Children are also affected by the Covid-19 pandemic

Since the onset of the pandemic, a year ago, over 120 million people have been infected with the novel coronavirus. As expected the virus gradually made its way to children and although they seem to be the least affected category in terms of infection, SARS-CoV-2 can pose a real threat to children suffering from a series of illnesses and who have low immunity.

The virus can create severe symptoms or complications in young children suffering from diseases. According to Diana Ionescu, medical director with the Victor Gomoiu Children Hospital in Bucharest, the facility is functioning at full capacity.

Diana Ionescu: "We have 7 beds approved all occupied with patients plus the buffer wards full of presumably infected children waiting for the results of their tests. Some of these have already tested positive and we are trying to finds new beds for them or to transfer these little patients. The less severe cases or children who have been treated for the past 48 hours and whose condition is stable now can go home. Only the severe cases remain in the Covid treatment wards. There are mainly less severe cases which can be treated at home. However, we have lately witnessed an increasing number of medium to severe cases in the little ones."

According to Diana Ionescu, it is extremely important that family physicians should be immediately consulted after a child has presented symptoms of infection, namely respiratory or digestive issues. Children presenting such symptoms must be tested and treated as soon as possible. Some of the symptoms are fever, coughing, diarrhea, vomiting, digestive issues, sore throat and headaches. Other symptoms in children may be fatigue, muscle pain and in most severe cases pneumonia or acute respiratory failure. The Covid-19 can shortly change the life of a child. The situations affecting families, friendships, the daily routine and the community at large can have consequences upon the development, wellbeing and protection of children.  

Concurrently, quarantine and isolation measures, the closed schools and various travel restrictions are breaking their routine and social support putting more pressure on parents who are forced to look for alternative solutions. According to studies, anxiety, stress and uncertainties are strongly affecting children of all ages rendering them more vulnerable to violence and psychological pressure. Although they have mechanisms to cope with these emotions, children are in need of love and support from their parents because they are the main providers of safety and comfort to their children.

(bill)