In the early days of the pandemic, we were reassured that COVID-19 posed minimal risk to children. The CDC indicated that even when children contracted the virus, their symptoms were generally milder compared to adults. However, a concerning condition known as MIS-C (multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children) has emerged. First documented by researchers in London, this syndrome is now reported across the U.S., with 157 cases identified in New York City alone, the epicenter of the American outbreak.
I recognize that the incidence is low, and the probability of my children contracting COVID-19 is slim. I know they are mostly safe. Mostly.
But my anxiety has escalated. I can’t shake the image of my youngest—my six-year-old, who still cuddles with me in the morning—being sick and alone in a hospital room. Even if complications are infrequent, the reality is that parents are losing their children to COVID-related issues. We cannot afford to adopt an “it won’t happen to me” mindset.
Understanding MIS-C
According to the CDC, MIS-C is linked to current or past COVID-19 infections. This “severe inflammatory syndrome” bears similarities to Kawasaki Disease. While Kawasaki symptoms include fever, rashes, and swollen lymph glands, MIS-C symptoms can present differently: persistent fever, tummy pain, red eyes, skin changes, and swollen lymph nodes, as noted by Stanford Children’s Health.
As someone with an anxiety disorder, every little symptom could trigger a panic. If my kids develop COVID-19, I would be on high alert for any sign of illness. This only reinforces my determination: they will remain at home until a vaccine is available. I know this might sound harsh; they will miss Halloween, Christmas, and won’t see their grandmother when school resumes. But my fear is overwhelming.
A Mother’s Experience
Take the case of Lisa, a resident of New York, whose son Jamie developed MIS-C shortly after their family recovered from COVID-19. Initially, it seemed like a simple stomach bug. However, his condition deteriorated, and he ended up in the ER with severe stomach pain. After an extensive stay in the hospital, doctors diagnosed him with MIS-C, affecting his heart rather than his respiratory system.
Now, Jamie faces potential heart complications because of a virus that was initially deemed harmless to children. As a mother, I can’t help but feel the weight of responsibility, whether justified or not.
I understand that the odds are in our favor. Out of 147 diagnosed cases in New York, only three children have died. Yet, that’s still three too many. The statistics don’t comfort me; they terrify me. The constant reminders of COVID-19’s impact haunt me. I dread the idea of my child suffering alone, tethered to machines in a hospital room.
So, until I feel confident in their safety, my kids will stay at home. They will remain sheltered to help curb the spread of this deadly virus. They are my top priority, and I will do everything possible to keep them safe.
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Summary
In summary, the potential risks of COVID-19 for children, particularly the emergence of MIS-C, have left many parents in a state of heightened anxiety. The narrative is one of caution: while the incidence of severe complications remains low, the emotional toll on parents is significant. Until a clearer understanding and safety measures are established, many parents are choosing to keep their children at home.