Introduction
Since its discovery back in November 2021, the new variant has spread to more than 59 countries so far. The epidemiologists believe that the Omicron variant is spreading rapidly and becoming the variant of concern in the world. Like other Coronavirus variants, Omicron can infect children of all ages too. Omicron infection portrays a different clinical picture in affected children. The doctors who have treated the Omicron infections say that the children make croup barking cough. This new presentation of Covid 19 symptoms has created anxiety and uncertainty in parents. It is especially true of parents who have children below five years. Since young children are not vaccinated, they are prone to Covid 19 infection. We will discuss some important information regarding this new variant in this article.
Parents Beware of Barking Cough in Young Children
It is always better to keep the children in the safe confines of the home to keep them away from Covid 19 infection. The children infected with Omicron have slightly different symptoms when compared to those of adults. The doctors who know about the Omicron infection have identified a croup type of cough in children who have become infected with this variant. If the cough is very harsh and barking, it is called a croup.
Croup
This barking cough is very easy to identify. The Omicron primarily affects the trachea and larynx in children. This inflammation creates a barking cough in them. The sound of the cough resembles the barking of a seal or dog. Though croups are safe, they can astonish the parents of the children who are affected with Omicron infection. The Omicron infection generally affects the upper respiratory tract and does not seem to infect the lungs. When a child develops severe Omicron infection, he develops croup. This coughing becomes pronounced due to the passage of air through the irritated airways.
Other Omicron Infection Symptoms
The children are most likely to get the Omicron infection as they are not vaccinated. So, it is necessary to know what symptoms they produce when they become infected with this new variant. It is especially true for children whose ages are below five years. Some of the common symptoms presented by the children when infected with Omicron are throat pain, fever, body ache, runny nose, and dry cough. It is not clear their body will react to the invasion by the Omicron virus. Hence, it is safe to keep our children safe by following Covid's guidelines issued by the governments from time to time. Since the children are prone to infection, it is the responsibility of the adults to adopt Covid-appropriate behavior and keep the Omicron away from the house.