COVID-19 & Children: An exclusive interview with Dr. Ahmed Abdulaal

We recently had the opportunity and the pleasure to interview Dr. Ahmed Abdelaal, a consultant physician and one of the most reputable physicians in the UAE with more than 25 years of experience treating pediatric patients. During the interview, we asked Dr. Ahmed some questions related to the Coronavirus, and here we share with you the most important things he shared with us.

How likely are children to get sick when infected with Coronavirus 2019 (Covid 19)?

The truth is that children of all ages, from infants to teens, can be infected with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). But the symptoms of most affected children are usually not as severe as those of adults, and some may have no symptoms.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Association of Children’s Hospitals, children in the United States account for approximately 16% of all COVID-19 cases. However, there is an uptick in COVID-19 cases among children in the United States, with children recently making up 24% of the more than 100,000 cases of COVID-19 reported COVID-19 cases.

The CDC states that there have been more than 8,300 hospital admissions associated with COVID-19 in the 5- to 11-year age group and nearly 100 deaths as of mid-October. In addition, the CDC has emphasized that COVID-19 is one of the top ten causes of death for children in this age group.

More than 6.6 million children have contracted this virus since the beginning of the pandemic. Children have suffered in many other ways. Some can get sick from the virus, and some get very sick.”

Have you noticed an increase in the number of cases in children with the Omicron mutant compared to Delta?

It is noticeable that the “delta” mutant infected children more than the previous mutant, but the effect of ‘Omicron’ on them appears to be worse concerning the number of cases rather than their severity.

This constitutes a source of great concern to us, especially within the group that cannot receive the vaccination under the age of five, or the group that has not fully received the vaccine, or the eligible group that has not received the vaccination at all and has reached the age of 5 years and above.

We are certainly seeing an increase in the number of children infected with Covid-19, but they do not necessarily show symptoms, noting that children are going to them for another treatment, and they are discovered to have the disease when they are examined.

What are the symptoms of Covid 19 in children, and is there a difference in the severity of symptoms for the mutated?

Symptoms of Covid 19 in children are usually constant with a difference in severity, but it has been observed that loss of sense of smell or taste and cough intensity is more with the delta mutant.

Symptoms in general

• Fever
• Cough with sputum
• Recent loss of taste or smell
• Changes to the skin, such as discoloration of some areas of the feet and hands
• sore throat
• Gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, cramps, or diarrhea
• goosebumps
• Muscular aches and pains
• exhaust
• Severe recent headache
• Recent nasal congestion

However, some children become very ill when infected with COVID-19. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), they may need hospitalization, intensive care unit treatment, or a ventilator to help them if they develop a multisystem infection in children.

The multisystem inflammatory syndrome symptoms include inflammation in the heart and other organs, usually seen in children who have not been seriously ill from COVID-19.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recorded 5,973 cases of multisystem inflammatory syndrome so far, and 52 children have died from it.

How are children affected by covid 19?

Children under one year of age may be at greater risk of severe symptoms of COVID-19 infection than older children. This is likely because their immunity is not fully matured, and their airways are smaller, making them more susceptible to respiratory problems if infected with respiratory viruses.

Newborns can contract COVID-19 during birth or due to infection transmitted to them after birth by HIV-infected caregivers.

In addition, children with other health conditions, such as obesity, diabetes, and asthma, may be at greater risk of severe illness if infected with COVID-19. Children with congenital heart disease, genetic conditions, or conditions that affect the nervous system or metabolism may also be more at risk of developing a severe illness with COVID-19 infection.

Some children continue to experience symptoms of COVID-19 even after the initial recovery. In addition, in rare cases, some children can develop severe conditions that appear to be linked to COVID-19.

If children don’t usually develop severe symptoms due to COVID-19, why do they need to be vaccinated?

The COVID-19 vaccine can prevent your child from contracting and spreading the virus.

The vaccine can protect the children from a severe illness in the event of exposure to Covid-19 infection and protect them from short- and long-term complications.

Getting the COVID-19 vaccine can also help keep a child in school and participate in activities, games, and team sports more safely.

Tips to prevent covid 19

• Keeping hands clean
• Commitment to social distancing
• Cleaning and disinfecting the house
• Wearing cloth masks in children after three years of age when appropriate, indoors, and when mixing with other people.

It is the parents’ responsibility to monitor and protect children. The whole family should be vaccinated if possible.” Vaccinated parents and siblings can protect younger unvaccinated children

Should young children be vaccinated against COVID-19?

The advice and evidence are clear: Children aged 5-11 years should be vaccinated. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) recently gave its official recommendation to approve the BioNTech-Pfizer vaccine for children aged five years and over to carry out school and social activities and lead a normal life.

Advice for parents if your child has COVID-19

If your child has symptoms of COVID-19 and you think he may have COVID-19, get the child diagnosed and contact your child’s doctor. Keep your child at home and away from others as much as possible, except when he or she needs medical care. Have your child use a separate bedroom and bathroom from family members if possible. Follow the recommendations of the World Health Organization and your government regarding quarantine and isolation measures as much as possible.