Srinagar (NVI): During the first wave of Covid, there was a general observation that children were least affected and were asymptomatic or having mild symptoms.
But in prevailing second wave of virus more children are infected which demonstrates severity of infection, says Dr Muzaffar Jan, Head of Pediatrics Department at GB Pant Hospital, Srinagar.
He said Cough, Cold, Fever, Body ache and Diarrhea are the symptoms of Covid infection among children.
“Oxygen saturation of children should be above 94. The saturation level between 94 and 90 is a symptom of mild infection and below it indicates severity of infection, the doctor said.
“In severe infection a child becomes lethargic, vomits and gets diarrhoea. Sometimes children get convulsions and shock due to infection,” said Dr Muzaffar Jan, adding that parents should monitor symptoms of their children.
Monitor and check whether a child is breathing, responding normally or has become lethargic, he advised.
“Infectious children should be kept in isolation and administered immunity boosters including vitamins and zinc besides a paracetamol tablet,” the doctor advised.
“In a condition of severe symptoms a child should be hospitalized.”
However, he maintained that Covid vaccination for children is not allowed because it is under trial, yet.
Although, USA has allowed vaccination for children above 12 year olds just a day before but covid vaccination for children has not been permitted in other countries till now, Dr Muzaffar Jan, paediatrician informed.
Regarding breast-feeding, Dr Jan said that Covid positive mother can breastfeed child while properly following SOPs particularly wearing face mask and applying sanitizer on hands after washing.
Besides, other routine immunisation to children after their covid infection can be given two weeks after the child becomes asymptomatic.
However, if the child has received steroids or tocilizumab then routine immunisation should be deferred by 3 months, instructed Dr Jan.
It was advised by Dr Muzaffar that children should be kept away from elderly people because old age people are prone to get covid infection besides high morbidity risk to them.
Meanwhile, he appealed to people to get vaccinated and said that there is no need to worry for mild reactions. He called for avoiding social gathering and following SoP guidelines.
