Awareness on how to diagnose 'Covid-19' in children need of the hour says, Pediatricians
Coimbatore: Pediatricians have stressed that awareness on how to diagnose 'Covid-19' in children is very important.
Indian Academy of Pediatrics, Tamil Nadu Chapter, Secretary and HOD, Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, KMCH, Dr.K.Rajendran said, "In view of the predicted third wave is likely to affect children more severely compared to first two waves, pediatricians across the state are coming up with a slew of measures to prepare for the eventuality. Under the umbrella of the Indian Academy of Pediatrics, doctors are coming up with protocols for treating children who develop moderate and severe symptoms of covid-19 and educating nurses on how to handle it."
"Awareness among parents, nursing staff, and other doctors on how to diagnose covid-19 in children and treat them is need of the hour. During the first two waves, 90% of the children were asymptomatic, the mortality rate amongst hospitalized Covid-19 positive children below the age of 10 years was 2.4% in India. Of this, 40% of the children had pre-existing conditions like diabetes, cancer, renal issues and were immunocompromised. The waves also saw only 9% of hospitalized children suffering from a severe form of illness involving pneumonia and breathing issues."
"With the third wave predicted to affect children and they are forming 34% of the population, we have to create awareness as quickly as possible. We first want to create awareness among as many parents as possible on how they should handle covid-19 in their children. In order to help them, we have started creating brochures and posters. They should check saturation and if it falls below 90, the child is sluggish, always sleeping and starts having a bluish discoloration besides fever- then parents should know that these are the danger signs and immediately they should take their children to the hospital,” He added.
"The Indian Academy of Paediatrics,Tamil Nadu state chapter has formed a pediatric covid task force. We plan to coordinate with the state government to create a covid-19 cell in each district to help parents and children with teleconsultation and necessary help like finding them beds, oxygen, and doctors. We are also working on creating a training module for medical and paramedical on handling pediatric patients. Doctors say the district has only 103 ICU beds for children across hospitals. We expect 3,000 to 4,000 children would need ICU care. Children may present with COVID infection or Post COVID complications like MISC ( multi-system Inflammatory Syndrome in Children )."
When to suspect Child with covid-19 Infection
1. Asymptomatic: No symptoms but RT-PCR/CB-NAAT Positive
2. Mild infection: RT PCR Positive, Fever and or sore throat, runny nose, cough, nose block, Saturation of 94% and above
3. Moderate infection: RT PCR Positive, Fever or, cough, fatigue, Fast breathing or Oxygen saturation between 90-94%
4. Severe Infection: Persistent Fever , extreme fatigue, Breathing difficulty, Saturation of below 90%, Bluish discoloration, Altered sensorium, Low pulse, multi-organ dysfunction
When to suspect MIS-C
If Fever continues for more than 3 days.
Any two of these such as,
skin rashes both eye congestion,swelling, or redness in the mouth, hands, and feet. Low blood pressure or cold extremities.
Heart symptoms.
Increased blood clotting symptoms.
Diarrhea, Vomiting, or abdominal pain.
* Guidance for parents to prevent infection
The severity of corona infection among children, when compared to adults, has been less so far and hence need not to get panic. Only when adults in the family practice the following meticulously-wearing Mask, social distancing ,Hand wash, and vaccination against COVID, We can prevent COVID-19 infection among children in the family and protect them. It is a must to take all covid-19 precautions when stepping out.
* Pregnant women and Breastfeeding mothers should vaccinate for 'COVID 19'
COVID Infected mothers must breastfeed a baby with a mask and should not separate the baby from the mother. All babies should be exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months irrespective of the covid status. coronavirus is usually not transmitted through breast milk. In contrast, the baby will receive antibodies against coronavirus through breast milk
Parents must frequently wash their hands.
Do not send children to school until they are vaccinated
Routine vaccination as per schedule should be given
Children are likely to get psychological problems like stress or depression. Parents should sit down and interact with children, engage them with different games within the homey need appropriate counseling. Encourage the child to proper exercise and prevent obesity."