A child has tragically passed away due to the fifth wave of the pandemic. An 8-year-old girl, who had tested positive for COVID-19, developed a fever. She showed no abnormalities before going to sleep last night (the 6th), but was found unconscious this morning. Tragically, she passed away after resuscitation efforts. A paediatrician inferred that the girl may have fallen into a coma due to complications from encephalitis. Acute encephalitis can lead to a rapid deterioration of the patient's condition, and it is difficult to predict or prevent its onset before it occurs. Parents who are concerned about their children exhibiting unusual symptoms during a fever at night can use a pulse oximeter to detect respiratory abnormalities early on, although it is not recommended to disturb the child's sleep and rest.
Today (7th) there was further news of a confirmed child's death. An 8-year-old girl, who tested positive with a rapid test, fell unconscious at home after developing a fever. She was taken to hospital by ambulance, but sadly could not be revived. It is understood she showed no abnormalities before going to sleep the previous night, and was found unconscious this morning.
Paediatric specialist Dr. Chan Yan-wing inferred that the young girl might have fallen into a coma due to acute encephalitis, a complication of the coronavirus. Acute encephalitis can cause a child's condition to deteriorate rapidly, leading to symptoms such as confusion, inability to recognise people, convulsions, and coma. Acute encephalitis does not occur at a specific time or under certain conditions; it generally happens suddenly. If the patient happens to be asleep, it may be more difficult for family members to notice.
He reminded parents to pay particular attention to their children's consciousness when they have a fever, whether they are clear-headed and responsive. When children are sleeping, parents can monitor their temperature and breathing, but it is important for children with fever to get plenty of rest, and it is not recommended to wake them up to test their consciousness. In the evening, if a child is delirious, has a severe headache, or is vomiting repeatedly, these are signs of a worsening condition and could indicate encephalitis, requiring immediate hospital admission for observation.
Dr. Chan pointed out that vaccines are effective in preventing severe illness and complications, and that children of appropriate age should be vaccinated as soon as possible. He also added that vaccinating the entire family can reduce the risk of severe illness.
A pulse oximeter can check children's sleep breathing.
Many parents are buying pulse oximeters, and Dr. Chan also stated that children can use them while sleeping. If the machine detects any abnormal breathing or unconsciousness, it will emit an alarm, allowing parents to notice it early.
Blood oxygen monitors can now be purchased in chain electrical stores, so I believe parents who need them will have no difficulty buying them.
Precautions for COVID-19 patients isolating at home
Image Rights: HK01
Media Link: https://www.hk01.com/%E8%A6%AA%E5%AD%90/743917/8%E6%AD%B2%E7%A2%BA%E8%A8%BA%E5%A5%B3%E7%AB%A5%E7%99%BC%E7%87%92%E6%98%8F%E8%BF%B7%E7%97%85%E9%80%9D-%E9%86%AB%E7%94%9F-%E7%95%99%E6%84%8F%E5%B0%8F%E6%9C%8B%E5%8F%8B%E7%A5%9E%E6%99%BA-%E9%AB%94%E6%BA%AB%E5%92%8C%E5%91%BC%E5%90%B8?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=fbpost&utm_campaign=parenting
