Small Spreaders

A new study indicates that younger children may put caregivers and older children at risk of contracting the virus

Early studies suggested children do not contribute much to the spread of coronavirus. But a new study, published in Jama Pediatrics indicates younger children may put caregivers and older children at risk of contracting the virus.

Many children don’t have any symptoms. Those that do get sick tend to experience milder symptoms such as low-grade fever, fatigue and cough. Some children have had severe complications, but this has been less common.

Children with underlying health conditions may be at increased risk for severe illness.

The new study examined 6 280 households between June 1 and December 31, 2020, that reported a paediatric Covid-19 case. Older children were more likely to be involved in the initial case, and 27% of the 6 280 households reported a secondary infection involving another member.

Data revealed that children aged 0 to 3, although less likely to bring the infection into the house, were more likely to spread the virus to another member than those aged 14 to 17. Children aged 4 to 8 also had increased odds in spreading the virus, as did those aged 9 to 13, but the greatest risk was among the younger children.

“Differential infectivity of paediatric age groups has implications for infection prevention controls within households and schools/childcare to minimise risk of household secondary transmission,” the researchers, who were supported by Public Health Ontario, wrote.

“Although children do not appear to transmit infection as frequently as adults, caregivers should be aware of the risk of transmission while caring for sick children in the household setting.”

IT’S challenging to isolate sick children from their caregivers.

Researchers said it’s “challenging, often impossible” to isolate from sick children, and as such caregivers should implement other infection control measures like wearing masks, washing hands and keeping them separate from siblings.

While most children get mild symptoms, the Harvard Medical School notes that potentially severe and dangerous complications can occur in children. Called multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), it can lead to life-threatening problems with the heart and other organs. In this condition, different body parts, such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, skin, eyes or gastrointestinal organs, can become inflamed.

Symptoms of MIS-C can include:

• Fever lasting more than a couple of days

• Rash

• “Bloodshot eyes”

• Stomach ache

• Vomiting and/or diarrhoea

• Large, swollen lymph node in the neck

• Neck pain

• Red, cracked lips

• Tongue redder than usual and looking like a strawberry

• Swollen hands and/or feet

• Irritability and/or unusual sleepiness or weakness

Many conditions can cause symptoms similar to those of MIS-C. Your doctor will want to know if your child has been around someone who has tested positive for the virus.