Parents on high alert as a new group of Covid -19 symptoms identified in children and young adults; Covid -19 pandemic has worsened OCD symptoms among both children and young adults

Parents should be on high alert as a new group of Covid -19 symptoms has been identified in kids & adolescents; Covid -19 pandemic

has also been found to have worsened OCD symptoms in both children & adolescents.

In a recent report, Covid -19 has been identified to have caused a severe condition in children and adolescents called multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C). This new study has identified a few symptoms that can arise in the young population.

Irrespective of the vulnerability that the middle-aged and especially the aged face and those who already have some underlining medical conditions, the young population was considered relatively safe from Covid -19.

However, the new study has thrown some challenging and worrisome symptoms that the younger population may have to deal with.

Most common symptoms of Covid -19 in children and young adults

While they are some common symptoms that both the adults and the elderly face, there are some symptoms that are unique to children, very akin to the common cold; however, these symptoms linger and can actually transform into something serious.

• Fever – with – runny nose
• Fatigue experienced by children 
• Loss of sense of smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion
• Chest pain and shortness of breath
• Muscle or body aches.

The above symptoms may seem relatively simple and not high risk; however, a child suffering from the same for extended periods of time; has the potential to take a heavy toll on health.

While it has been noted that the Covid -19 pandemic has been relatively lesser amongst kids and young adults but the severity of the same is being seen presently in those who have got infected.

According to the new study, the condition of multisystem inflammatory syndrome is of serious concern.

While the children and young adults have experienced mild symptoms, as mentioned above, children and young adults who develop MIS-C conditions have reported having severe inflammation in their organs – including the heart, lungs, blood vessels, kidneys, digestive system, brain, skin, or eyes.

Along with the above, some of the associated symptoms, a child or a young adult who has developed multisystem inflammatory syndrome may exhibit various other symptoms other than the most common symptoms related to Covid -19, 

• Swollen glands in the neck
• Dry and cracked lips
• Rash on the body
• Red fingers or toes
• Inflamed eyes.

Apart from the above, in a medical examination of children suffering from Covid -19 and Covid -19 induced multisystem inflammatory syndrome, the researchers have claimed that the symptoms can also be “mucocutaneous,” which involves both mucous membranes like nostrils and typical skin. 

These children also exhibited signs of swollen eyes, flushed cheeks, and a “Strawberry tongue.”

As said, the condition of “strawberry tongue” is a condition wherein children develop swollen, bumpy, and bright red tongue.

 Of the studied children, some showed strawberry tongue; others showed swollen red eyes and flushed cheeks. 

Also, in the study, some children showed signs of MIS -C, under which at least two more organs were affected with “no plausible alternative diagnosis.”

Apart from the above, some children also showed signs of “mucocutaneous changes,” some developed red palms, lip hyperemia – a condition that causes redness and inflammation.

Covid -19 and Children and Young Adults with OCD

The Covid -19 is also seemed to have an adverse effect on children and young adults with OCD (Obsessive Compulsive disorder)

OCD is a disorder with many different clinical expressions; these expressions include health anxiety, fear of bacteria and dirt, excessive handwashing, or use of disinfectants.

The relation between Covid -19 pandemic and those suffering from OCD has found a peculiar trait. 

The department of child and adolescent psychiatry at Aarhus University Hospital said in a press release. “It is important to examine how such a significant crisis can affect the expression, frequency, and progression of the disorder.”

The research was on how patients aged 7 to 21 years diagnosed with OCD reacted to Covid -19. 

The study showed – 44.6% of patients in the clinical group and 73% of patients in the survey group reported a worsening of symptoms.

Further analysis showed 32.3% of clinical group patients vs. 54.1% of survey group patients reported heightened anxiety, and 33.8% of patients in the clinical group vs. 43.2% of patients in the survey group reported worsening of depressive symptoms. 

The aggravation of OCD correlated with the worsening of anxiety, depressive symptoms, and avoidance behavior in both groups.

One of the symptoms that seem to come before any of the symptoms that the body exhibits, like fever or shortness of breath, is the loss of smell and taste. 

Therefore, the threat of Covid -19 is as real to children and Young adults as it is to the middle-aged and the elderly. 

In all the long term effects associated with Covid -19 can and is a serious concern.

In adults, the long term impact of Covid -19 on all the organs of the body has already been confirmed. From the brain, lungs, stomach, liver, kidneys, nervous system, teeth, gums, and even infertility in men in some cases have all been associated with and as long -term effects on the human body.

Hence, in conclusion, one can only stress the importance of precautionary methods, social distancing, and maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise, even if it is at home.