Yes, toddlers can also be infected with the Sars-Cov-2 coronavirus: several reports mention newborns infected during pregnancy (therefore sick at birth) or even babies infected by their parents (suffering from Covid- 19) after birth…”Covid-19 can occur at any age, including in infants (before the age of 3 months)” confirms Dr. Solange Moore, pediatrician.
No need to panic. Because, it is proven, the Covid-19 is generally not dangerous for children. Thus, on October 20, 2020, children (aged 0 to 18) represented less than 1% of hospitalized patients and deaths linked to the coronavirus epidemic.
And if the tragic accounts of deaths of newborns due to Covid-19 tend to accentuate the concern of parents, it should be noted that, since March 1, 2020, “only” 3 deaths of children aged 0 at 14 were registered in France.
Covid-19: how is the coronavirus transmitted to the baby?
In 90% of cases, the baby is infected with the Sars-Cov-2 coronavirus via an adult: child-to-child transmissions are extremely rare. “The risk of transmission exists mainly from adult to adult, from adult to child, but rarely from child to child, or from child to adult. This means that children, in primary school, in kindergarten, in nursery, are unlikely to contaminate each other and to contaminate the adults around them.“had also affirmed the Minister of Health Olivier Véran in September 2020.
Can the Sars-Cov-2 coronavirus be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy? While a few cases have actually been reported in the international literature (in China and Sweden, for example), scientists are not yet certain: “at present, the scientific community remains cautious, believing that if the transmission from mother to child is possible during pregnancyit is very rare” remarks Inserm.
I suffer from Covid-19: can I continue to breastfeed? Yes. Because, as UNICEF explains, “mothers who contract Covid-19 before the birth of their child and who choose to breastfeed, but also mothers who contract the disease after starting to breastfeed, develop immune defenses (antibodies) which are transmitted to the child via breast milk, to protect it and help build its immune system. Which means continuing to breastfeed is the best way to protect your baby from the Sars-Cov-2 coronavirus.“
The CHU of Saint-Étienne specifies the hygiene advice that must be adopted by sick nursing mothers to protect their babies:
- Wear a surgical mask at all times, including during sleep (nap and night),
- Wash your hands very regularly, especially before and after contact with your baby,
- Respect the containment measures.
Coronavirus: what are the symptoms of Covid-19 in babies?
“In the vast majority of cases, Covid-19 is responsible for common symptoms in babies“ emphasizes Dr. Solange Moore.
Before the age of 6, the main symptoms of Covid-19 in children are, according to the Birth and Childhood Office (Belgium):
- Fever : “a temperature above 38°C rectally or 37.5°C axillary (under the armpit)“says Dr. Moore.
- Cough : “rather dry and itchy“says the pediatrician.
- Tiredness : “the baby is irritable, grumpy, complains or moans“says the specialist.
- Digestive signs: “diarrhea, nausea, vomiting…“says Dr. Moore.
Warning ! “In the event of signs of seriousness (baby has blue skin (cyanosis), mottled skin (and the trace of the finger does not easily erase when pressed on it), he refuses to eat…), it is necessary consult a doctor as soon as possible or call the SAMUrecommends Dr. Moore.
My baby has symptoms of Covid-19, what should I do? “If you think your baby has signs suggestive of a coronavirus infection (cough, fever, etc.), do not go directly to your attending physician or any other health professional without first calling them. In case of emergency, dial 15 (or 114 for people who are deaf or hard of hearing)“advises the CHU of Saint-Étienne.
Coronavirus: screening for Covid-19 in babies
Before the age of 6, the Covid-19 screening test (PCR test) is exceptional, according to the recommendations of the French Pediatric Society.
From the age of 6 months, the French Pediatric Society considers that 4 situations require a PCR test in children:
- For children whose symptoms do not improve after 3 days,
- For children suffering from a severe infection, requiring hospitalization,
- For children who have had proven contact with a person who tested positive for Covid-19,
- For children with symptoms of Covid-19 and who are in contact with people at risk (elderly people, suffering from chronic pathologies, immunocompromised…).
Before the age of 6 months, “aspiration of secretions can be performed instead of taking a sample from the nasopharynx (PCR test)“says the Learned Society for the treatment of pain in children.
Covid-19: how do I protect my baby against the coronavirus?
As a reminder, the transmission of the Sars-Cov-2 coronavirus is mainly by air (when talking, when coughing, etc.) but also via hand contact. In the absence of a case of Covid-19 at home, we respect the barrier gestures to protect our baby:
- Wash your hands thoroughly before and after touching your baby. If you wash your hands with hydroalcoholic gel, it is important to wait until the hands are dry before touching the child,
- Limit outings with your baby, and limit visits to the house, especially during the first weeks of the child,
- Do not put the child’s pacifier in the mouth,
- Cough, blow your nose or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow,
- Adults as well as children over 6 years old who make up the siblings must wear a mask when going outside.
Warning ! It is strictly forbidden to put a protective mask against the coronavirus on your baby: the risk of suffocation is very real because “before the age of 6, mouth breathing is not effective“explains Dr. Moore.
And also. “Despite the health situation and confinement, it is still necessary to vaccinate your child from the age of 2 months – because a delay in vaccination can have serious consequences.“Dr. Moore alerts us.
Thanks to Dr. Solange Moore, pediatrician at the Polyclinique du Parc in Valenciennes (ELSAN group).
Sources:
University Hospital of Saint-Etienne
Learned society for the treatment of pain in children
Birth and Childhood Office (Belgium)
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