Covid newborn swab: when and how to do it
With the introduction of the obligation of the Green Pass, the country has had the final push and most of the population is vaccinated. But as we know, for now, children under the age of 12 cannot be vaccinated and it may happen that the little ones show symptoms attributable to Covid or that the Green pass for the little ones. Today we talk about the Covid newborn swab, when it is needed, how it is done and where.
In this article
- Covid in children
- When to swab babies
- How to swab a newborn
- What to do if the child is positive
Covid in children
As we now know, the coronavirus disease it has a much lesser impact on children, who were practically immune in the early stages of the pandemic or, in the case of contagion, asymptomatic. With the arrival of variants things have changed a bit and children they get sick more, but they are still a part of the population without symptoms or with very mild symptoms (most of them manifest fever). So first of all we must rest assured: in children, even very small ones, especially in the absence of other pathologies or deficits, Covid is an event that passes without repercussions. Even the cases of myocarditis and pericarditis observed in children are very rare and mostly curable in a definitive way.
Symptoms of Covid
However, it happens that a child, even more the little ones, Infants or in kindergarten age, have symptoms attributable to Covid: runny nose, cough, fever. What to do in that case?
When to swab babies
Generally, i Infants stock up on antibodies in the womb through the nourishment that comes from the placenta, then after birth thank you breastfeeding, first with the colostrum and then with the whipped milk. Theirs immune system, however, it is still immature, which is why it happens that they are more subject to influences than the little ones. Therefore, even if you follow all the necessary hygiene rules - wash your hands often, limit contact with strangers, avoid crowded public transport - your child could get sick and manifest some symptoms attributable to Covid, because they are common to many others. virus.
If your newborn child has a fever, cough or cold, but even if they seem more apathetic and sleepy, contact your pediatrician. buffer, especially if the child has been exposed to risky situations such as ceremonies or family reunions.
Il swab in infants it is therefore required when:
- the child has symptoms, fever, cough, cold or others attributable to Covid-19
- The child has been in contact with a person who tested positive
Infants do not need to be swabbed for get the Green Pass: also to participate in ceremonies, for example, it is necessary to show the negative test result only for those over two years old.
Read also: Covid-19: what to do if the child has symptoms?How to swab a newborn
There are two types of buffer, That unsanitary, also called quick, and that molecular. Usually, newborns are subjected to the second, because the request comes from the doctor: if your child has symptoms, we advise you to contact the pediatrician and do not make your own mind.
Il molecular buffer it is then carried out on the baby by inserting a cotton swab-like stick (but much thinner) in the nasal cavity and in the pharyngeal one, just as happens for adults. It is not painful and takes seconds.
If you are worried
Your child is so small that you are afraid that he will suffer, feel pain, be frightened… In fact the healthcare personnel it is equipped with protections to reduce any risk, but rest assured: doctors and nurses they know that eye contact is essential with children and they will be able to smile with their eyes at your children and reassure them.
As parents, you can hold them tightly in your arms, but also keep them in the sling or baby carrier or even in the stroller or car seat. In this case, if they are not in your arms, you can hold their little hands as you would during a vaccination. It can also be useful to hold the head backwards, in order to prevent them from moving for those few seconds necessary for sampling.
Il tampon does not last long: the operator inserts the stick in the nose, then in the throat and voila, it's all over!
Is the tampon dangerous?
Information has spread that the tampon is dangerous for the little ones, for the risk di injury or even breaking the stick. The Paesena Society of Pediatrics reiterated that the health staff is prepared and that the sticks used are different for the little ones, so go to large accredited facilities and avoid quick swabs!
What to do if the child is positive
If the result of the swab is positive, do not be alarmed: in the vast majority of cases Covid will pass as it arrived.
Isolate the little one by keeping him alone with you, keep going breastfeed him, wear the mask, check your fever regularly and, if you see major changes, call your pediatrician. Keep it hydrated and in contact with your skin: many studies have shown that skin-to-skin contact helps the little ones to recover.
Il Covid buffer it is rarely necessary for the little ones, but if it were, rest assured: the healthcare staff is prepared to make a blood sample fast and as less annoying as possible!
SOURCES
Covid. Is swabing babies risky? No, the SIP clarifies
