You and Me: No Kidding! Corona in kids-A cause to worry?

DR MANGALA BORKAR

This second wave is a little more severe on kids than the first was.

It is predicted the third may have even worse outcomes in children, as they will not be vaccinated.

We all know how difficult it is to confine a normal child to the house, or isolate if infected, or getting it to wear a mask, or keep away from grandparents.

·While preparing for the third wave, the medical needs of children will have to be kept in mind.

·We do need a Covid vaccine for children ASAP.

·A proper plan of schooling and exams needs to be in place.

·Adults need to avoid all events that can lead to crowds and build a pleasant and safe atmosphere for their children. It appears that parents and children need to bear with each other for some more time, without respite!

Dr Prabha Khaire, HoD Paediatrics, GMC Aurangabad

Corona in kids

·Though children are mostly asymptomatic or mild, they may occasionally have moderate or severe infection. (1-3% )

·Symptoms - similar to those in adults - fever, cough, sore throat, diarrhoea, vomiting, body ache.

·Hospitalisation may be indicated if there are rashes, redness in the eyes, fever more than 5 days, lethargy, fast breathing.

·Asymptomatics , mildly symptomatics do not need any treatment, only

paracetamol for fever, good nutrition, isolation.

·No need of investigations.Children less than 3 years can be isolated with a parent, away from the elderly.

·Kids imitate adults and usually follow SMD (sanitizer, mask, physical distance)

·They should be kept occupied with indoor games etc.

·If symptoms persist for 5 days or more, a complete blood count, X-ray chest, Covid profile (D dimer, ferritin, CRP and LDH ) may be required.

·Rarely they may land with post-Covid illnesses or complications and need to be managed in hospital.

·Parents should not panic but be watchful and consult their doctor if warning signs are noticed.

·Self-medication should be strictly avoided.

Dr L S Deshmukh, Professor and Head, Neonatology , GMC AURANGABAD

Neonatal COVID19 - (COVID19 in first month of life)

If the mother is positive, RTPCR test of baby, within 24 hours of birth, should be done.

·Most of the babies are asymptomatic; few babies can have respiratory or other problems.

·The negative baby can be breastfed by a positive mother (mother should wear a mask and wash hands thoroughly).

·If baby has symptoms like fever, blood tests and x-ray are indicated.

·These newborns are not given special drugs like older children.

·Normally, babies are given BCG, Hepatitis B and Polio after birth.

If the baby is positive, do so after two weeks in asymptomatic or after recovery from illness.

·During the first month, baby should be regularly followed up for early diagnosis of COVID19 infection. Parents should be told not to ignore minor illnesses.

·If the mother is positive but baby is negative and stable, it should be given the first dose of regular immunization (Polio, BCG, hepatitis B) immediately.

Dr Jayant Baride, Former Professor OF Community Medicine

A child’s regular vaccination should not be compromised due to pandemic.

·Out of a thousand children born, thirty do not see their first birthday. Vaccine preventable infectious diseases significantly contribute to childhood deaths. National Immunization schedule covers seven major diseases (like whooping cough, tetanus, diarrhea, polio, measles), even in farthest corners of our country.

·Timely immunization, cold chain maintenance and proper follow-up are very important for facing this pandemic.

·With proper precautions like mask and distancing, see that your child gets his regular vaccination on time.

·If a child gets COVID, he/she should get regular vaccines after recovery (15-30 days after diagnosis).