Coronavirus in Babies: Here’s What You Need to Know

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Parents worry its just part of the job.
Whether youre a first-time parent, one with
adult children, or even one with grandchildren,
youre constantly worrying. So, it only natural
that the coronavirus pandemic has added one more
fear to your list could it affect your little
one? While research about the impact of COVID-19
on babies and children is still underway, there
are some precautions you can take to make sure
your baby is safe.
How Can You Identify Coronavirus in Babies? The
symptoms in babies are mainly similar to those in
adults, albeit slightly milder. These can include
fever, runny nose, sneezing and gastrointestinal
issues like diarrhea. Symptoms are likely to
materialize about a day or two after being
exposed, but its possible for some babies not to
show any symptoms. How would you know then?
Unfortunately, you wouldnt unless a family
member tests positive, requiring your baby to be
tested too.
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Do You Need To Be Worried About Your Baby
Catching The Virus? Youll be happy to know that
fewer babies and children are getting sick from
the virus, and if they do, they do better than
most adults. However, infants below the age of 1
are more likely to fall critically ill.
It has been noted in a published study that out
of 2,100 children who tested positive in China,
about 4 had no symptoms. 51 had mild symptoms,
and 39 had moderate symptoms. Only 6 had a
severe attack. Of these, most were infants.
Despite studies, researchers havent concluded
why children are more likely to have milder
symptoms when compared to adults. Some have
credited it with higher levels of antibodies or
different immune responses.
Can Babies Pass The Virus On To Others? The
virus is mainly known to spread via respiratory
droplets that get into the air when an infected
person sneezes or coughs. With that said, babies
and young children can spread COVID-19 in the
same way.
Can Babies Contract the Virus From Their
Infected Mother? While research is still on, it
has been noted that transmission between an
infected mother and her unborn child is very
unlikely.
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Can Babies and Children Get The Vaccine? While
most people worldwide are racing to get their
jab, the approved vaccines are only limited to
adult use. It will likely be many months before
any vaccine can be administered to young
children. Its normal if you still feel helpless
against the virus. However, parents or not, most
people are in the same boat. The only way you can
keep yourself, and your baby safe during the
pandemic is by following these steps

• Always wash your hands. Remember, wash up for 20
  seconds with soap and water, or use a hand
  sanitizer if you cant get to a washroom.
• Social distancing. If you have to step out, keep
  your child at home with a healthy caregiver to
  avoid them coming into contact with anyone.
• Mask up in public. Wear two masks a cloth mask
  over a surgical mask for maximum protection. Do
  note that children under 2 have been advised to
  avoid wearing a mask due to suffocation concerns.

While theres nothing that can calm a worrying
parent, make sure you follow these guidelines to
lower the risk of the virus hitting too close to
home.
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Source https//www.cordlifeindia.com/blog/coronav
irus-in-babies-heres-what-you-need-to-know/