KO File Photo: Abid Bhat
Srinagar: Claiming that the second wave of coronavirus has infected more children compared to the first one, a prominent Paediatrician said Tuesday that the Covid-19 infected children experience vomiting and diarrhoea and are prone to convulsions and shock.
Dr Muzaffar Jan, HoD, Pediatrics, GB Pant Hospital for Children here said Tuesday that there was a general observation during the first wave of Covid pandemic 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
“Cough, cold, fever, body ache and diarrhoea are the symptoms of Covid infection among children. Oxygen saturation of children should be above 94. However, the O2 saturation reading between 94 to 90 is a symptom of mild infection and below it indicates severity of infection,” Dr Jan said.
“In severe infection, a child becomes lethargic, vomits and gets diarrhoea. Sometimes children get convulsions and shock due to infection,” he added.
While sensitizing to monitor symptoms of their children, the HoD Pediatrics said that parents must monitor and check whether a child is breathing, responding normally or has become lethargic.
“Infectious children should be kept in isolation and administered immunity boosters including vitamins and zinc besides a paracetamol tablet,” he said, adding “”In a condition of severe symptoms a child should be hospitalized,”
However, Dr Jan maintained that Covid vaccination for children was not allowed because the issue is under trial, yet.
“Although, the USA has allowed vaccination for children above 12 year old just a day before, Covid vaccination for children has not been permitted in other countries till now,” Dr Jan said.
Regarding breast feeding, he said that Covid positive mothers can breastfeed children while properly following SOPs particularly with wearing face masks and sanitizers applied 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,” he said.
He also advised that children should be kept away from elderly people because old age people are prone to get covid infection and also have high morbidity risk to them.
The noted Paediatrician also urged people to get vaccinated saying that there was no need to worry for mild reactions.
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