Taking care of children with Covid-19

Source: The Indian Express

If we look at its prevalence, Covid-19 has affected both children and adults alike during the second wave. According to the latest national sero-survey as well, 25 percent of children surveyed were found to be affected by Covid-19. Even children below 10 years were also found to be as infected as other age groups.

As per the national data on the disease, about three to four percent of children were suggestive during the first wave of Covid-19 as well as during the second wave. However, since the total number of cases has gone up, the number of children affected is also more this time.

A majority of children remained asymptomatic or developed mild symptoms. Most children below 10 years showed mild symptoms such as cough, runny nose, mild fever, diarrhea among others. And they recovered faster. Children who are suffering from any inherited or chronic illness such as heart disease, diabetes, cancers, asthma have a higher risk of developing severe disease. Children with weak immune systems are also prone to catching Covid-19 infection.

But it is important that the parents watch them closely as many of the serious complications in children occur in or after the second week of acquiring the infection. It is rare but some children develop MIS or Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome
 

Also read: What the new Covid-19 variants mean for parents and kids