Author: Caroline Schmidt
Most people know that some common coronavirus symptoms include a fever, dry cough, and cold. According to New York City Health, only 0.06% of coronavirus deaths happen to kids. The illness is more extensive in adults. However, a rare multi-system inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) has been discovered in children and adolescents. The cause is still unknown, but it seems to have a connection to COVID-19.
When a child has MIS-C, multiple organs become inflamed such as the heart, kidney, and lungs. Some of the symptoms include vomiting, stomach pain, swelling, and redness. Most of the inflammation occurs in the respiratory and digestive systems. There are many different forms and combinations of this syndrome. The symptoms of this illness closely resemble toxic shock syndrome or Kawasaki Disease. Blood vessels could enlarge and form aneurysms. Like TSS, a fever, rash, and an abnormal heart rate could be signs of MIS-C.
MIS-C is very rare, and there have only been 186 cases in the U.S. as of May 2020. Most children recover, but receive treatment in the ICU. Although it is very unlikely to get MIS-C, it is important to remember to take measures to prevent this syndrome and the spread of COVID-19. There is a lot of information that remains undiscovered regarding MIS-C. The best things we can all do to stay healthy are to social distance, wear a mask every time we go out, and wash our hands frequently.
Sources
https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/coronavirus-age-sex-demographics/
https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/misc/stats.html
http://www.childrenshospital.org/conditions-and-treatments/conditions/m/mis-c