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accessHealthNews.net
March 2022
Volume 8 | Issue No. 55
M
ultisystem inflammatory syndrome in children
(MIS-C), though uncommon, is a serious illness that
can occur following a COVID-19 infection. Children
who have had COVID-19 should be monitored for any
reactions that may be symptoms of MIS-C.
Because not much is currently known about
the syndrome, it's important to report and treat
symptoms immediately, both to protect the child from
complications and to help providers better understand
MIS-C and implement better responses.
WHAT IS MIS-C?
MIS-C is an inflammatory reaction in the body occurring
between two and six weeks after COVID-19 infection.
The inflammation can affect the heart, lungs, blood
vessels, kidneys, digestive system, brain, skin and eyes.
MIS-C, also called pediatric inflammatory multisystem
syndrome (PIMS) has features in common with toxic
shock syndrome and Kawasaki disease, both of which
cause inflammation throughout the body.
Though the syndrome mostly affects school-age children,
predominantly 8- and 9-year-olds, it has also been seen
in infants and young adults. Multisystem inflammatory
syndrome in adults (MIS-A) occurs in adults who were
previously infected with the COVID-19 virus. It can occur
during a COVID-19 infection or appear a few weeks after
infection.
MIS-C is triggered by the virus that causes COVID-19,
with symptoms appearing between two and six weeks.
Most children with MIS-C have antibodies to the virus,
indicating a previous infection. Children may have MIS-C
even if they did not experience symptoms associated
with COVID-19.
The number of MIS-C cases typically rise about four
weeks after waves of COVID-19 cases in communities.
However, not all children who had COVID-19 develop
MIS-C; doctors are still unsure why.
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of MIS-C can overlap with infections and
other illnesses, and not all children experience the same
symptoms. Initial symptoms include:
• Fever.
• Rashes.
• Red eyes.
• Diarrhea.
• Vomiting.
• Stomach pain.
• Fatigue.
• Rapid breathing or heartbeat.
• Redness or swelling of the lips, tongue, hands or feet.
• Headache, dizziness or lightheadedness.
• Enlarged lymph nodes.
MIS-C is rare and treatable, but dangerous, and can
worsen each day to the point where lives are at risk.
Because of this, it's important to immediately contact
a provider if any symptoms are present, especially
emergency warning signs.
EMERGENCY SYMPTOMS INCLUDE:
• Severe stomach pain.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Pale, gray or blue-colored skin, lips or nail beds –
depending on skin tone.
• New confusion.
• Inability to wake up or stay awake.
Call a doctor immediately if a child experiences any
of the emergency symptoms listed above, or has a
persistent fever of 100.4 accompanied by any other
symptoms.
MIS-C is an inflammatory reaction in the body occurring between two and
six weeks after COVID-19 infection. The inflammation can affect the heart,
lungs, blood vessels, kidneys, digestive system, brain, skin and eyes.
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