Pediatrician, watch out for corona-phobia.

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• The global COVID-19 pandemic primarily affects adults, with children typically experiencing milder symptoms.
• While children are reservoirs and potential spreaders of COVID-19, social distancing and isolation are key mitigation strategies.
• Routine childhood illnesses continue to pose significant challenges for pediatricians.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a case series of pediatric diseases with delayed diagnoses influenced by "Corona-phobia."
• To highlight the potential negative consequences of pandemic mitigation measures on the diagnosis of non-COVID-19 pediatric conditions.

Main Methods:

• A case series approach was used.
• Data were collected over a one-week period, documenting routinely seen pediatric diseases with delayed diagnoses.
• The influence of "Corona-phobia" on diagnostic delays was examined.

Main Results:

• Seven cases of delayed diagnoses for common pediatric diseases were identified.
• These delays were attributed to various aspects of "Corona-phobia" related to the pandemic.
• The phenomenon appears to be widespread, as indicated by the rapid collection of cases.

Conclusions:

• Measures implemented to control the COVID-19 pandemic may inadvertently cause greater harm to children through delayed diagnosis of other illnesses.
• Pediatricians and policymakers must consider the broader impact of pandemic responses on child health.
• The indirect effects of "Corona-phobia" warrant attention in pediatric care during the pandemic.