Pediatrician gives advice on children infected with Covid

Two severe cases of COVID-19 infection in children have been reported in the past week. A pediatrician reminds the public that children infected with COVID-19 may develop croup, urging parents to vaccinate their children as soon as possible.

The Centre for Health Protection said in the past week that a 19-month-old boy and a 12-month-old boy contracted COVID-19 and developed croup, at one point being in critical condition. Neither of them had received the COVID-19 vaccine.

A pediatrician pointed out that although COVID-19 has become endemic, it still poses a high threat and urged the public not to underestimate it.

Dr. Kwan Yat-wah said: “As the virus mutates, our immune system cannot handle it, and severe cases may occur. Therefore, everyone must be careful.

Croup is a very serious condition that may occur after contracting COVID-19. Parents should not underestimate these symptoms. If you notice a loud breathing sound in your child, in addition to croup, if they are not eating well, have a persistent fever, and have difficulty breathing, take them to the hospital immediately for early treatment.

Furthermore, a two-year-old boy recently visited a live chicken stall at the Wo Che Market in Sha Tin and contracted avian influenza A.

Dr Kwan urged parents to prevent their children from coming into contact with live poultry, and if they do, to wash their hands immediately.

“Citizens should be careful to avoid contact with poultry and bringing poultry home. Poultry must be thoroughly cooked before consumption.”

He also urged parents who plan to travel with their children during the summer holidays to check for any local outbreaks and to get relevant vaccinations in advance. For example, when visiting Asian regions, parents should pay attention to temperatures and mosquito populations.