It has been three years into the Covid pandemic that literally stopped the world, but researchers are still learning about it every day– because the virus hasn’t completely gone.
With that being said, like adults, our kids are also still at risk of catching this deadly virus anytime.
Fortunately, unlike before, now you can do many things to protect your child from Covid-19, ranging from washing hands often to wearing masks to getting the Covid-19 vaccine. Plus, now there are more options for treatment if your child catches it.
Let’s talk about what treatment for Covid in children is like and where you can go for Covid treatment for kids in Tampa, FL.
Covid Treatment for Kids
Compared to adults, kids are less likely to catch the virus. And if they do catch it, the virus in kids causes a milder illness (though some kids have become very sick with covid during the initial pandemic years). It’s also very likely that your kid catches the virus but does not show symptoms at all.
If your child is exhibiting symptoms, like those of Covid-19, such as cough, fever, sore throat, trouble breathing, vomiting, belly pain, or just doesn’t feel well, it’s best to talk to their pediatrician whether they need a test for Covid-19.
Unlike before, now you can do a Covid-19 test at home. On confirming the diagnosis of Covid-19, your child’s pediatrician can decide whether the child can be treated at home or should come for in-person consultation with the pediatrician.
Your child may not need any specific treatment for mild symptoms and may get better with rest, fluids, and fever-reducing medicines.
However, if your child is at higher risk for developing severe infection due to illnesses like diabetes, obesity, asthma, and genetic conditions, the pediatrician may recommend certain medicines, such as monoclonal antibodies or antiviral drugs. Such drugs can keep your child from getting very sick and needing care at a hospital.
For a very sick child with covid, there may be a need for care from a hospital, possibly in the ICU, where the doctor closely watches the child and gives them IV fluid or oxygen if needed. The treatment plan for a sick child with covid may include medicines such as steroids, monoclonal antibodies, and antiviral medicines. Some children may also need a breathing machine.
How Can You Prevent Covid in Children?
Three years ago, there were only preventive measures– such as wearing face masks, keeping hands clean, cleaning and disinfecting your home, and choosing safer activities – that you could take to prevent Covid-19. But now you have vaccines as well.
Vaccines can reduce the risk of getting as well as spreading the virus. A child above the age of 6 months can receive a Covid-19 vaccine. It’s also a good idea to take your child for a booster dose if your child has been vaccinated before and their immune system’s response has weekend over time.
Covid Treatment for Kids in Tampa, FL
At Children’s Medical Center, our pediatricians, lactation consultants, and entire staff stand with the public health agencies and families in and around Palm Harbor, Trinity, Westchase, and Lutz, FL in the fight against Covid-19. We also offer Covid vaccine for children of 5 years of age and up and education to parents so that they can shield their children from this disease.
To arrange a private consultation with one of our pediatricians, call our offices near you: Palm Harbor office at (727) 787-6335, Trinity office at (727) 376-8404, Lutz office at (813) 751-3131, or Westchase office at (813) 891-6501.
