3,660 children tested +ve in dist this year

Manav Mander

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, June 17

In the second wave of Covid, 3,660 children (up to 18 years) were infected in the district. Parents need to be extra careful of their wards as children will be worst hit by the anticipated third wave, according to health experts.

Majority of children who got infected were above 10 years of age and 57 were one-year-old. Some were even few days and few months old. A total of 3,660 kids got infected from January 1- June 15. This year transmission among kids was seen in form of intra uterine death as newborn babies also tested positive after delivery.

The latest serosurvey (Dec 2020-Jan 2021) showed that around 25 per cent children were infected in the age group of 10-17 years, the same percentage is in adults too. It indicates that while children are being infected like adults, they are not getting the severe disease.

District Epidemiologist Dr Ramesh said nothing can be said about the third wave but people need to be careful and should not let their guard down. “Parents should get themselves vaccinated and it will also help in keeping their kids safe as it is parents with whom the kids are spending maximum time as schools are closed,” he said.

Dr Rajinder Gulati, member, Indian Academy of Paediatrics, said in the first wave, the severe disease occurred primarily in the elderly and individuals with co-morbidities. In the second wave, large number of younger age group (30-45 years) individuals have developed severe disease as also those without co-morbidities.

“After the second wave is over, if we do not continue following Covid appropriate behaviour, the third wave, if occurs, is likely to infect the remaining non-immune individuals – that may include children also,” he said.

“Children are as susceptible as adults and older individuals to develop infection but not severe disease. It is highly unlikely that the third wave will predominantly or exclusively affect children,” said Dr Gulati.

Safeguarding kids

• Encourage them to stay indoors
• Do not allow visitors at home
• Teach kids to maintain social distance, wear face mask
• Help them practising good hand hygiene
• Maintain your and your kids personal hygiene
• Disinfect frequently-touched surfaces
• Make your kid drink plenty of water
• Give them vitamin C-enriched fruits and vegetables