The Da Nang Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said that the city is seeing a surge in COVID-19 cases among children amid the complex developments of the pandemic.

Children of any age can become ill with COVID-19. While children and adults experience similar symptoms, children generally have less serious illness than adults.

Symptoms requiring urgent medical attention include difficulty breathing/fast or shallow breathing (also grunting, inability to breastfeed in infants), blue lips or face, chest pain or pressure, confusion, inability to awaken/not interacting, inability to drink or keep down any liquids and severe stomach pain. 

Fortunately, children and teens have been less likely than adults so far to become very ill. However, even if they had few or no symptoms, kids can develop a number of other conditions after the COVID-19 infection. Some are minor and may go away on their own. Others are more serious and may need treatment.

Post COVID-19 condition, also sometimes referred to as ‘Long-haul COVID-19’ is a term used to describe symptoms persisting for weeks or months in some people, including children and teens, after the initial recovery from COVID-19 infection. If symptoms last beyond 3 months, your child’s doctor may recommend additional tests and possible referral to a specialized, multidisciplinary post-COVID-19 clinic.

According to the Da Nang CDC, post COVID-19 symptoms in children can include fatigue, gastrointestinal problems, sore throats, headaches, and muscle pain and weakness. Some children and teens may have COVID-19 experience changes to their sense of smell and taste. This can have a negative effect on their eating habits and mood. It can also prevent them from noticing dangerous odours such as the smell of burning and overheating.

Children and adolescents may also be affected by multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), a rare but serious condition that appears to be linked to COVID-19. In addition, clinical features can include but are not limited to persistent fever, rash, and other signs of inflammation.

Children who have these symptoms should seek medical advice and care.

The Da Nang CDC recommends that the best way to prevent post-COVID conditions in children is to prevent them from COVID-19 infection. All children and teens should receive the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as they are eligible to protect themselves and those around them, especially older adults and people with underlying health conditions, from getting sick. In addition, parents should encourage their children to take proper precautions and follow the 5K recommendations of the Ministry of Health to help prevent getting and spreading COVID-19.

Vitamin and mineral supplements and physical exercise are recommended for children to strengthen their immune system and fight off disease. In addition, parents are advised to teach their kids to adopt healthy habits that will help their chidren avoid overeating in order to prevent overweight and obesity. Parents should take proper meassures to keep their kids from catching a cold as well as ensure good indoor ventilation for them.

Reporting by H.LE – Translating by H.L