The 2nd wave of coronavirus has hit many countries including India. As per the doctors, the 2nd wave of Covid-19 appears to be more dangerous as compared to the 1st wave. In India, most of the states have imposed many restrictions to limit the virus spread. However, one noteworthy cause of concern for parents in India is that more and more children are getting infected with coronavirus experiencing mild to serious symptoms.
The situation with children regarding Covid-19 is very different from last year. Children are observed to be more symptomatic. The number of children patients is more in the capital city of India. As per the doctors in Delhi-NCR, infants are also testing positive for coronavirus. Although the condition of the children remains under control and no such life-threatening health issues have been observed. However, children between the age of 5 and 12 have a higher risk of getting infected. In some rare cases, parents need to accompany children who are suffering from severe symptoms.
Previously, during the first wave, it was noted that the coronavirus had very little or no impact on children. As per a report of WHO (World Health Organization) in October 2020, coronavirus is much less common in children when compared to adults. Children and teenagers account for about 8% of reported cases and 29% of the world’s population.
But this new wave of Covid-19 is turning out to be more serious for children and young people. All age groups of children are affected including those under 1 year of age.(1,3)
Most of the children affected by Covid-19, experience mild symptoms such as runny nose, cough, mild fever and stomach problems. Some children even complain of vomiting, headache, diarrhea and body ache. In some cases, children are experiencing high temperatures of 103-105 Celsius that persist for a week.
In some rare cases, children also report more serious complications such as multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C). It is a rare inflammatory condition with continuous fever. This usually occurs 2-4 weeks after being exposed to coronavirus.(1,2,4)
What Precautions Should Parents take to Safeguard The Children from COVID-19?
Below are given some precautions to be taken by parents to prevent and treat coronavirus infection in children:
It is advisable not to take your children outside and expose them to the virus. Avoid every possible cause of infection, including passing the virus through you.
As per the health experts, mild symptoms in children should not be ignored. Parents should be aware of symptoms such as breathing problems, diarrhea and lethargy,
especially after fever. Parents should be careful when they identify such problems in children because early intervention will contribute to better curing.
If a child is suffering from fever and it continues for 6 to 7 days, parents should monitor their child’s blood pressure. However, it is not necessary to check the oxygen levels using a pulse oximeter as children are less likely to be exposed to oxygen saturation. These tools are not suitable for children.
While the vaccines for children are still being tested and it can take months to test and use them for children, the only solution is to maintain social distancing, wear masks, washing hands frequently.(1,3)
Conclusion:
Many children have tested positive for Covid-19 in India as the country is experiencing a spike in the cases during the second wave of coronavirus. The situation is very critical compared to 2020. There are more pediatric cases with younger age groups emerging in this phase.
So we can’t and shouldn’t be careless. It is recommended for people not to take their children outside as it can expose them to the Covid-19. Parents should take all precautions and consult a doctor if necessary.
- https://www.dailyrounds.org/blog/new-symptoms-high-viral-load-heres-how-indias-second-wave-of-covid-19-looks-different-from-the-first/
- https://www.india.com/news/india/coronavirus-second-wave-very-dangerous-newborns-children-between-age-1-5-among-patients-doctors-4589335/
- https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/trends/current-affairs-trends/young-and-infected-covid-19s-new-patients-as-india-battles-huge-surge-6783271.html
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8008198/
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