Children who have had Covid-19 without any symptoms can catch a rare disease, Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (MIS-C), 4-6 weeks after infection. The disease, which manifests itself with symptoms such as high fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, cracking in the mouth and lips, can lead to results that can go up to single or multiple organ failure.
MIS-C NEWLY DESCRIBED DISEASE IN CHILDREN
Drawing the attention of families about MIS-C Syndrome, Turkish National Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (AID) Immunology Working Group President Prof. Dr. S. Şebnem Kılıç Gültekin touched upon the following points about the disease: “Although the incidence of Covid-19 in children is lower than in adults, the intense inflammation process that develops after MIS-C affects many organs negatively. MIS-C may start with simple symptoms, but may progress to a severe course depending on accompanying chronic diseases and weakness in the body’s defenses. Although MIS-C disease is currently rare, this new disease picture worries both physicians and parents.”
MANY FAMILY ARE NOT AWARE THAT THEIR CHILDREN HAVE COVID-19
Stating that many families are not even aware that their child has Covid-19, Prof. Dr. S. Şebnem Kılıç Gültekin “The fact that the symptoms of the disease in children are milder and sometimes even outpatient can mislead families. However, sometimes the Covid-19 infection can overstimulate the immune system and it is possible to face a severe picture of MIS-C disease.
CANNOT DO PERMANENT DAMAGE WHEN DIAGNOSED QUICKLY
Noting that MIS-C disease has similar features to the rare Kawasaki disease, Prof. Dr. S. Şebnem Kılıç Gültekin “Although it shows similar symptoms, MIS-C does not show the classic Kawasaki-specific eye inflammation, redness at the BGG graft site, and strawberry tongue. The most important symptoms that families should pay attention to are the emergence of resistant fever that lasts for at least four days after 4 to 6 weeks in children with Covid-19. In this case, families should immediately consult a doctor. This curable disease can be cured without leaving any permanent damage when diagnosed and treated quickly. Parents need to take similar precautions for their children as well as themselves to protect themselves from Covid-19 infections. Children should also avoid social distancing, masks, hand washing and spending time indoors for long periods of time.
ABOUT TURKISH NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY:
Turkey National Allergy and Clinical Immunology Association (AID), the first association established in the field of allergy and immunology in our country, gathers adult – pediatric allergy and clinical immunology specialists under one roof. AID, which aims to contribute to the development of the science and service of Allergy and Clinical Immunology in our country and to raise awareness in the society about allergic – immunological diseases, organizes congresses and scientific meetings with international participation, ensuring that branch physicians and related health personnel are updated with the latest information. Collaborating with international scientific institutions (AAAAI, EAACI, SIAF, WAO), the association has successfully held congresses and courses organized by international institutions in our country in the light of these collaborations, and has made an important contribution to the advancement of science by representing our country successfully. The association, which stands out with its mission of raising awareness, provides financial support for its members to participate in scientific meetings, and various training meetings are held in the form of courses and schools, free of charge, apart from the members of the association.