Features of the course of covid -19 in children of southern ukraine (experience of the winter season 2021-2022)

Abstract

Introduction. The infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus can have different clinical manifestations, affect both the respiratory system and other organ systems, and the course can vary from asymptomatic or mild to severe, requiring hospitalization. The diversity of clinical manifestations of the disease, the peculiarities of the course of the disease in different age periods force doctors to be attentive to any symptoms in patients, both those related to the respiratory system and atypical complaints. Any new information about the peculiarities of the course of the coronavirus infection, age differences, "masks" of the disease, typical and atypical clinical manifestations is important. Purpose of research. The purpose of the study was to study and analyze the clinical features of the course of the disease COVID-19 in children in the winter season of 2021-22. Materials and methods. Retrospective analysis of the disease histories of children with a severe course of COVID-19 was carried out. Results. School-age children predominated among those hospitalized, which emphasizes the epidemiological significance of this particular age category in implementation of timely quarantine measures in educational institutions. Among the clinical manifestations, both typical signs of damage to the respiratory system and symptoms of damage from the gastrointestinal tract were registered. A characteristic feature of the course of COVID-19 in the specified winter season of 2021-22. a mixed infection with rotavirus and influenza was registered, which was not observed during the previous wave of the disease. Conclusions. The identified features of the course of COVID-19 in children will help to improve algorithms for providing assistance topatients of different age categories and predict the course of the disease.