DAD.info
Forum - Ask questions. Get answers.
DAD.info | Family | Health | Your child's health | Hepatitis- a new threat to children?

Hepatitis- a new threat to children?

Maya Griffiths

Maya Griffiths

Just as Covid fears are easing, a new illness is now affecting children worldwide- acute hepatitis. Roughly 200 kids in Europe have so far been confirmed as suffering with it, 145 of which are in the UK. Ten children have had to have liver transplants.

So, what is acute hepatitis, what do you need to know, and should you be worried?

What should parents look out for?

The biggest symptom to look out for is jaundice, a yellow tinge to the skin and other parts of the body, which is most easily seen in the whites of the eyes.

Other symptoms of hepatitis in children include:

  • dark urine
  • pale, grey-coloured poo
  • itchy skin
  • muscle and joint pain
  • a high temperature
  • feeling and being sick
  • feeling unusually tired all the time
  • loss of appetite
  • stomach pain

As always, if your instincts are to call the dr or emergency GP service, then do.

What actually is acute hepatitis?

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. In children it is the result of a viral infection. Many children have started off the infection with vomiting and diarrhoea.

The chances of contracting the virus are much reduced by practising thorough hand washing. Children who experience diarrhoea and/ or vomiting should also stay at home for 48 hours to avoid spreading the bug to others.

Why are the current cases happening?

It’s currently unknown why there has been a rise in cases of hepatitis amongst children. Research so far seems to show that an adenovirus (sickness and diarrhoea bug) is causing the spike in numbers.

The pattern of symptoms researchers are seeing is not normally the case for adenovirus, however. Other causes are also being investigated, including Covid and environmental factors.

Another possible explanation is that the Covid lockdowns caused a delay in children developing their immune systems; catching viruses for the first time at a later stage can cause a worse infection.

Could there be a connection to the Covid vaccine?

In short, no. The children affected so far had not been vaccinated.

Should I be concerned?

It’s worth remembering that even if your child catches a cold or virus, the chances of it becoming hepatitis are extremely low.

It is, however, important to be aware of the signs and symptoms.

It can also help reduce the chance of infection by showing children how to wash their hands thoroughly and encourage them to do so before eating and after going out/ using the toilet.

Related entries

Teaching Your Kids To Avoid Scams

Teaching Your Kids To Avoid Scams

Unfortunately with our kids spending so much time on their phones and online there comes the risk of being scammed. While we as adults might be wise to the tricks scammers use- Nigerian princes included- our children probably aren't. To avoid being out of pocket and...

How to talk to children about grief

How to talk to children about grief

The Queen's passing has no doubt brought up questions from children, who for the first time are encountering the loss of someone they 'knew'. While it may seem unnecessary to talk about the Queen dying with kids, this may be their first experience of death and be...

Latest entries

Life after divorce: legal tips for men

Life after divorce: legal tips for men

A divorce is one of the most life-changing events most people will experience, and isaccompanied by a lot of emotional, financial, domestic and legal considerations. Thinkingabout life after divorce may be exciting, or daunting, or a combination of both, but it is...

De-escalation: how to calm kids down before they explode!

De-escalation: how to calm kids down before they explode!

Did you think that tantrums and explosions would be left in toddlerhood? Sadly, they're not. While older kids and teens are less likely to throw themselves to the floor because you didn't buy them a lolly, they can still be just ask explosive. In a bid to quell those...

Pin It on Pinterest