One of the most remarkable traits in kids is their curiosity. Their constant need to question helps them make sense of the world that they are new to. As we are in the thick of another wave of the covid 19 pandemic, it has been observed that younger people are being affected more than last year. Given the unspecified nature of the virus, there is a lot of false information about covid 19 in kids. Why don’t we approach the understanding of the effects of covid on kids with the same curiosity and bust some of the perceptions around it? Before we read on about the facts, what we need to be aware of is that kids, as always, recover faster from illnesses! Understanding that some of these are only myths and ensuring precautions are taken can help overcome it practically!

Myth: Kids cannot get COVID

Fact: While everyone is susceptible to covid, kids show different symptoms from adults hence it is important to monitor them differently and look out for certain symptoms that most likely appear in kids. The good news, however, is that coronavirus risk in kids is low. Following regular covid appropriate behaviour by all members of a family at home can ensure that kids are safe.

Myth: Kids are only contagious if they show symptoms

Fact: Any asymptomatic individual, whether child or adult, can spread the virus to others. It is important to practice habits like good hand hygiene and avoid sharing food/drinks. No matter who or what you touch, if you wash your hands before you touch your face, the chances of catching the virus will be reduced. The risk of getting infected by coronavirus is lower in kids.

Myth: Drinking hot water and taking hot water showers can prevent COVID in kids

Fact: There is no proof that consumption of hot liquids and taking hot showers will prevent anyone from catching the virus. It is important to maintain hygiene by bathing daily, washing hands with soap/hand wash in regular intervals, maintaining social distancing and wearing a mask to avoid falling ill.

Myth: Pneumonia vaccines protect kids against COVID

Fact: Vaccines against pneumonia do not protect kids from covid. There are many vaccines in development for kids and parents must wait and vaccinate their kids as soon as they are available. Speak to your paediatrician for more information and immunity-boosting snacks for kids.

Myth: There are side effects to using alcohol-based sanitisers in kids

Fact: Alcohols in the sanitisers have not been shown to create any severe health issues. A small amount of alcohol is absorbed into the skin, and most products contain moisturizer to reduce skin dryness. Parents must administer small quantities and ensure kids do not consume them accidentally.

Myth: My child will catch the virus from our pet

Fact: There is no proof of human to animal or animal to human transmission of the virus yet. We have learned that pets may be infected with the virus, but they may show no symptoms. Because animals can spread other diseases to people, it's always a good idea to wash your hands after handling your pets before you eat or touch your face.

Myth: Wearing a mask makes it harder for a child to breathe.

Fact: Cloth face masks are made of breathable material that will not block the oxygen your child needs. Additionally, cloth face coverings do not interfere with a child’s lung development, nor do they trap the carbon dioxide that we breathe out. It is safe and important for kids to wear masks when a family member at home is tested positive or while stepping outside the home.

Myth: It is difficult to manage kids who test positive.

Fact: The same precautions and treatments as adults are to give for kids who test positive. These are home isolation, treating fever above 100F with Paracetamol, good hydration, normal diet, and symptomatic treatment if mild symptoms appear. It is important to monitor coronavirus symptoms in kids closely as they may differ from those in adults.

Myth: COVID cannot be detected in kids with an RT PCR test

Fact: RT PCR is effective in kids and can be used to test them. Even if the test is negative but the covid symptoms in kids begin to show, we need to treat it as positive if there is a contact history.

Whether it is COVID or a broken bone, kids bounce back faster than adults. While their bodies physiologically heal much faster, it is also their outlook that helps with their speedy recovery. Awareness of the above myths can help everyone prepare, manage and treat COVID in kids and even in adults with positivity and the attitude required to recover stronger!

If you have more questions on COVID, use the Seek Help feature and ask your study buddy - Proton on the Practically app to apply answers to real-life and Bring Learning Alive!

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