Doctors recommend vigilance for flu-like symptoms in children following a recent increase in Covid cases.
Doctors recommend vigilance for flu-like symptoms in children following a recent increase in Covid cases.(representational image)
Pune : In light of the spike in Covid-19 cases in some regions of the nation, doctors in Pune have advised parents to remain watchful and look out for flu-like symptoms in their children.
The seven-year-old boy, who was not vaccinated and displayed post-Covid-19 symptoms, was diagnosed with severe multisystem inflammatory syndrome, prompting the advisory. The doctors believe he contracted the infection in August of this year.
The boy visited the doctor on October 20, presenting with a severe respiratory ailment and symptoms resembling Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MISC) upon admission to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Initially, he exhibited rapid breathing, fever, rash, and abdominal pain, along with anemia, hypotension, and a low platelet count.
Upon admission, doctors promptly initiated treatment with intravenous fluids and inotropic support. As the condition worsened, the patient received intravenous immunoglobulin and steroids. Tests for typhoid and dengue yielded negative results.
After testing for Covid-19 antibodies, doctors discovered the youngster had a history of Covid infection. The patient showed significant improvement and achieved normal oxygen levels after ten days in the PICU. Following two weeks of treatment, the child was discharged from the hospital.
According to the doctor, the patient faced complications post-Covid-19 due to antibodies produced by the body as a defense mechanism. The specific variant responsible for the infection remains uncertain due to the child’s complications following the initial infection.
Another doctor emphasized that MISC is a rare but serious side effect in children with a history of COVID-19. It occurs when the immune system overreacts, leading to widespread inflammation. Despite a decrease in new cases, caution is advised. Moreover, infants born to mothers with Covid-19 are now showing signs of MISC, making detection challenging without regular antibody checks.
