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Nobody wants to talk about it, but we gotta: Deltacron is the rare covid variant causing a bit of a stir lately, and it mimics the symptoms of both the Delta and Omicron variants. But knowing how it affects kids is key as mask mandates drop.
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If your child does catch Deltacron — or the new variant BA.2 — chances are that their symptoms will be mild, and can mimic that of a common cold like other covid variants. You can expect sore throats, congestion, and runny noses.
So if your child seems to have some diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or other stomach issues, swabbing for a covid test is probably a smart bet right now. Even if they don’t have a fever. (Although a fever is common with Deltacron.)
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Gastro symptoms with a covid infection aren’t exactly new. A study from July 2021 found that the gastrointestinal tract could be a viral target for a covid infection, and the CDC has often listed diarrhea as one of the symptoms of a coronavirus infection.
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So whether your kid has symptoms like congestion, a runny nose, or a sore throat, if you also find that they seem to have an upset stomach, it’s probably a good idea to stock up on items like Pedialyte and broth-based soups to keep them hydrated.
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And above all: stay home when sick. While Deltacron isn’t expected to be a severe outbreak or cause an onslaught of new symptoms, it’s important to be vigilant about testing to help keep the spread low. And honestly, who wants to go to school when they feel barfy anyway?