There appears to be no substantial evidence to suggest that children will be more affected or have greater illness severity due to Covid-19 in the anticipated third wave, according to a new report. The Lancet Covid-19 Commission India Task Force prepared the report after convening an experts group comprising leading paediatricians from the country to examine the issue of paediatric Covid-19 in India. It said the infection s symptomatology in children in India appears to be globally comparable. Most children with Covid-19 are asymptomatic, and amongst those symptomatic mild infections are predominant. Most children have fever with respiratory symptoms, and often present with gastrointestinal symptoms (such as diarrhea, vomiting, pain in abdomen) and atypical manifestation compared to adults. The proportion of symptomatic children increases as age increases as does the severity in such age groups, the report stated.
New Delhi, June 12
There appears to be no substantial evidence to suggest that children will be more affected or have greater illness severity due to COVID-19 in the anticipated third wave, accordi
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In the wake of rising coronavirus infection and mortality among 0-20 age group, the health ministry on Monday for the first time held a virtual conference with the participation of a record 4,000 paediatricians, nurses, medical officers and healthcare workers across India and discussed the treatment protocols.
The ministry said at present the cases of infection below 20 years in the country is 12% and death rate is 3%. There is a need to be prepared in case the numbers increase and all HCW should be oriented to the clinical protocols and management of COVID-19 in newborn age group. However, the ministry officials and experts were unanimous on one thing that the children should be given very judicious treatment. No unnecessary drug prescriptions of Remdesivir, Tocilizumab, Hydroxychloroquine, plasma infusion as done in case of adults.