COVID-19 AND IT’S IMPACT ON CHILDREN DURING THE SECOND WAVE IN INDIA

In India, the second wave of coronavirus has caused a surge in the number of daily cases. Most particularly, the mutant variant of SARS-CoV-2 (the B.1.1.7 and B.1.617) is infectious amongst children too – who have been largely spared during the first wave.

As India went into unlock mode, schools around India and the world opened up, and everything seemed to go back to normal. Children who were locked up all year in their homes breathed a sigh of relief as they could play again in the company of their friends, visit malls, start sports coaching and enjoy the freedom of movement.

But, with the second wave that encompassed India, the new variant of coronavirus did not spare children this time.

What are the symptoms of coronavirus in children?

Like we see in adults, different people with COVID showcase different symptoms and may not follow the same pattern. This variation is also true for kids. Experts say that kids show different symptoms than adults. However, many of the symptoms of COVID-19 are very similar to other infections like tonsilitis, sinusitis, and gastritis. For this reason, parents must remain extremely cautious.

According to experts, most kids who develop COVID-19 may only get minor symptoms of the disease. Even if they carry the viral load for a longer time, their symptoms may persist for a lesser time.

A mild fever could be a classic indication of coronavirus.

Some kids can also develop symptoms similar to gastrointestinal infection (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or loose motions), body ache, muscle pain, runny eyes.

The symptoms also differ among younger kids. In infants and babies, signs like skin rashes, swellings, and other unusual changes should be checked out at once.

Early diagnosis is the key to fighting the infection promptly. If you suspect your child to display symptoms similar to Covid-19, isolate your child immediately and get them tested. Most kids usually recover quickly at home and do not require hospitalization.

Is there a specific age group amongst children that is more affected with Covid-19?

Children aged 1 to 16 years could become infected by the virus. There have also been instances wherein a newborn child has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, having caught the virus from the mother at the time of birth.

How do parents keep themselves safe if the child is positive?

While it would be impossible for parents to leave kids in solitary confinement for long durations, practicing extra precautionary measures could help you stay safe and care for your child. Parents are advised to try double masking (use a proper N-95 mask along with a 3-ply surgical mask) while tending their sick child.

Are there any complications of coronavirus in children?

Children with feeble immunity, chronic illnesses may be more susceptible to complications associated with COVID-19, including MIS-C (Click here to know more)

What precautions must children practice in order to stay safe from the coronavirus?

Even though kids have a lower risk of exposure than adults, at a time when children do not have access to COVID vaccines, it is advisable that parents keep their children safe from the newer mutant strains.

Masks are one of the best ways to protect.

Despite that, younger kids can have a tough time keeping masks on, especially when they go out. Infants and toddlers can also get uncomfortable wearing masks for a long time.

It is important to deal with such matters with compassion and clarity. Try to simplify matters to children and explain to them the safety protocols. Again, it is easier to explain to older kids, with infants and toddlers, it would be best to restrict their movement and curtail exposure in such a scenario.

When will a vaccine for COVID-19 be available for children?

It’s important to understand that even though many studies have shown promising results, vaccines for children are still some time away.

Therefore, till the time we secure vaccines for children, it is crucial that we urge them to remain cautious, and practice basic hygiene measures and protocols ourselves to safeguard health.

Parents and children must continue to practice basic preventive measures –

• Social distancing

• Masking

• Sanitation

Large gatherings still pose a great challenge in the spread of coronavirus. Parents should remain extremely wary and cautious about exposing kids outside, or do so, only if proper precautions are followed. Infants and young children should be kept at home. Traveling right now should be done only if essential.