Coronavirus keeps throwing new twists into what we should expect. For kids who get COVID, this now means there is a risk, albeit rare, of acquiring pediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C). This is a serious condition where different parts of the body become inflamed, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, skin, eyes, and gastrointestinal organs.
It's a serious condition that isn't always easily diagnosed based on early symptoms. Learn how your child can get it, the symptoms, and how it's treated.
What is multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C)?
Multisystem inflammatory syndrome treatment
Before doctors can treat pediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome, they have to properly diagnose it. This involves running a battery of tests that include blood tests, a chest x-ray, a heart ultrasound, and an abdominal ultrasound. This is to determine if and where there is internal swelling.
If your child exhibits internal swelling, doctors will treat this by starting them on medications. This is combined with supportive care for symptoms such as vomitting and diahrrea. Some children can be treated at home but most will remain in the hospital until they are better. The worst cases send children to the pediatric intensive care unit (ICU). Most cases last up to two weeks.
How to prevent multisystem inflammatory syndrome
“Based on what we currently know about MIS-C, the best approach to safeguard your kids is to take routine precautions to keep the COVID-19 causing virus from infecting your child or the entire family,” Dr. Shauna Hatcher explained to Mom.com.
You can reduce your chances of getting COVID by getting all eligible family members vaccinated. Make sure that you continue to practice social distancing, wear a mask, and wash your hands regularly. Disinfect high-touch surfaces regularly and launder clothes in the warmest water possible for the fabric.
Parents must be vigilant to keep their kids healthy from COVID and all it’s related complications. “I’m so paranoid that my child will get COVID that I really haven’t let up on any of the COVID practices," Mom Brie Carpenter told Mom.com. "She’s four and not able to be vaccinated. We are vaccinated and we all wear a mask. It’s not just COVID that I have to worry about. It’s all these complications that can happen that is also scary,”
The good news is that MIS-C is rare and is treatable as long as parents get the right medical attention for their children. As COVID evolves and mutates, we must continue to be vigilant in our COVID pandemic practices.
