COVID-19 third wave: Malnourished kids are at greater risk of infection

The second wave of coronavirus witnessed a surge in the number of kids infected with the virus. Although most of the cases were asymptomatic and mild, looking at the current situation experts speculate that the third wave can be more critical for them. The worst part is that there is no vaccine available for the kids, so the only way to protect them is by ensuring that they follow proper coronavirus norms. When it comes to being infected with the virus, all kids are equally at risk, but experts suggest that malnourished kids are more susceptible to the forthcoming COVID wave.

COVID-19 as we all know is an infection of the upper respiratory system, which can affect people of all age groups. However, another truth is that those with a strong immune system are less likely to suffer from severe infection. Eating healthy is an important factor that can help to boost immunity. Nutrient deficiency or malnutrition weakens the immune system making kids more susceptible to contagion. Malnutrition in kids can be huge comorbidity in the third wave of coronavirus. It can also lead to prolonged hospitalisation.

Malnourishment is a common health concern in India. Even before the pandemic, a large chunk of the population, including kids, were deficient in common micronutrients like iron, iodine, folate, vitamin A, and zinc. But the implication of these deficiencies has been brought to the fore in the context of the current pandemic. These deficiencies can lead to poor growth, intellectual impairments, perinatal complications and increased risk of morbidity in kids. Now, it can also be a reason for the increased risk of COVID-19 among kids.

According to the WHO, severe acute malnutrition (SAM) means very low weight-for-height, or by the presence of nutritional oedema. An RTI filed last year by a leading Indian news agency revealed that there are about 9,27,606 ‘severely acute malnourished’ children aged between six months to six years in the country till November last year. Most of these kids were from Maharashtra, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu and Jharkhand. Malnutrition is a major contributor to different diseases burden in India.

Various vaccine companies are testing their respective vaccines on children. Still, there is uncertainty about when it will be made available for the general public. Till that time it is the responsibility of the parents to take extra care of their kids. Make sure they wear a mask all the time, maintain social distance when in public and practise healthy hygiene habits all the time. Apart from that, make sure they eat healthy and nutritious foods. Having a well-balanced diet can help to keep the immune system healthy and cut down the risk of infection from COVID-19.