Even children with COVID-19 are not safe even if they are only at home.
According to Dr. Cynthia Cuayo Juico, Medical Quality Assurance head of Manila Doctors Hospital, children’s companions at home who go out to shop or go to work are more likely to carry the virus if they are not careful.
“Pagka lumabas, siguraduhing magpalit ng damit, maligo at ‘yung gamit mo ilagay na sa labahan o ibabad na,” said Juico.
In an interview with TeleRadyo Thursday morning, Juico said that children cannot be considered silent spreaders of COVID-19 because they do not go out.
“Hindi na natin masabi ‘yan ngayon. Hindi naman sila lumalabas, nasa bahay lang sila pero sila ‘yung nahahawa. Hindi mo masasabing spreader sila kasi ang manifestation sa kanila hindi parang sa matatanda na nagfe-fever tapos lumalabas,” she said.
In children with COVID-19, their symptoms are mild and they do not need to be hospitalized.
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“Ang mga bata nage-fever, naguubo masakit ang katawan—ganun lang kasimple, ‘di na kailangang dalin pa sa ospital,” she said.
She said the children only need to be hydrated and given paracetamol if needed. They should also be given vitamin C and zinc.
“Isa o dalawa lang ang naa-admit namin, medyo teenager na. May na-admit akong 15 and above, ang manifestation ay tulad sa matatanda na-admit namin sila sa COVID floor. Pero bihirang-bihira,” she explained.
She advised the companions of the kids leaving the house to wear masks. Separate children when someone gets sick at home.
He added that it is also important to give the children a schedule so that we have a “semblance of normal” and not just neglect them soaked in gadgets.
“Bigyan ng oras ang paglalaro sa computer. Ang mga bata ngayon tumataba nang husto kasi walang activity. Kailangan ang vitamin D sa mga bata. Pagka may ubo at sipon paracetamol tapos tumawag na sa doktor ninyo, wag na munang dalhin sa ospital,” she said.