June 29, 2021: Amid the second wave of Covid-19, healthcare personnel in India have been trying to do their best under trying circumstances. It is not only impacting the most vulnerable in the society, but even children are getting affected by the new mutations circulating in the country.
The B.1.1.7 and India's B.1..617 variant are said to be quite scary for the kids too and a large number of children below 18 years have already got infected.
As per medical professionals, children between the age groups of 0-18 might exhibit symptoms that are completely different from the adults.
COVID SYPTOMS IN CHILDREN
It has been noted that children may have a high temperature ranging between 103-104 degrees celsius. Children with MIS-C condition often come up with severe inflammation in various organs of the body, including heart, lungs, blood vessels, kidneys, digestive system, brain, skin or eyes.
Multisystem-Inflammatory Syndrome (MIS-C) is a rare complication of COVID that could strike kids after they have recovered from the virus. In many cases, it could also turn fatal.
Right now, the risk of developing MIS-C falls on the lower side. However, it's important that the signs and symptoms are diagnosed in time. The most common signs and symptoms include breathlessness, confusion, body pain, and excruciating fatigue.
HOW TO KEEP CHILDREN SAFE
At a time when children do not have access to COVID vaccines, parents should always be aware of how to keep their kids safe from the newer virus strains.
Kids must continue to practice basic preventive measures- social distancing, wearing mask and maintaining hand hygiene.
Masks are one of the best ways to protect ourselves. However, kids can have a hard time keeping masks on, especially when they go out. Infants and toddlers can also get uncomfortable wearing masks for long periods of time. To deal with matters such as these, it's important to simplify matters in front of children and explain to them the safety protocols.
Avoid taking them to parks or coming in contact with other children.
SPIKE IN COVID CASES
India has reported 37,566 new COVID-19 cases, 56,994 recoveries, and 907 deaths in the last 24 hours, as per the Union Health Ministry.
The total COVID-19 cases stands at 3,03,16,897. Therefore, India has 2,93,66,601 recoveries, 5,52,659 active cases and 3,97,637 death cases.
In Assam, a total of 34,606 children within the age group of 0 to 18 years were found infected with COVID 19.
As per reports, a total of 5755 cases belonged to less than 5 years and 28851 to 6 to 18 years age groups.
VACCINE FOR CHILDREN LIKELY BY AUGUST
On Sunday, June 27, Dr NK Arora, Chairman of the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI) said that the Covid-19 vaccine developed for children above the age of 12 years by pharmaceutical company Zydus Cadila will be available by August. The trials are expected to end by July.
AIIMS Director Randeep Guleria said that the data of phase two and three trial of Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin for two to 18 years age group is expected by September. The vaccine should be available for children in India around that time following approval from the drug regulator.