Merdeka.com – The infection of a child with the COVID-19 virus is something that parents need to watch out for. This is especially so when children experience a condition known as long COVID-19.
Consultant pediatrician, infectious disease and tropical pediatrics, Prof. Dr. dr. Hindra Irawan Satari, Sp.A(K), M.Trop.Paed from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia reminded parents that they need to be prepared for the possibility of a long COVID-19 in their children.
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“If the child has been exposed to it, parents need to be prepared for the possibility of a long COVID-19, so after recovering, the next month they will check with the doctor,” Hindra said some time ago, as reported by Antara.
Hindra said that long COVID-19 is very likely to occur in children who have a history of infection with the SARS CoV-2 virus, with at least one symptom persisting for at least 12 weeks after the results of the first swab test and no other diagnosis was found. These symptoms can have an impact on daily activities and last a long time or come and go repeatedly.
Hindra also suggested that one month after being tested negative for COVID-19, the child should be taken to the doctor for an examination to see if he has long COVID-19.
“But, if it seems that there are persistent symptoms, there is no need to wait a month. It is hoped that the doctor can immediately diagnose and treat him so that he will recover quickly,” added Hindra.
The symptoms of long COVID-19 in children, said Hindra, could be different. Some just experience shortness of breath, some feel weak continuously.
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Tips to Prevent Long COVID-19 in Children
Hindra also gave some tips to prevent children from experiencing long COVID-19, including making sure children get enough rest and always in a room with good air circulation to reduce the density of the virus.
“The child’s immune system is immature, still vulnerable. He needs rest, needs enough sleep, needs support. This can make him recover completely and not have a long COVID-19,” said Hindra.
In addition, Hindra also reminded the importance of eating balanced nutrition, sunbathing to get natural vitamin D from sunlight, and vaccinating if the child is 6 years old.
As for children under five who cannot be vaccinated, Hindra, who is now practicing at Pondok Indah Hospital, said the importance of support from the people around him to continue to adhere to health protocols properly.
“Toddlers live at home. So the risk of exposure is from people who are at home. For this reason, people who are at home should not carry the virus, must vaccinate, not travel unnecessarily, continue to maintain health, thereby reducing the risk of infection in children who are infected. at home,” he said.
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