As coronavirus infection rates soar across the country, the symptoms to spot in children differ to that of adults.
While children are at less of a risk when it comes to suffering complications from the virus, there have been a number of cases where younger sufferers have needed hospital treatment.
In adults, the main symptoms are a high temperature, a new and continuous cough and a loss of taste and smell.
While the longer list of symptoms in adults also covers headaches, fatigue, dizziness and ‘brain fog’ – the key signs in children are slightly different.
According to data from the ZOE Symptom Tracker App, fatigue was listed as one of the main symptoms in children with the virus.
This was followed by headaches, sore throat and a loss of appetite.
Sore throat
According to the symptom tracker app, 38% of children with the virus reported a sore throat.
The cause of a sore throat in sick children is usually some form of viral infection
Loss of appetite
Data reveals 35% of children with coronavirus reported suffering a loss of appetite.
According to medics, babies under the age of one who test positive for coronavirus are more likely to suffer from this symptom.
Paediatric experts advise trying to break down their food in smaller portions, feeding them little and often if possible when they are unwell.
Fever
A fever is also one of the main symptoms to look out for in children suspected of having the virus.
In adults and children over the ageof three months,a temperature over 37C is considered high.h
In children and babies who have a high temperature, determined with a simple thermometer at home, the NHS advises: “Babies should be given plenty of liquids, such as breast milk or formula.
“Even if your child isn’t thirsty, try to get them to drink little and often to keep their fluid levels up.”
Headaches
According to the ZOE Symptom Tracker app, 53% of children reported having a headache after testing positive for coronavirus.
The US Centre for Disease Control also officially lists headaches as a symptom in children and advises all children complaining of a headache should be monitored for other coronavirus symptoms.
Professor Anne MacGregor says children who suffer a headache often get a store stomach at the same time – and advised parents to ask their children if their head hurts should they complain of a sore tummy, reports the Sun Online.
Fatigue
The majority of children with coronavirus reported suffering from fatgiue
Data reveals 55% of children suffered from the debilitating symptom, with many children becoming withdrawn.
Toddlers could also become more prone to tantrums and crying fits.
Fatigue has also been listed as a more long-lasting symptom in adults who go on to suffer long-covid.
Many adults have said they have been left suffering from fatigue weeks, even months, after they have been given the all clear
According to the Centre for Disease Control, other symptoms include:
- Cough
- Nasal congestion or runny nose
- New loss of taste or smell
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Diarrhea
- Nausea or vomiting
- Stomachache
- Muscle or body aches
- mirror it
