Children COVID19 Infection Up In Odisha: Read UNICEF India Guidelines To Beat The Virus

With the re-opening of schools in the State, a sudden rise in Covid-19 cases in the age group of 0-18 years has set the alarm bell ringing among the parents across the State. Even the State Health Department is advocating the need for a close watch on the children by their parents.

Children have grown vulnerable as there are currently out of the largest vaccination drive. The cases are set to rise further, as soon as the total unlock rolls out in the State. In such a scenario, Unicef India has said 'Prevention is better than cure.' All children above 2-years of age can wear the mask to prevent themselves from the infection, it maintained.

Though the rate of hospitalisation among children in the second wave has been not high vis-a-vis the infected individuals in the age-group of  30-60 years, the apex UN body on Children has issued a set of detailed guidelines specifying the 'watch out signs', 'the danger signs', 'when to test' and codes for home isolation. The details follow below.  

Watch out Time

• As per UNICEF, India, parents need to keep a close watch on their children, especially in the age group of 0-10 years. They should go for the RTPCR test when they record the following observations.
• If person/s with whom the child has been in contact tested positive for COVID-19.
• If a child has a fever that has continued beyond three days.
• Or if the symptoms of COVID-19 like cough, runny nose, vomiting, loose stools, etc are observed in a child.
• If your child has been in contact with a COVID-19 positive person but does not have any symptoms, you should remain watchful for symptoms until 14 days after the initial contact.

What To Do If Tested Positive?

• Record temperature and Oxygen saturation with a Pulse Oximeter if available at home, every six hours.
• Measure their temperature frequently. If it is more than 100-degree F
• Consult any or your family doctor.
• Continue to follow good hand and respiratory hygiene practices like regular hand washing with soap so that your child is protected against other viruses and bacteria causing diseases.
• Feed your children home-cooked food and keep them well hydrated. Give plenty of liquids and give a soft and light diet.

Signs That Endanger Life

If your child is in home isolation after tested COVID-19 positive, it’s important to know, and look out for the following five symptoms:

• High Fever (more than 101F) lasting beyond three days
• Decreased oral intake by the child
• Child becoming lethargic
• Increasing respiratory rate
• Oxygen saturation dropping below 95 per cent at home (ensure proper recording with good displayed waves).

Immediate Hospitalisation Signs

• In children of 0-2 months age --- the breathing gets faster and the breathing rate crosses the threshold of 60 breaths per minute.
• In children in the age group of  2-12 months, if the rate is more than 50 breaths per minute.
• In Children 12-59 months, the normal breathing rate is 40 breaths per minute.