10 Things Experts Have Said About Covid 3rd Wave Hitting Children

As India is still fighting against the second Corona wave, reports say the third wave of this virus would be hitting up soon in India.

The second wave is affecting children more, and the symptoms are fever, cold, dry cough, diarrhea, vomiting, body rashes, weakness, and few children also have to face breathing difficulties.

We still are unknown when the 3rd wave of Covid hits India, yet each state is taking necessary precautions against it. Whether it will adversely affect children or not? This article will answer your query to ‘will the Covid 3rd wave affect children?’ by providing you with ten things experts have to say regarding this matter.

1. No Evidence Or Proof

Even if the third wave of this deadly virus hits up soon, AIIMS director Dr. Randeep Guleria claims that there isn’t enough evidence to prove that the third wave of this deadly virus will primarily affect the children. He further explains that the virus binds upon human cells via ace receptors.

However, such receptors are less in children than adults. Therefore, children can still get a mild fever or moderate, severe disease. As a result, they are more prone to infection but won’t develop highly severe diseases. 

2. Don’t Term It ‘Black Fungus’

Dr. Guleria explains not to use the term black fungus when an infection is seen in children. Stating other infections as black fungus leads to unavoidable confusion. Labelling the same fungus with different names can create confusion.

Various types of fungal infections exist, like candida, aspergillosis, and histoplasmosis. However, aspergillosis and histoplasmosis are seen in children with low immunity. Children might suffer from such infections under the third wave of Coronavirus.

3. Can Spread Among Others

A member of VK Paul, Niti Ayog, says that, on the other hand, there is no proof that this virus won’t affect children at all. The third wave can infect children, and the worst part is it will spread among others.

It’s the same as the first and second waves but is more deadly than the other two. As a result, the Indian government is taking necessary Covid precautions so that the virus doesn’t spread among children. Even if it hits later this year or early next year, taking precautions beforehand is mandatory.

4. Precautions Against Transmission

Dr. Paul explained that the country should not allow children to be a part of this transmission chain. The third Coronavirus wave can dangerously transmit from one child to another one. It’s the age group where children become more mobile and much attention has to be paid.

Children can be more prone to this virus since they love playing around and mixing with other children. It’s hard to look after them, especially when outside. Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked for a collection of data on the transmission of Covid among children and youth in each district.

5. Urgent Need For NETS

Many doctors confirm that the newborns are testing Covid positive, even though their situation remains under control and rarely turns fatal. However, the third wave will hit soon, and as per experts, it might affect children in large numbers.

Management of the newborn maternity has to follow certain guidelines and also in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. However, there is an urgent requirement for the Neonatal Emergency Transport Service (NETS) to prepare specially for neonatal cases and children for the third wave of Covid-19.

6. Vaccination And Protection

The government’s principal scientific advisor K VIjayRaghavan said that the spread of third-wave depends upon many factors upon how the population is protected.

By protection, he meant vaccination, immunity, and Covid-19 appropriate behavior. If a large population in each area gets vaccinated and follows all Covid safety protocols, it will be less effective. This is when the children need to stay home stay safe.

7. May Or May Not Occur

If there is an opportunity, a third wave is possible via a susceptible population. Some experts say it might occur at selective places in India, but on the other hand, it may not occur at all.

There are still confusions with regard to this matter. India might not have to face the third wave at all. But what if it hits? Even if it comes, this country is preparing to fight it and protect all the children by not opening any school or college. The board exams are also canceled.

8. Plans To Save Children

The Delhi government came up with a task force that includes all the pediatricians, experts, and senior IAS officers to come with immediate plans and measures to safeguard the children from the next Covid wave at any cost.

In the meantime, the government has granted Bharat Biotech permission to conduct phase 2 and 3 clinical trials of Covaxin for those between the age group of 2 to 18 years.

9. Parents Must Be Vaccinated

The central government issued guidelines on treating Covid-19 cases among children. However, most experts say it can predominantly affect children. So the government of Uttar Pradesh comes up with a decision to vaccinate parents of kids under ten years of age to not get infected from their children if they contract the virus.

After this, many states are following the same decision. If the parents are infected, the transmission will quickly spread nationwide, which needs to be controlled.

10. Announcement Of More Measures

Karnataka government has announced multiple measures for the management of Covid-19 among children. As pediatric Covid care centers are being set up in all districts, rehabilitation centers will also be set up for orphans.

BMC will come up with a pediatric Covid care facility in Mumbai and cater to the network of children whose parents are admitted to hospitals due to Covid. However, doctor Guleria says that a degree of protection is being maintained since clinical trials of Covaxin between 2 to 18 years of age are still underway.

To Conclude

I hope this article has helped you out. If you want any health advice, book an appointment with a health expert, or are looking for any service in this field, rely on numerous service listing portals like Haarway, etc, for your need. Such portals will recommend you with a plethora of top-rated doctors, hospitals, and medical shops that are ready to cater to your need as per your location, budget, etc.