Health

Need a Pediatrician for Covid-19 Test or Vaccines?

• By All That Trending
• 07-02-2022
• 16.51K

COVID-19 is now a household name. This novel virus quickly made its way around the world, and it doesn't seem to be disappearing any time soon. Parents want to know how this virus might affect their children. It's best to turn to a pediatrician for advice. Do children need to see a pediatrician during the pandemic? The short answer is yes. These doctors specialize in treating babies, kids, and young adolescents. Many follow patients from birth until they reach adulthood. They are the only person, besides the parents, who fully knows a child's medical history. Here's why parents should consult with their child's pediatrician for covid-19 test or vaccines

Pediatricians Know When to Test

Although COVID-19 is widespread worldwide, it's not the only virus infecting kids. This new virus shares symptoms with other illnesses, including the common cold, flu, and RSV. Some kids may complain of a runny nose or sneeze frequently. Others may develop a high fever and muscle aches. If a child falls ill, parents should consult their pediatrician first. Their doctor will determine which tests they believe the patient needs for an accurate diagnosis. COVID-19 is highly contagious, and stopping the spread is a top priority. Just like adults, children can catch and spread the virus to others. Diagnostic testing can help mitigate this risk. A child's pediatrician will most likely recommend either an antigen or an RT-PCR test if the patient presents symptoms. Some even suggest taking a test as a precaution before attending a large gathering.

Pediatricians Understand Vaccines

When COVID-19 first made its appearance in the world, the novel virus made both doctors and scientists jump into action. It didn't take long for three vaccines to become available in the US. Shortly after being approved for adults, the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine became available for kids ages 12 to 17. In October 2021, the FDA authorized the emergency use of the same vaccine for children ages 5 through 11. Why should kids get the vaccine? COVID-19 affects every person differently. While most children experience mild symptoms and recover quickly, some end up hospitalized. A small percentage have even died. Even after the virus fully clears a child's system, they may go on to develop post-COVID complications, including a rare condition called multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). The vaccine helps prevent some infections, and it greatly reduces the risk of hospitalization or death. However, some parents remain hesitant about getting their kids vaccinated. There is a lot of misinformation online. Rumors have circulated that vaccines are not safe for kids. Some even believe they cause infertility or other reproductive issues. These statements have been proven false. The COVID-19 vaccine is both safe and effective for children. Instead of trusting social media posts, parents should speak with a pediatrician about the vaccine's possible side effects. Their child's doctor can explain the benefits and put any fears to rest.

Protect Kids from COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic made parents nervous about their children's well-being. Initially, quarantines and school shut-downs protected kids from coming down sick. However, now that the world is reopening, more and more children have been exposed to the virus. Luckily, routine testing and vaccinations help stop the spread, and pediatricians can provide parents with the information needed to make informed decisions about keeping their kids safe.

Disclaimer - The texts with tips or advice mentioned here are only for generic information, but not for a substitute of medical advice. Before applying any advice or tips, you should consult a respective doctor or expert. ATT is not responsible if you have any bad impacts on your health.

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