Childhood pneumonia in the context of COVID-19 : updated South African guidelines

Abstract

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has highlighted the importance of viral respiratory infections as a cause of mortality and morbidity. Fortunately, children across the world have lower rates of COVID-19 (disease caused by SARS-CoV-2) than adults, developing predominantly asymptomatic or mild disease. In South Africa (SA), <5% of COVID-19 cases have been diagnosed in children, with few requiring hospitalisation and even fewer requiring intensive care. Even in children with underlying comorbidities, COVID-19 does not seem to be especially severe, similar to the global experience. Although children in low- and middle-income countries have a higher burden of pneumonia and severe disease from viral and bacterial pathogens, this pattern is not apparent with SARS-CoV-2.