Post-COVID in kids: How to help your child cope with lingering symptoms?

The second wave of coronavirus has not only impacted the adults, but also the children and the newborns. From severe inflammatory infections like multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) to various lingering complications, kids have not been spared by the novel coronavirus in the second wave. While COVID-19 itself is a grievous matter, post COVID complications are not to be ignored. It is crucial that collectively we take all the steps to ensure that our children are safe and recover back to their healthy self.

Long COVID is a term used to define the symptoms experienced by people long after they have recovered from the infection. While in mild and moderate cases of COVID-19, people may experience symptoms for at least 2 weeks or even less, there are patients who continue to experience long term complications 12 weeks after the period of infection, which is known as long COVID.

Unlike the first wave of coronavirus, the second wave has taken a grievous toll on children below the age of 18. While most children show mild to no symptoms, they recover sooner and faster than adults. Only in certain cases, they may develop acute infection, which may increase their chances of long COVID.

Given the unpredictability of the second wave, nothing can be ruled out in terms of children. While the infection itself is not of complications, experts suggest that lingering symptoms may be even more dangerous for kids. According to the Indian Academy of Paediatrics, who submitted their report on ways to protect children from the third wave to the Central government, more than the infection itself, the after-effects may pose a serious threat to life.

While the exact cause of post COVID in kids is yet to be determined, there are many lingering symptoms identified by experts post recovery. In the recent past, many cases of multisystem inflammatory syndrome or pediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome (PIMS) have been identified in children post COVID recovery. Additionally, they may experience headaches, dizziness, nausea, seizures, gastrointestinal problems and insomnia.

As crucial it is to manage COVID-19 infections in kids, it is as important to help your child cope with lingering symptoms. Long term effects of COVID-19 may take a serious toll on your child's physical and mental health. Therefore, here are some valuable tips to manage not just coronavirus infections in your kids, but also the long term effects that may do more damage in the long run.

Given the likeness in the coronavirus symptoms to other respiratory infections such as the common cold or the flu, we often ignore the early signs of COVID-19 infections. However, in order to protect the children, early diagnosis is crucial and any delay may lead to severe complications. When treated in time, COVID infections can be contained and post COVID symptoms may be more manageable.

Instead of adhering to internet sources or trying to treat your kid with different medications, it is highly important that you consult your doctor. Until and unless you are prescribed drugs and recommended various recovery methods by your physician, do not engage in anything that could possibly put your child at risk.

While your child recovers from COVID-19, as a parent, it is a must that you pay great attention to their diet and nutrition. Include all the vitamins and minerals in their meals and keep reminding them to drink water. Fresh home cooked foods and Vitamin C rich foods and fruits can really lift up their physical health. ORS solutions and other nutritional supplements may also be given post consultation with the doctor. Do not give them any junk food as it may slow the recovery process.

As much as COVID stress and anxiety is prevalent in adults, it is as common in kids. Bouts of extreme mood swings, signs of withdrawal and other factors can be signs of COVID-induced mental health problems in kids. Locate these signs and address them immediately. Children need utmost support during such times and who better than the parents can provide them with that support.