Regular tests not needed for newborns with COVID-19

A medical worker examines a baby infected with COVID-19. (Photo: laichau.gov.vn)

Hanoi (VNS/VNA) – According to new guidance from the Ministry of Health,
it is not necessary to regularly test newborns who are infected with COVID-19,
even if their caregivers have the virus.

with COVID-19 can take home if they are asymptomatic or have mild
clinical symptoms and no serious symptoms.

The
ministry’s guidance points out specific serious signals in the newborn such as
breastfeeding less, dozing off and finding it hard to wake up, signs of
respiratory failure, groaning, wheezing, rising and falling nostrils,  and
apnea lasting more than 20 seconds.

Other
danger signs are convulsions or spasticity; unusual movements; body
temperature above 38 degrees Celsius, which does not improve after 48 hours;
hypothermia below 36 degrees; red or pus-filled eyes, red or swollen belly
button; signs of dehydration; and jaundice before three days of age, especially
within 24 hours of birth.

Continuous
vomiting, abdominal distension, diarrhea, bloody stools are also serious signals
for the babies’ digestive health.

If
both mother and infant are confirmed to have COVID-19, breastfeeding should be
maintained.

If
the baby has a stuffy nose, which causes difficulty when suckling, the baby’s
nose should be cleaned before feeding. If the baby is unable to suckle, use a
spoon to feed breast milk to the baby.

If
only the mother is confirmed to have , mothers and families should be
counselled about breastfeeding and the risks.

Pregnant
women who are treated at home also need to monitor their health status such as
measuring their body temperature at least twice a day. They should count
breathing rate, pulse, SpO2 and blood pressure (if possible) daily.

They
must also pay attention to fetal movements.

Once
finding abnormal obstetric signs, they should immediately notify medical staff
or visit a medical facility. It is also necessary to maintain regular antenatal
check-ups.

Antenatal
check-up is recommended at any time if abnormal signs are detected or when
indicated by medical staff.

If
a pregnant woman with COVID-19 has antenatal care appointment and has no
abnormal signs of obstetrics, a remote antenatal check-up can be performed or
the pregnant woman can wait until the end of isolation.

Pregnant
women also need to follow a y diet, do exercises, supplement with
micronutrients, not take tobacco and be exposed to secondhand smoke, not use
alcohol, beer and other stimulants or narcotics./.