The constant threat of the third wave of COVID-19 has kept parents and healthcare providers on their toes - trying to find ways by which they can protect children from severe infections. In keeping with the same, a pediatric serosurvey was conducted in Mumbai which shows that 51.18 per cent of those below the age of 18 years in Mumbai have antibodies against coronavirus.
The survey was conducted by civic body-run BYL Nair Hospital and Kasturba Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory (KMDL) between April 1 to June 15. According to the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), 2,176 blood samples were tested for the study. The results showed that the proportion of the pediatric population having antibodies has increased compared to the earlier serosurvey.
What does this survey really mean to us?
This survey indicates that there is a notable increase in the seropositivity in the pediatric population to SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) however, it only reflects a small number of children from one part of the country. Also, while it does provide much hope stating that only a few children will need hospitalization, it still does not apply to parts of the country beyond the sample set. Need of the hour is to have more Sero surveys coming in different regions of the country, we cannot assure the community basis one survey.
So, are kids not prone to be infected?
Kids are more prone to get infected as COVID-19 measures compliance is very low, and they are not vaccinated. Not all adults are vaccinated either. But question is, how many will need hospital care and ICU care. Those numbers would be perhaps small when we compare with adults. But it is important to note that every wave will affect children based on virulence of the virus, mutation, nutritional status, comorbidities, and vaccination status.
Also Read: Maharashtra Begins Fourth Sero-Survey To Gauge COVID-19 Infections Among Children
Many parents ask about vaccination for children, while they are yet to be labelled eligible for vaccination in India. The only way to keep your children protected is by following COVID-19 norms:
COVID-19 measures: Social distancing, wear a mask, wash hands, and maintaining hygiene
Healthy food: Give your kids healthy home-cooked meals that are rich in vitamins, proteins, and minerals
Good exercise: Make them exercise for at least half an hour to 1 hour every day
Vaccines for preventable diseases: Get their Flu shots on a timely basis till the COVID vaccine is made available for kids
Also, going forward, home monitoring of kids is important. Children should be monitored for their temperature, pulse rate, oxygen levels and urine colour. If your child is infected and is active between two fever episodes, taking enough oral liquids and passing clear urine, and if their blood O2 levels are more than 95 per cent, then the child can be managed at home. Periodic teleconsultations with your Paediatrician can help you to be more vigilant on any warning signs. Speak to your doctor if you notice:
Such children should be immediately brought to the Emergency Room of your nearest hospital and should be physically assessed.
Also Read: AIIMS Chief Says Covaxin Will be Administered To Children Above the Age of 2 By September
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