‘Kids less prone to Covid-19’
Which children are more vulnerable?
Children are less likely to develop severe illness with Covid-19 compared to adults.
Among groups getting infected, children constituted one to five per cent of total number. Nearly 90 per cent of children are asymptomatic or have mild to moderate infection. Children who are less than five year and especially less than one year and children with moderate-severe asthma, cardiac d is ease,im mu no suppression, cancer, chronic liver/renal disease, diabetes and obesity are more vulnerable to Covid-19 compared to other children.
How must children suffering from asthma, con genital heart disease, genetic kidney problems, rare diseases, cancers, thalassemia and others be protected?
It is important to ensure that these children do not get exposed and avoid people who are sick. They need to wash hands regularly with soap and water. Parents must take special precautions to disinfect high touch surfaces daily in household common areas like tables, door knobs, chairs, toilets, sinks, light switches and remotes. Even toys need to be washed regularly. Children older than two should wear face mask in community settings.
Even if the symptoms are mild to moderate, they should contact health care personnel for evaluation. Regular follow-ups for non-Covid-19 illness like cancers and thalassemia must be maintained without delay.
Young infants’ immunisation schedules are getting affected due to the lockdown.What must parents do? How will it affect their health?
There are guidelines from the central health ministry that immunisations should be maintained and it is the duty of doctors and hospitals to maintain separate settings and also timings for them.
Immunisation schedules must be strictly followed and there is no one who can be stopped. People must consult their doctors and conduct immunisation regularly.
Children who are less than five year and especially less than one year and children with moderatesevere asthma, cardiac d is ease,im mu no supp res sion, cancer, chronic liver/renal disease, diabetes and obesity are more vulnerable to Covid-19 compared to other children.