UAE: Baby recovers from life-threatening Covid-19 infection after 9 days of treatment – News

Medical experts recommend that parents keep abreast of their children’s vaccination status and visit the doctor regularly, especially if the child is under two years old

An 11-month-old baby has survived a severe Covid-19 infection after doctors in the UAE administered a unique combination of treatments. Julien bin Hamad developed a high fever, coughing, vomiting and severe breathing difficulties while on holiday in the country with his parents.

His parents rushed him to the emergency room of RAK Hospital, where the medical team also detected low blood oxygen saturation. The condition of the Czech baby was so critical that he was transferred to the intensive care unit and was immediately started on oxygen therapy.

RT-PCR testing confirmed he was Covid positive, while his chest X-ray showed extensive pneumonia in both lungs.

“We were very surprised because we had not encountered such severe pneumonia in children even at the peak of Covid. Julien was the first pediatric Covid patient with extensive bilateral pneumonia treated at RAK Hospital. When ,exist [a] Normal oxygen mask, his condition did not improve and we put him on High-Flow Nasal Cannula (HFNC) which has been successfully used to treat severe Covid-19 in adults,” said Pediatric Specialist Dr Rashmi Anandani.

After consulting with an infectious disease specialist, the boy was treated with intravenous steroids, remdesivir and antibiotics. Remdesivir is used in children in rare cases, doctors said.

“Julien was also forced to sleep on his stomach and had intensive chest physiotherapy. After four days of continuous high-flow oxygen therapy and other treatments, he started to improve. Gradually, we reduced the oxygen support and finally on the seventh day, (He was) weaned from oxygen therapy. The next day, he was transferred to the ward and was discharged in stable condition after nine days of treatment.”

Julien’s mother, Kristina Novakova, described their ordeal in detail. “No one wants to see their child go through this, but the treatment and support[we got]really calmed us down. Julian was admitted to intensive care shortly after arriving at RAK Hospital.”

The UAE has one of the best systems and medical facilities to manage such critical situations. “We are grateful to the doctors and team at RAK Hospital because now we are flying back to our country with joy,” Novakova added.

Although the number of Covid cases has dropped significantly, infections continue. There were very few critical cases and almost no deaths due to complications.

“Children generally have mild symptoms, but there have been sporadic reports of children being treated in intensive care. Stay vigilant and pay particular attention to warning signs, which will facilitate timely medical attention.

Also, check with your child’s healthcare provider, as it can be difficult to distinguish the flu from Covid-19. It’s also important to maintain a regular doctor’s visit and vaccination schedule — especially if the child is under two years old,” Dr Rashmi said.