What parents need to know about the increasing hepatitis cases in children
According to a WHO report, 163 children under the age of 10 have contracted mysterious severe hepatitis in the UK. There are over 300 probable hepatitis cases in children across the world as per the latest report. Health authorities in the UK and globally are trying to find out why there has been a sudden increase in hepatitis in children.
As of today, the reason behind the cause or spread of the illness remains a mystery. Health authorities suspect a possible link to adenovirus. However, it is uncommon for hepatitis to follow adenovirus, that too among previously healthy children.
There is also an ongoing investigation that suggests SARS-Cov-2 as a contributing factor. Although there is no evidence that proves any direct relation to COVID-19 yet, health experts are exploring the possibility of low immunity among children due to reduced exposure to the outdoors during the pandemic.
Now, as a parent, here is a list of things from Pacific Prime UK that you need to know about the virus and how you can help your young ones stay safe.
What is Hepatitis, and is it common among children?
Hepatitis is referred to as inflammation in the liver tissue. Substances such as alcohol, specific types of medication, and toxins can cause inflammation leading to hepatitis. The most common types of Hepatitis are A, B, and C. Sometimes, the body’s own immune system attacks the liver, known as autoimmune hepatitis.
That being the case, hepatitis is uncommon in children below the age of 10, especially the type that is not linked to any of the hepatitis viruses. Because the common forms of the hepatitis virus (known as A-E) were not detected in children that tested positive for the virus.
What are the common hepatitis symptoms in children
The children affected with the virus had the initial symptoms of diarrhea and vomiting followed by jaundice (a condition that leads to yellowing of the whites of your eyes or your skin).
The cases recorded thus far are predominantly in kids under the age of 5. Most of the children showed initial symptoms of gastroenteritis illness. Other common hepatitis symptoms include:
- Dark urine
- Itchy skin
- High fever
- Stomach ache
- Loss of appetite
What can you do to protect your kids from Hepatitis?
Encourage your kids to follow a strict hygiene protocol. Children should be motivated to maintain clean surroundings, and wash their hands thoroughly and regularly.
Dr. Meera Chand, Director of Clinical and Emerging infection at UKHSA said, “Normal hygiene measures such as thorough handwashing (including supervising children) and good thorough respiratory hygiene, help to reduce the spread of many common infections, including adenovirus. We are also calling on parents and guardians, to be alert to the signs of hepatitis (including jaundice) and to contact a healthcare professional if they are concerned.”
How likely is your child going to contract Hepatitis, what is the risk level?
Health officials in the UK suggest that the probability of your child coming down with hepatitis is “extremely low”. They advised that the children that show symptoms of hepatitis such as vomiting or diarrhea should stay home until 48 hours after they recover from it.
Invest in health insurance for your children
We live in an unpredictable world and given the kind of viruses going around, it is a smart choice to secure medical insurance for you and your family. Securing family health insurance in the UK will enable you to get world-class private medical healthcare whenever necessary.
One way to protect your loved ones is to be prepared for an unlikely event or illness with an insurance. Health insurance will help you with the financial costs, so you don’t have to worry about anything else but your family’s good health. Health Insurance experts like Pacific Prime UK will be able to help you with all of your medical insurance requirements and provide value-added services.
Get in touch with Pacific Prime UK to get to know more about family insurance
With over 20 years of experience, Pacific Prime UK is equipped with insurance plans that can be tailored to your requirements. Our Pacific Prime UK experts will be able to answer all of your questions and offer suitable insurance solutions that will best fit your needs.
As a leading global insurance brokerage, Pacific Prime will be able to help you with unbiased insurance plans. Contact us today for a free consultation!
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