New Delhi: Amid world being slowly gripped in the clutches of Omicron, the recent death of seven kids in Delhi (between Jan 9-12) has panicked the parents of children with co-morbidities getting infected by the deadly virus.
Experts say Covid cases in children fuelled by Omicron variant are seeing a worrying rise as overall percentage of symptomatic children are increasing compared to the previous delta variant.
“Coronavirus cases are increasing among children. While severe illness from Covid-19 in children remains rare — even with Omicron. A large percentage of these children are having milder symptoms; but overall percentage of symptomatic children has increased compared to previous variant of Covid 19,” says Dr Fazal Nabi, Consultant Paediatrician, Wockhardt Hospital.co
Children under the age of two years are at higher risk for the new Omicron variant of Covid-19, said Dr. Dhiren Gupta, senior consultant at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital on Sunday.
How children can be protected from Omicron as per Dr Gupta
1. Get fully vaccinated: Vaccines for adults are available, parents need to get vaccinated first to protect themselves and their children from the severity of this variant
2. Reinforce social distancing and other Covid norms: By now kids are familiar with basic covid norms like handwashing, staying 6 feet away from people, wearing masks etc. However due to relaxation after decrease in cases, they may think things are back to normal. Make them aware of the situation and guide them to follow the social distancing measures.
3. Talk to them: Kids will have questions regarding this scenario, talk to them in an age-appropriate way. Do not instil fear in them by oversharing your worries but teach precaution. Lead by example, when they see their parents being cautious, they will follow suit.
