The Covid-19 Omicron variant has been better at spreading and infecting wide swathes of the population than its predecessor, the Delta variant. One marked difference is its also spreading and infecting more children than other variants.
As childcare providers and secondary caregivers for children who are yet to be cleared to be vaccinated, early learning childhood educators must arm themselves with proper knowledge to detect Covid-19 symptoms in children in their care.

The Numbers: Covid-19 cases in Kids

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children accounted for 17.4% of Covid-19 cases as of December 30, 2021.
Week-on-week comparison shows there has been a 7% increase in children infected with Covid-19.
While among 24 states who have reported their cases, children only make up 1.7%-4.1% of recorded hospitalizations, the increase is worrying pediatricians all over the country.
These numbers do not only contradict the widely held belief that children rarely get infected by Covid-19 or that they do not require hospitalization when they’ve contracted the virus.

The Outlook: FDA-Approved Booster

Vaccinations have since been approved for children aged 5 years and older. While the youngest are yet to get clearance on vaccinations, parents must prioritize having their children vaccinated.
For children 5-11, 6.5 million or 23% of children have received a vaccination.
This figure is encouraging even if percentages of children vaccinated vary widely by state.
With Pfizer being authorized as a booster for children aged 12-17, this move comes at an opportune time especially with Covid-19 cases rising in children.

The Symptoms: When to Consult a Doctor

While children are less sensitive to Covid-19 symptoms, parents and caregivers must be observant if a child exhibits these symptoms.

• • Trouble breathing

Shortness of breath still remains a top symptom to watch out for Covid-19 infection.

• • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest

Aside from shortness of breath, children infected with Covid-19 have also reported chest pains. This might point to lung infection.

• • Dehydration

Children with Covid-19 are also more likely to be dehydrated as they have lesser water intake.

• • Lack of appetite

They may also have decreased appetite for food, even for their favorite meals.

• • Not having regular bowel movements

If you notice a change in your child’s bowel movements or their diapers are dryer than normal, it’s time to consult a doctor.

Routine antigen tests can also help in catching a child’s Covid-19 infection earlier. While children infected with the virus still largely do not need hospitalization, the rising cases are particularly worrying pediatricians.

As childcare providers and secondary caregivers to these children, knowing what to look for and the next steps in ensuring the child gets proper immediate care when it comes to Covid-19 can make a vast difference between preventing more infections or shutting down your childcare center due to widespread infection.