In a report submitted by the Principal Scientific Advisor to the government of India, it is mentioned that the third wave is inevitable. So, to maintain track and review the infection among children, a National Expert Group (NEG) was recently constituted by the government. As a result, most states are bracing themselves to fight and protect the country’s children.
“The children were spared in the first wave because the virus did not mutate much. Now that the mutation has occurred, children are getting more affected. But the complication rates in children are actually far lower than adults”. They, too, show multiple symptoms such as cough, fever, constipation and after three or four days of symptomatic treatment, 90 to 95 percent of children recover,” said Dr. Divakar Rao, Paediatric specialist at A.J. Institute of Medical Science and Research Centre.
He went on to explain that after one month or so, few children may develop complications or develop multi-inflammatory syndrome. “They may experience shock during this time. Even if it’s only one or two percent, the situation is alarming since we don’t know which child may have this symptom, which is why we must be vigilant,” he added.
Few sources predicted that the third wave will primarily affect children although there is no scientific proof. This has created panic among the parents. Divakar emphasised that there is no need to worry and expressed optimism that the situation will be averted if immunisation takes place quickly. This gives everyone a better chance of avoiding the next wave. “If 60 percent of the population gets vaccinated, immunity develops and is passed on spontaneously, eliminating the speed for transmission. Thus, children are automatically safeguarded,” he stressed.
He mentioned that the infection is indistinguishable from a common flu or fever. 95 percent of children experience symptoms for two to three days. “People in Dakshina Kannada are extremely vigilant, and they rush to the hospital on the first day. Sadly, nobody does the test these days so we draw the conclusion that if parents or other adults become infected, children are likely to become infected as well.” Divakar addee that by second or third day all the symptoms in children stops and thus, advises people to get tested to avoid further complications.
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