Acute covid-19 and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children

Abstract

• Children with acute covid-19 can present with non-specific symptoms. Exclude covid-19 in children with fever and respiratory tract symptoms or loss of taste or smell, especially if there is possible exposure to others with the virus • Consider multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) in children presenting with fever and abdominal symptoms—particularly if they develop conjunctivitis or rash—and refer to a paediatric emergency department for evaluation • MIS-C can have overlapping symptomatology with disease processes that require prompt treatment, such as sepsis, toxic shock syndrome, myocarditis, and meningitis. Therefore, consider initiation of empiric antibiotics and necessary evaluations if the patient develops cardiovascular or respiratory compromise, evidence of acute abdomen, or meningismus • Simple prevention measures, including mask wearing, hand hygiene, and social distancing remain crucial to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in children and adults