Expert reveals potential long-term effect of COVID-19 infection to kids

FILE PHOTO: A computer image created by Nexu Science Communication together with Trinity College in Dublin, shows a model structurally representative of a betacoronavirus which is the type of virus linked to COVID-19, shared with Reuters on February 18, 2020. NEXU Science Communication/via REUTERS

MANILA, Philippines — Multisystem inflammatory syndrome could be a potential long-term effect among children who contracted COVID-19, says a Philippine Medical Association (PMA) official on Monday.

“Ito ‘yung namamaga ‘yung mga parte ng katawan nila na hindi ma-explain ‘yung ibang sakit na kung minsan ito ay sanhi ng COVID sa bata na pwede itong umulit,” PMA President Dr. Benito Atienza said during the Laging Handa public briefing.

(This is when parts of the body get inflamed and they cannot explain the pain. At times it could be caused by COVID among children and it can recur.)

“Ito ang iniiwasan natin na magkaroon sila at as usual ang karaniwang sintomas sa mga tao, ubo sipon, itong nagkaka-pneumonia,” he added.

(We are avoiding this and the usual symptoms include cough, colds, or pneumonia.)

Out of the 15-million target among minors aged five to 11, only 69,800 have been vaccinated and no major adverse effects were listed.

“Du’n sa 69,800, wala pa naman pong major adverse effects na na-report,” said Atienza.

(Of the 69,800, there are no adverse effects reported.)

Atienza likewise noted that vaccine hesitancy among parents to get their children immunized has decreased.

“Actually, nababawasan naman. Ang mga tanong na nga ngayon is kailan dadating sa probinsya ‘yung bakuna,” he said.

(Actually, the hesitancy declined. The question we receive now is when would the vaccines arrive in the provinces.)

Pediatric COVID-19 vaccination among minors aged five to 11 commenced on February 7.

JPV