing with Corona than adults. Even with a higher viral load, they show fewer symptoms. Most children have a symptom-free to mild course with mild symptoms. In the general population, 7% of the sick had to be treated in hospital. The proportion is even lower for children: from March to the end of December 2020, 800 children across Germany who had been infected with the corona virus had to go to the hospital.
The younger the child, the less at risk it is. The risk of infection increases with age – and with puberty it is about as high as with adults.
Why is Covid-19 milder in children?
On the one hand, they have fewer previous illnesses. On the other hand, there are assumptions that the child’s immune system reacts differently to SARS-CoV-2. A study found antibodies against related corona viruses in many children, which could also protect them from the new corona virus.
Another study suggests that children’s immune systems fight invading corona viruses more quickly. Since children are more likely to contract cold coronaviruses, it could be that their immune cells “remember” better and can therefore react more quickly. Research speaks of cross-immunity here. However, these assumptions have not yet been sufficiently proven and must be further investigated.
What are the Covid-19 symptoms in children?
When children show symptoms, they are usually fever and cough . Other possible complaints are gastrointestinal problems, headache and muscle pain, runny nose , sore throat and chest, tachycardia, breathing problems, loss of taste and smell. Sick children have more digestive problems than adults. Severe courses that require intensive care treatment are very rare in children.
What complications are possible in children?
Most children survive a Covid 19 infection without any problems. However, in Europe there have already been cases of PIMS (Pediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome), a severe inflammatory disease reminiscent of Kawasaki syndrome. Experts consider the probability of contracting PIMS to be low, and fatal outcomes are very rare.
The trigger is an overreaction of the immune system after a bacterial or viral infection, which is accompanied by inflammation of the blood vessels. Severe inflammatory reactions in children were known even before Covid-19, even if they occur very rarely. In Germany, about 7 out of 100,000 children under the age of 5 suffer from Kawasaki syndrome.
How contagious are children?
According to studies, kindergarten children are less susceptible to coronavirus infection than school children. School-age children, on the other hand, are less susceptible than adults. However, there is still no clear evidence on how infectious (contagious) children are compared to adults, or whether certain age groups are more contagious.
How dangerous is Covid-19 in pregnancy?
So far there is no evidence that expectant mothers are particularly at risk. Compared to non-pregnant women, they do not have an increased risk of infection. All known protective measures also apply to pregnant women . Symptoms that occur are comparable to those of non-pregnant patients and are mild in most cases.
However, there are factors that can increase the risk of a severe course of the disease. These include the age at the time of pregnancy (over 35 years), overweight and pre-existing conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes . As of October 2020, 13.8% of women hospitalized for Covid-19 in Germany were pregnant.
What is the risk for my baby?
So far there is little data from pregnant women who have been infected with the corona virus. Therefore, we cannot yet say how a corona infection will affect the unborn baby. However, experts estimate the risk of the baby being infected through breast milk to be low.
Mothers who have tested positive for the corona virus should not be separated from their baby. The WHO expressly emphasizes the importance of breastfeeding and physical contact for the newborn, but recommends wearing a face mask and washing hands frequently.
How can I help my child deal with the crisis?
Life with the corona virus is difficult even for us adults. And of course the little ones also suffer from the constant insecurity. As a parent, you should show your children that you are always there for them. Answer their questions without scaring them. Here you will find more tips for child-friendly communication about Corona . Bored in lockdown? Use family time at home to try new things. And if there is a bad atmosphere in the children’s room, you will find expert tips for peaceful conflict management here .
What to do if you suspect Covid-19?
Does your child have a fever, cough or loss of smell and taste? These symptoms could indicate an infection with the coronavirus – our coronavirus symptom check will tell you more. You can also use the Med-Healths app to get medical advice via video consultation – without waiting rooms and the risk of infection. Our experienced paediatricians can take a closer look at your child’s symptoms, give you a qualified medical assessment and medical advice. In the event of serious symptoms such as shortness of breath or a high fever, you and your child should immediately call the emergency room or the emergency services.
Wasn’t your question included? You can find more detailed information about the corona virus here .
