MIS-C: A Serious Complication of COVID-19

Call your pediatrician immediately if you suspect MIS-C

Coronavirus (COVID-19) usually causes a milder infection in children than in adults. But some children become seriously ill with a number of painful symptoms, sometimes several weeks after being infected with COVID-19. Doctors are calling this Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C). MIS-C is a serious condition and requires immediate medical care.

What should you watch out for?

MIS-C causes symptoms that are due to inflammation (irritation, pain, swelling) throughout the body. Doctors are learning more every day about how these symptoms are related to the COVID-19 infection.

Symptoms seen in kids who have MIS-C include:

• a fever that lasts longer than 24 hours

AND any of these

• belly pain
• vomiting or diarrhea
• a rash
• red, cracked lips
• red eyes
• swelling of the hands or feet
• joint pain
• dizziness
• vision problems
• a headache
• looking pale
• extreme fatigue

If your child has any of these symptoms, call your doctor. Kids with this inflammatory syndrome may get worse quickly. Go to the emergency department right away if your child looks very sick, has trouble breathing, has chest pain, or is very sleepy or confused.

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