Symptoms of MIS-C:
These are common symptoms of MIS-C. If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms, you should contact a doctor immediately.
Ongoing fever along with:
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Bloodshot eyes
- Dizziness
- Skin rash
- Vomiting
It can be commonly mistaken for a stomach flu. But stomach flu symptoms will typically dissipate after 2 days, whereas MIS-C symptoms will typically last longer.
Further, MIS-C fevers will persist much longer and will be more intense, whereas stomach flu fevers are typically of a lower intensity.
What to do if you suspect MIS-C.
At the first thought that your child may have MIS-C. You should contact a doctor immediately.
Like most illnesses, MIS-C is better diagnosed and treated early. Delayed treatment can mean worse symptoms and more unnecessary pain.
What to expect during MIS-C treatment.
If your child is confirmed to have MIS-C, they will likely be admitted for treatment in a hospital.
It is possible that some children will need to be treated in the intensive care units (ICU).
During their stay, they will receive frequent blood tests, regular x-rays to monitor their chest, ultrasounds to monitor their heart, and ultrasounds to monitor their abdomen.
To support recovery, doctors may provide IV fluids and medicine to help manage the symptoms.
It can be difficult for the patient and all family members with the hospital’s COVID protocols.
Lasting symptoms of MIS-C.
Even when your child is treated and released from the hospital, it is likely that they will experience symptoms such as dizziness, difficulty breathing, and other complications.
Many times, regular checkups will be required.
How to prevent MIS-C.
As far as we know, the best way to prevent MIS-C is to prevent COVID. Vaccinations do not cause MIS-C and are one of the best preventive measures against MIS-C.
Follow other protocols for avoiding COVID such as washing hands, minimizing social gatherings, and so on.
What we’re learning about MIS-C.
MIS-C is a very new illness. Its discovery dates back to about 1 year ago.
That means we know very little about prevention, treatment, and recovery.
Sometimes, we don’t even know how some children get MIS-C or if some children are more susceptible to the illness.
Yet, there have been big leaps in our understanding.
We are looking at improving diagnosis. Improving the rate at which children recover and the lasting results they experience after recovery.
We’re learning how MIS-C occurs and how COVID is transmitted among children.
We believe that we can beat this illness together.
Have you found this guide helpful?
Please consider a donation to our cause at:
https://raiseup.choc.org/event/sam
We’re dedicating your donations to helping other children who have MIS-C.
Your money goes towards helping them during their hospital stays, funding more research, and raising awareness so that children can receive help before it’s too late.
