What Parents Wanted to Know During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Istanbul Okan University Hospital Pediatrics and Pediatric Infectious Diseases Specialist Dr. Serkan Atıcı answered questions about the Coronavirus pandemic that parents have been curious about.

  The COVID-19 pandemic has initiated a new process for us pediatricians, particularly for children and their families. On one hand, there is a new disease and the rapid scientific updates it naturally brings. On the other hand, living in a technology age where misinformation spreads rapidly alongside accurate information has created certain questions and concerns.  

My Child Is Ill, But I Don't Want to Take My Child to the Hospital Due to COVID-19 Cases. What Should I Do?

Whether you should go to the hospital depends on your child's age and the severity of symptoms. However, pediatric emergency and outpatient services continue without interruption. Moreover, many hospitals have triage procedures in place, and COVID-19 patients are served in separate designated units outside the areas where normal patient services are provided. If you are in contact with a pediatrician, you can discuss your child's condition with your doctor to get advice on whether to take your child to the hospital.     Like in foreign countries, many institutions in our country have started providing electronic consultation services (online video examination services). You can choose this option according to your child's condition. However, we must remember that this application cannot be the same as a real examination appointment, and in necessary cases, your doctor may want to see the patient and perform some tests.   For those without these options, we recommend that you consult a healthcare facility if, particularly if your child is young, has high and persistent fever, has nutritional disorder or general decline, has respiratory system problems, has detected neurological abnormalities, has severe vomiting or diarrhea causing fluid loss, or has other signs and suspicions that suggest your child's illness is significant.  

What Should Be Done If Your Child Has Been in Contact with a Confirmed COVID-19 Case?

Additionally, in the last 14 days, among people your child has been in contact with, including family members, there may be those diagnosed with COVID-19 or hospitalized with respiratory tract infection diagnosis. Even if your child has no complaints, call the "Alo 184" corona hotline operated by the Ministry of Health Communication Center, or take your child to a healthcare facility with a mask and accompanied by the minimum possible number of healthy caregivers. Masking children under two years old is not recommended as it may lead to potential respiratory problems such as choking. When visiting a health facility, make sure to inform the staff at the entrance about this situation in detail. Staff will provide you with the necessary guidance.  

What Should Be Done Regarding Vaccination Times?

We recommend that childhood vaccinations, particularly pneumococcal and measles vaccines, be administered on time. If possible, before going for vaccination, contact your family physician or pediatrics and diseases specialist and arrange an appointment according to their recommendations, which will be healthier.