Third Covid wave likely in Sept-Oct, to affect kids more: Experts

Manav Mander

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Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, August 26

Experts are warning that the third wave of Covid would likely strike in September-October. It would affect children more and they would have similar risks as adults.

However, if adults in the family wear masks and maintain hand hygiene, social distancing and get vaccinated against Covid, they can prevent infection among children in the family and protect them.

“Lactating mothers should also get vaccinated against Covid. After delivery, even if the mother is Covid positive, the baby and the mother should not be separated. All babies should be exclusively breastfed for the first six months, irrespective of the Covid status of the mother. The virus is usually not transmitted through breast milk. In fact, the baby will receive antibodies against the virus through breast milk,” said Dr Rajinder Gulati, a paediatrician and retired SMO, Civil Hospital, Khanna.

Children infected with Covid may be asymptomatic. Some can have fever, cough, cold or loose stools. If a child infected with coronavirus does not have respiratory distress, he/she can be isolated at home. In case of respiratory distress, it is mandatory to seek medical advice and care, said Dr Gulati further.

Another expert, Dr Gurmeet Singh, a private practitioner, said it is important to ensure that the affected children are not dehydrated. These children can be given fluids, such as rice gruel, tender coconut water and fruit juice, in addition to nutritious diet. If the child has loose stools, homemade or commercially available Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) can be given. Oral Paracetamol is enough for managing fever in children. Administering unnecessary medicines without appropriate medical advice can be dangerous, he maintained.

In case the child has other chronic problems, like asthma, diabetes or epilepsy, the respective medications should be continued with medical advice. Children should avoid stepping out of the house unnecessarily. They should not be taken to overcrowded places, he added.

Dealing with children in Covid times

REDUCE SCREEN TIME Due to the pandemic and home confinement, children are likely to experience psychological problems like stress or depression. It is advisable to reduce their screen time. Unnecessary information which is like to cause fear and panic need not be shared with children.

SIT AND TALK It is important that the parents sit down and interact freely with the children. All their concerns should be addressed diligently. In case a child has psychological issues, appropriate counselling and medical care should be given.

KEEP THEM ENGAGEDTo keep children active and happy, they can be engaged in different games at home. Their talents should be identified and they should be encouraged to improve their skills in the area/ areas of their choice.