Is the covid pandemic third wave going to affect children?



The Government of India recently declared that a third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic is unavoidable and that both the government and populace must prepare for it. The decision was made based on opinions or recommendations from prominent physicians and medical institutes across the country. The doctors' assessment was based on an examination of trends or patterns of viral mutation over the previous 18 months.

While 2020 saw fewer but longer waves with fewer mutants, 2021 would see numerous shorter and deadlier waves. According to projections, the third wave will hit India between the months of August and October 2021, wreaking havoc on youngsters or children under the age of 18.

This has caused widespread panic throughout the country. There are a few vaccines that have been widely evaluated on those under the age of 18 (Pfizer recently claimed good efficacy on teenagers between the ages of 12 and 18), while some countries are delivering the same immunizations provided to adults, but in smaller doses. India may take the same strategy, but vaccines are once again in low supply, adding to the worry and paranoia.

First wave

The Covid virus harmed older people more in the first wave since they were the path of least resistance for the virus to propagate. Because older people have less immunity than younger people, the virus may spread faster among them.

Second wave

We are seeing a lot of young adults and even children getting sick in the current second wave since some of the older people have been vaccinated and many families (at least in the cities) are protecting the elder family members by not allowing them to go out and mingle.

Some scientists believe that if there is a third wave, children will be disproportionately affected since more adults would have been vaccinated or infected by then, making it simpler and faster for the Covid virus to spread among children.

Third wave

The severity of a third wave, as well as the extent to which it would affect children, is determined by

  • Coronavirus pathogenicity, which may change with each mutation (could increase or decrease).
  • Population vulnerability due to reliance on immunity and vaccination.
  • Vehicles for virus dissemination that depend on how well the populace follows Covid regulations. Schools and social gatherings, for example, could become sites of transmission before immunity develops among a large percentage of the population.

How can we plan to safeguard our children if a third wave occurs?

Attempt to get the adults in the family immunised.

If all of the adults in the family are immunised, the odds of the children becoming ill are reduced. If one or more of the children becomes infected, vaccinated adults can care for the diseased child and isolate the child from the other children. We understand that there are vaccine shortages and that it is difficult to vaccinate all adults, but if you have the means and the opportunity to get vaccinated, please take advantage of it without hesitation.

Arrange for grandparents or other family members to assist you.

If your child becomes ill and you must isolate the child to care for him or her, attempt to make arrangements with grandparents or other close family members to care for the other children. Plan on assisting your other family members with their children as well. Plan these practical things ahead of time based on who is and isn't vaccinated in your close circle.

Schools and online learning

Only policymakers can answer whether schools will reopen after the second wave has passed, and whether classes will be held online. Even in normal years, when schools reopen after the summer break, paediatricians report a rise in consultations as students spread viruses and bacteria, among other things, in the classroom. This could be amplified in the event of a pandemic.

Everyone should practise good hygiene.

When parents return home from work, they should take a shower and change their clothes before going to their children. It is just as vital for adults to practise good hygiene at home as it is for children.

Establish a rapport with your paediatrician.

Create a trustworthy relationship with your paediatrician so that he or she can assist you in locating the medical services that your child may require in the event of a third wave. If you see any of these symptoms, call your paediatrician right away. This point can not be overstated.

Don't become tired of adhering to Covid regulations.

Isolation, distancing, repetitive sanitization, and not seeing friends are all difficult for youngsters. With the second wave dragging on with the majority of us in some form of lockdown or isolation, don't become tired of the Covid regimens. Find small methods to obtain some fresh air within your limits and keep the family happy.

Maintaining a consistent routine for youngsters, such as well-balanced food, adequate sleep, and frequent exercise (if possible indoors), will aid in the development of immunity.

This helps significantly to ensure that if and when a third wave occurs, you haven't grown bored of following protocols and become casual about it.

For COVID emergency or guidelines, contact BEWELL hospital to fight against the pandemic situation. We are providing online consultation and online appointments for patients who need covid care.