Per Sunday (25/7/2021), there were 3,166,505 active cases COVID-19 in Indonesia. Not all active cases have severe and critical symptoms, there are some cases with mild symptoms or even no symptoms at all (asymptomatic).
In the last two cases, it is recommended to self-isolate so that others do not get infected. However, what if those who experience it are children? Do they still have to do self isolation?
According to the Indonesian Pediatrician Association (IDAI) in website official, idai.or.idChildren with mild and asymptomatic symptoms need to undergo self-isolation. This is stated in Children’s Self-Isolation Guide Diary Book compiled by IDAI. Check out the full guide below!
1. This is the requirement for self-isolation for children!
IDAI stipulates seven conditions for self-isolation for children, namely:
- Asymptomatic or asymptomatic
- Mild symptoms such as cough, runny nose, fever, diarrhea, vomiting, and rash
- Active children, can eat and drink
- Practice cough etiquette
- Monitor symptoms or complaints
- Check body temperature twice a day in the morning and evening
- The environment of the house or room has good ventilation
Parents can still care for children who are positive for COVID-19, as long as they have a low risk of severe COVID-19 symptoms. If there is a positive family member, they can be isolated together. If parents are negative for COVID-19 and are forced to sleep in the same room, it is recommended to sleep on separate mattresses 2 meters apart. Do not forget to provide psychological support to children.
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2. What do you need to prepare at home?
oximeter illustration (pexels.com/Stanley Ng)–
To support self-isolation, parents need to prepare tools such as thermometers (temperature gauges) and oximeter or pulse oximetry (measuring oxygen saturation and pulse rate). In addition, prepare medicines such as fever-reducing drugs, zinc supplements, vitamin D3, and vitamin C.
According to IDAI, the appropriate dose of vitamin C for children aged 1-3 years is a maximum of 400 mg per day, 4-8 years is a maximum of 600 mg per day, 9-13 years is a maximum of 1200 mg per day, and 14-18 years is a maximum of 1800 mg. per day. Do not forget, taking zinc supplements as much as 20 mg per day for 14 days.
What about vitamin D3? Children need to consume 1000 IU per day, adolescents 2000 IU per day, and obese adolescents 5000 IU per day.
Also Read: Complete Guide to Independent Isolation for Breastfeeding Mothers
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3. What things should be done during self-isolation?
hand washing illustration (news.berkeley.edu)–
When a child is self-isolating, the protocol applied is to check body temperature twice a day, check oxygen saturation and pulse rate, monitor breathing rate, give the child nutritious food, and give breast milk (if the child still needs it).
Regarding the use of masks in children, IDAI’s recommendations are:
- Children aged 2 years and over who are able to use and remove masks are recommended to wear masks
- The mask must be properly attached
- Masks do not need to be used while the child is sleeping
- Give a ‘mask break’ if the child is in the room alone or there is a distance of 2 meters from the caregiver
- Caregivers who are in the same room should wear a mask or eye protection whenever possible
To protect themselves and others from disease, children need to wash their hands regularly. In addition, teach coughing and sneezing etiquette, namely covering the mouth and nose with a tissue or with the inside of the upper arm.
Don’t forget to disinfect the room! Make sure to regularly clean frequently touched areas of the house such as doorknobs, faucets, toilets, sinks, switches, tables and chairs. Cleaning is done with a special disinfectant liquid or a mixture of water and soap.
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4. Immediately take the child to the hospital if you experience these symptoms!
illustration of a child with fever (together.stjude.org)–
Common symptoms of COVID-19 in children are fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and shortness of breath. However, parents should immediately take their child to the hospital if they experience the following symptoms:
- Quick breath
- Child sleeps too much
- Oxygen saturation below 95 percent
- There is a hollow in the chest and a puffy nose
- Red eyes, rash, and swollen neck
- Fever more than 7 days
- Can’t eat and drink
- Sunken eyes
- Decreased urination (BAK)
- There is a loss of consciousness
- Seizure
In addition, also pay attention to the rate of breath. It is said to be dangerous if the breathing rate of infants under 2 months is more than 60 times per minute, infants 2-11 months is more than 50 times per minute, children aged 1-5 years are more than 40 times per minute, and children over 5 years are more than 30 times per minute.
On the other hand, what are the signs of the end of self-isolation? Generally, symptoms will disappear within 14 days. It is recommended to do an inspection swab repeat 10-14 days after the first day of symptoms or 10-14 days after swab first positive.
However, if the child has severe or chronic symptoms, the transmission period is generally longer, so only the doctor has the right to determine when the self-isolation is complete. And remember, even though you have tested negative for COVID-19, stay at home if you don’t have an urgent need, okay!
Also Read: The Death Rate of COVID-19 in Indonesian Children 3-5 Percent
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