Here is what you need to do when your kids test positive
Relatively unaffected during the first wave of COVID-19, the new mutant variant of the coronavirus is affecting more kids this time. A large number of COVID-19 positive cases in ages more than 10 years and between 1-8 years have been reported across the country in the second wave. Although most of the kids have mild symptoms or are asymptomatic and super-spreaders, they can easily lead to serious illness. It is more challenging for the parents to take care of the sick child and look out for their own health during this testing time. It is difficult to isolate them, especially when the kid is below 10 years and make them follow the COVID-19 norms to prevent the illness from spreading to others. If you are struggling with the same, here we have tried to answer some simple questions on how to take care of your kid if he/she has tested COVID-19 positive.
Why is the new variant affecting more kids?
The new variant of the coronavirus has a higher tendency to infect the kids as compared to the previous one. Kids mostly come in contact with the virus from the adults who go outside. The double mutant variant has the tendency to escape your immune system and cause infection in the respiratory tract. Kids were infected even in the first wave of the coronavirus, but they were mostly asymptomatic. This time most kids are experiencing MISC (Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children) and show mild symptoms.
Common COVID-19 symptoms in kids
Just like adults, the symptoms of coronavirus are not only limited to the upper respiratory tract. Most of the kids are experiencing symptoms like high fever, chills, shortness of breath, cough, loss of smell, sore throat, fatigue, muscle pain, and mucocutaneous inflammatory signs. Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms vomiting, like loss of appetite and diarrhoea are also common in the younger population.
What precautions should be taken when your kid tests positive?
As soon as the symptoms of COVID-19 appear in kids it is important to quarantine them for 14 days. Get them tested for the presence of viruses and keep monitoring their oxygen saturation level. If the saturation is 94 per cent give supportive care, adequate hydration, proper nutrition and paracetamol. Consult your doctors and follow the advice. If the condition deteriorates take them to the hospital immediately.
How long do kids need to isolate?
In the majority of the cases, kids get better in three to five days after the appearance of the first symptoms of the COVID-19. In rare cases, it can take longer than this due to pre-existing conditions. If your child has been tested positive, you may stop home quarantining after the following three conditions are met.
-10 days since symptoms first appeared
-24 hours with no fever and without fever-reducing medication
-Other symptoms of COVID-19 are improving.
When will the COVID-19 vaccine be available for kids?
At present, there is no vaccine available for kids below 18 years. However, pharmaceutical giants across the globe are carrying out testing to examine the safety and efficacy of vaccines among children.
India based Bharat Biotech had also sought approval for Phase 3 clinical trial of Covaxin in kids between the ages of 5 and 18 years.
Pfizer and AstraZeneca are also testing their respective vaccinations on children aged 12 to 15 to examine the efficacy and side effects.
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