Coronavirus: Do we have an answer yet on whether the third COVID wave will be dangerous for kids or not?

The second wave of coronavirus posed an unprecedented challenge to people's health and mental well-being. It claimed several lives and left people in a state of grief and chaos. Now, with new emerging variants and an increase in the number of breakthrough infections, a third COVID wave is being speculated.

Recent reports provided by an expert panel under the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) suggest that a third wave of coronavirus could peak around October, which is why health officials have urged the public healthcare system to be prepared not only for adults, but also for children.

VK Paul, Head of the COVID task force, NITI Aayog has also insinuated that India may see upto 6 lakh cases a day in the coming months, and may pose great risk to the pediatric population.

So does it mean that the third wave of COVID-19 will prove more dangerous for kids and should parents be alarmed over it?

As is known, coronavirus remains to be one of the most unpredictable diseases of all. With an increase in the number of Delta variant cases and a surge in the number of breakthrough infections, there is no telling how the virus is set to impact people.

However, COVID vaccines continue to remain the most effective way to tackle the COVID crisis, for which children in India are yet not eligible. This puts them at great risk, especially if ever there is a third COVID wave. Unvaccinated individuals are three times more in danger of contracting the virus and developing severe symptoms and given that children can be superspreaders, it is all the more concerning.

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The novel coronavirus does not differentiate between anyone. More so, it affects children the same way it affects adults. However, unlike people who are 18 and above, children do not have access to COVID vaccines currently. That said, they are very much at risk of contracting the virus and developing major symptoms. Additionally, there are many other challenges children can face if ever a third COVID wave hits us at all.

Similar to the second COVID wave, experts fear a yet another wave of unpreparedness and chaos, this time especially with pediatric COVID infrastructure.

The National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) committee report, which was initiated by the Union home ministry reads, "Paediatric [control] facilities including doctors, staff, equipment like ventilators, ambulances etc. are nowhere close to what may be required in case a large number of children become infected."

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As mentioned above, the unavailability of COVID vaccines for children is a serious problem. Not only does it increase their risk of infection, but it also makes them prone to spreading the virus to the most vulnerable in society.

However, with Zydus Cadila's needle-free vaccine, ZyCoV-D having received emergency use authorization by the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI), parents can now breathe a sigh of relief as the world's first ever DNA based vaccine against the SARs-COV-2 virus is said to be safe for kids over 12. It is however important to note that the vaccine may only be available in mid-September.

Just like adults, children are prone to the SARs-COV-2 virus. During the second wave of COVID-19 in India, we saw a high rise in the number of COVID cases not just in adults but in kids as well. While experts blame it on the overall spike in the case numbers, many also hold the Delta variant responsible.

Wearing a mask, practicing proper hand hygiene, staying home, maintaining social distance is of utmost importance. During such critical times, it is also important to ensure that you take care of your child's mental health. COVID anxiety is real in adults and kids alike.