Guide to Self-Isolation for Children with COVID-19

Day by day, the number of cases infected with the COVID-19 virus in Indonesia is increasing. And in recent weeks, this figure is also dominated by cases in children. According to the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, the increase in cases of COVID-19 infection in children has a tendency with the new COVID-19 variant, namely the Delta variant.

With the increase in cases of COVID-19 in children, parents certainly need to increase vigilance, both in terms of prevention and also handling if children show symptoms of COVID-19 infection. In connection with this condition, the Indonesian Pediatrician Association (IDAI) has provided special guidelines for the self-isolation of children with COVID-19. Check out the full guide below!

Also read: Be careful, these objects have the potential to be a source of transmission of Covid-19!

How Many Cases of COVID-19 in Children?

The Chairperson of IDAI, Professor Aman Bhakti Pulungan, said positive cases of COVID-19 in children aged 0-18 years reached 12.5%. That means, one in eight confirmed cases of COVID-19 occurs in children. The mortality rate is 3% to 5%.

The percentage of child deaths due to COVID-19 in Indonesia is currently the highest in the world. "From all the data on children who died, 50% were toddlers," said Professor Aman, as quoted from Data Word.

Based on data from Databoks, The COVID-19 Task Force noted that in the period from May 30 to June 20, 2021, the highest child mortality rate due to COVID-19 was experienced by ages 0 to 2 years. The percentage reached 0.81%.

The number of children in this age group who died reached 261 cases. Meanwhile, the number of confirmed positive cases was 32,264. For additional information, cumulatively, the highest cases of COVID-19 in Indonesia at the age of children came from the age group 7 to 12 years (28.02%). Next, followed by the age group of 16 to 18 years (25.23%), and 13 to 15 years (19.92%).

Why is the Delta Variant Easier to Attack Children?

Experts say that the Delta variant is indeed more contagious than the Alpha variant. This is thought to be due to several key mutations that trigger protein spikes, allowing the virus to penetrate the immune system and infect healthy cells. As a result, the potential for transmission to many people is higher

In addition, according to Daeng M Faqih, General Chair of the Indonesian Doctors Association (IDI), this massive transmission in children is also assessed as a result of the absence of a corona virus vaccine program for children under 18 years of age.

Also read: Preventing COVID-19, Delay Taking Your Little One to the Pediatrician

What are the guidelines for self-isolation for children with COVID-19 symptoms?

The increasing number of cases of COVID-19 infection and the increasingly inadequate number of health facilities have forced some patients, including children, to self-isolate. However, what are the conditions for self-isolation for these children? And what are the proper steps? The following is a complete guide from IDAI.

Self-Isolation Terms for Children

1. Asymptomatic or asymptomatic.

2. Mild symptoms, such as cough, runny nose, fever, diarrhea, vomiting, and rashes.

3. Active children, can eat and drink.

4. Apply cough etiquette.

5. Monitor symptoms or complaints.

6. Check body temperature 2 times a day (morning and evening).

7. The environment of the house or room has good ventilation.

Self-isolation in children can be done with the following notes:

1. Parents can continue to nurture positive children.

2. Parents or caregivers are at low risk for severe symptoms of COVID-19.

3. If there is a positive family member, the child can be isolated together.

4. If parents and children have different COVID-19 statuses, it is recommended that they sleep 2 meters apart or on separate mattresses.

5. Provide psychological support to children.

During self-isolation, periodically check the child's respiratory rate. Recognize the danger signs, if your child's respiratory rate is in the following ranges:

- less than 2 months old ≥ 60 times per minute.

- age 2 to 11 months ≥ 50 times per minute.

- ages 1 to 5 years ≥ 40 times per minute.

- age > 5 years ≥ 30 times per minute.

Take the child to the hospital immediately if Mums or Dads find the following symptoms:

- Children sleep a lot

- Quick breath

- There is a hollow in the chest and a flat nose

- Red eyes, rash, swollen neck

- Fever more than 7 days

- Seizures

- Can't eat and drink

- Sunken eyes

- Decreased urination

- Decreased consciousness

The increase in cases of being infected with COVID-19 in children has increased significantly in recent weeks. Therefore, parents need to increase vigilance regarding preventive measures and also to the symptoms that may be experienced by their little one. Through the self-isolation guide described above, hopefully it can help Mums and Dads to reduce panic if your little one is declared infected with the COVID-19 virus. (BAG)

Also read: How to Increase Your Little One's Endurance During COVID-19

Reference

Data said. "Covid-19 Attacks Many Children, What Causes It?"

Diary of a Guide to Independent Isolation of Children with COVID-19 by the Indonesian Pediatrician Association.

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