TGA 8 year old and Corona virus

[Greenton]

I am new. Hi all. My son had TGA corrected by a switch op at 7 days old. He then caught an infection and was in hospital for several months. He has been well since. I am wondering if now is the time to keep him at home in case he is more vulnerable.

[Greenton]

Sorry, he is 8 now.

[Hidden]

I would ask his doctor what they would advise. Wishing you all the best 🙂

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Hello and welcome to the forum!

First some background for others:

Transposition of the great arteries (TGA) is a type of heart defect that a small number of babies are born with (congenital). In this condition, the two arteries that carry blood from the heart to the lungs and body aren’t connected as they should be. They are reversed (transposed).

In TGA, the following occurs:

The aorta is connected to the right ventricle. It should normally be connected to the left ventricle.

The pulmonary artery is connected to the left ventricle when it should normally be connected to the right ventricle.

This means that:

Oxygen-poor (blue) blood is sent to the body instead of to the lungs.

Oxygen-rich (red) blood returns to the lungs instead of going to the body.

This is the opposite of a normal heart. Corrective surgery is required shortly after birth. Children can go on to live normal lives although there may be other issues. This means they will be monitored on an ongoing basis. They often require antibiotics for some dental treatments because of the risk of infection.

I cannot answer your specific question and would suggest you speak to his GP/cardiologist for guidance. It may so be worth calling the BHF nurses on Monday. Does the school support online learning?

[Greenton]

Thanks ever so for your reply. I am a teacher in a special school so likely to be one of the first to shut IF we shut. Will ring the hospital on Monday.

[Greenton]

Thank you and good luck with finals. Really appreciate your message.