Use of corona tests in children:
In an opinion issued on April 26, the Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS) now recommends the use of corona tests also for those under 15 years of age.
In the event that symptoms suggestive of Covid-19 appear and persist in a child, especially in the case of fever, it is advisable to isolate the child and consult a general practitioner or pediatrician, who will judge the need for a test. For Covid-19 (PCR, antigen, or even saliva if the child is under 6 years old). A physical examination is important so as not to miss a potentially more serious illness in the baby, such as meningitis.
Therefore, it is better not to take corona tests at any cost, at least in children. After all, the sampling gesture remains invasive and can be difficult to perform properly in young children.
In general, infants and children appear to be less affected by SARS-CoV-2, and when they are, they develop less severe forms than adults. The scientific literature indicates asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic forms in children, often with mild symptoms (mainly colds, fever, and gastrointestinal disorders). In children, fever is particularly prevalent, when they develop symptoms.
In very rare cases, Covid-19 in children can cause multisystem inflammatory syndrome, MIS-C, a condition similar to Kawasaki disease, which can affect the coronary arteries. However, this serious syndrome can be managed in intensive care and lead to a complete cure.
The issue of transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus by children has been the subject of debate and several studies with contradictory results. However, a scientific consensus seems to be emerging, and that children a priori spread the virus less than adults. It may also become more polluted in the private sphere than in the school, especially since masks and barrier gestures are mandatory in schools.
As for the tests to detect the presence of the Corona virus, the antigen test is now allowed for children under the age of 15, as well as saliva tests,
There are no contraindications to vaccinating children. Tests conducted by Pfizer and BioNTech found effective protection against coronavirus in children. Before vaccinating children, laboratories will have to obtain approval from various regulatory authorities around the world.
