With a gradual decline in COVID cases in the country it is evident that we are fast recovering from the second wave of coronavirus. The dip may have come as a relief but it has rung the alarm bells of a possible third wave which will probably be by end of this year.
At the start of the pandemic, it was believed that the younger population was devoid of threats of the virus and they remained relatively unaffected during the first wave. However, during the second wave, a higher number of children and adolescents got infected. The people believe that the children are at larger risks of becoming severely ill when the third wave comes.
The Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) has also said that although children remain prone to infection, it is “highly unlikely that the third wave will predominantly or exclusively affect children”. There has been no evidence to suggest whether the children who contract COVID-19 will have any serious complications.
A report published by The Lancet’s Covid-19 Commission India Task Force there is no evidence to suggest that children will be worst hit by an anticipated third wave. The group of experts teamed together to find out a possible way to ensure the safety of the children against COVID-19. They were asked to evaluate the evidence and suggest practical clinical tools and strategies for providers and guidance to the policymakers and the public, so as to collectively protect the children during this crisis.
Although the data was limited, it was found that the mortality rate amongst severe COVID-19 positive children below the age of 10 was 2.4 percent.
But as parents here are some symptoms of COVID-19 in kids that you can watch out for
- Fever
- Runny nose
- Fatigue
- Sore throat and cough
Besides these common symptoms of COVID-19, recent reports have suggested an increase in the number of multisystem inflammatory syndrome cases in children (MIS-C) infected with COVID-19. Children with MIS-C condition have come up with severe inflammation in various organs of the body, including heart, lungs, blood vessels, kidneys, digestive system, brain, skin or eyes.
Medical experts claim that they have noticed that a larger percentage of kids stay asymptomatic despite infection and could be treated at home. However, they prescribe caution and complete adherence to safety protocols.
Vaccine manufacturers like Bharat Biotech has been granted permission for conducting the phase II/III clinical trial of Covaxin for those in the age group of 2 to 18 years.
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