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Saturday, Feb 22, 2025
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Higher risk for toddlers with Covid-related croup to end up in intensive care, says doctor
Children who were admitted to hospital after developing croup due to contracting Covid-19 are at a higher risk of needing intensive care, said family doctor Edmund Lam Wing-wo, also a government adviser on Covid vaccines.
Speaking to a radio program on Thursday, Lam said the Omicron variant has a relatively higher effect on a patient's upper airway, with Covid-related croup in toddlers much more serious than common croup.
He also noted that a study carried out by Princess Margaret Hospital found that 20 percent of infected toddlers suffered from long-Covid, which may lead to long-term neurologic complications.
The doctor added that parents should bring their kids to get vaccinated as soon as possible, given the possibility of cross-infection at kindergartens and childcare centers are much higher.
Meanwhile, the government on Wednesday said the Covid jabs are safe for children with allergies, including allergies to unrelated drugs, food, insect venoms, or inhalant allergens, as well as asthma, allergic rhinitis, and eczema.
It said such allergies are not contraindications for the vaccination and that the benefits of it outweigh the risk of non-severe adverse vaccine reactions in children and adolescents.
He also noted that a study carried out by Princess Margaret Hospital found that 20 percent of infected toddlers suffered from long-Covid, which may lead to long-term neurologic complications.
The doctor added that parents should bring their kids to get vaccinated as soon as possible, given the possibility of cross-infection at kindergartens and childcare centers are much higher.
Meanwhile, the government on Wednesday said the Covid jabs are safe for children with allergies, including allergies to unrelated drugs, food, insect venoms, or inhalant allergens, as well as asthma, allergic rhinitis, and eczema.
It said such allergies are not contraindications for the vaccination and that the benefits of it outweigh the risk of non-severe adverse vaccine reactions in children and adolescents.
