Worried about MIS-C and the new strains in children

[HousebySea]

I'm trying not to be, but I'm worried.

The new strains, the South African one some doctors there have said it's causing more severe illness in young people.

MIS-C , yes I know most don't develop it after COVID, but it seems pretty serious.

My DC have both had (I presume) 'normal' COVID, despite wearing masks the majority of the day at school, and us being really really careful throughout.

My DS (11) had the positive test in late November. He had a widespread big rash, a fever which dragged on for nearly two weeks, headaches, tiredness, dry lips. He's still slightly more tired than before. It was going through his class at school and his whole class and other classes had to isolate for 2 weeks.

My DD (15) had a fever which dragged on nearly two weeks as well, COVID fingers and toes, chest pains which seemed to peak as the fever did, headaches, joint pains in arms and knees, really tired. Weeks later she is still getting what she says is 'burning' lung feelings if she shouts or runs even a little and gets much more tired than before after doing activities.

I don't know, I'm just worried about the effects on children.

I worry they could develop MIS-C or something could be triggered if they come into contact with the mutated strains.

I never got any symptoms and I tested negative despite being in close contact and not distancing from the youngest.

Did you get him checked at the time to make sure it was covid not mis-c?
As red eyes/rash etc more that side.
The risks for misc c may be higher with overweight children also BAME or it looked like that at the start? If anyone has any more up to date.

With the breathing maybe get checked if they need an inhaler

As far as I know MIS-C mainly happens after COVID. My DS tested positive on 25 November. I took him 3 times to be seen firstly because the rash was so widespread and scaly and he was pretty Ill with it and then later after he still had a temperature after a week.

I took DD to out of hours (called first didn't just show up, they knew she had symptoms) the night the temperature peaked and she had the chest pains almost constantly for a couple of hours. Her chest sounded clear they said. She is much better than she was but she sleeps a lot more and tires really easily. She is still getting milder chest pains and joint pains and the burning feeling in her chest and breathlessness at times when she walks or shouts. It's 'only' been 22 days though I suppose. She's a typical teenager, really resisting going to a Dr but I am considering taking her.

I don’t think anxiety means you automatically have mental health problems and it’s a common emotion that needs to not be pathologised. It’s possible to be overly anxious about something without needing a diagnosis or medication or any diet of help.

You do sound anxious/worried/concerned.

I have seen a figure of 0.2 of all positive Covid cases in children in the US going on to develop MIS-C. The figures for the UK are not currently available. If you add in all the children who did not get a positive test the figure goes down still more. So on a personal level I'd feel reassured that the chance of my own children being ill is low. However, if it was me making the decisions for the country, I'd be cautious about exposing children needlessly because 0.2 of a big number is still going to be too many for most parents to stomach. I think we need a bit less of a cavalier attitude towards infections in children than we have had to days possibly, although at the same time I'd say the risk to an individual child was low and not something to be over anxious about.

I believe symptoms of this inflammatory system usually show 3-4 weeks after Covid-19 infection. If either of your children continue to have a high fever, it may be a warning sign so do get them checked out.

I’m worried too op. Reading the news in SA makes for alarming reading. If the vaccines don’t work against this strain and the others we are in for serious trouble.

I am also worried. I have a child with autoimmune disease who had been working from home rather than going into school, as I am concerned that she could develop MIS or have a huge autoimmune flare up if she contracts Covid.
I know several people left with serious issues post Covid, so if the SA strain is affecting young people more seriously then it is a huge concern.

@Bagelsandbrie I can't find any news from South Africa, do you have any links??

[quote HousebySea]@Bagelsandbrie I can't find any news from South Africa, do you have any links??[/quote]
If you google “South African newspapers online” there are lots.

I did a lot of reading yesterday. The hospitals are becoming overwhelmed.

www.thesouthafrican.com/news/western-cape-shortage-hospital-beds-covid-19-second-wave/