Two years back when Covid-19 struck the world we hardly knew what hit us, leave alone its long lasting effects and impact on mankind. Although a lot has calmed down, the threat has not been wiped out, yet. One of the most vulnerable groups which the pandemic affected were children and adolescents. Although WHO stated less severe illness and deaths in children and teens compared to adults, there were other ways in which the pandemic had impacted them.
While the younger age groups got the government’s nod for the first dose of vaccination just earlier this year in India, awareness, and precaution are required to help children and teens stay safe from this yet-not-completely-understood disease.
In this article, we discuss in detail the challenges that have been there or are still lingering, and the necessary precautions to keep your children safe.
The medical world is still grappling with the global crisis and the inconsistency the disease has shown in exhibiting its symptoms. Earlier people were concerned about its fatality and later on with its psychological effects especially on children due to isolation and fear. However, the most recent concern is about the long-term impact it leaves on the host’s body. Some of the most common symptoms of Covid-19 among children and adolescents are:
- Fever
- Cough or sore throat
- Shortness of breath
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of smell or taste
- Diarrhoea
- Pain in the abdomen
In many cases, Covid can be asymptomatic as well.
The effect of Covid has subdued, and children and teens are back to school in most parts of the world and India. However, the challenges and fears still linger owing to the damage the pandemic has done to their physical and mental health. Some of the issues and concerns related to Covid in children and teens are:
- Impact on schooling and learning: According to UNICEF, globally nearly 147 million children missed more than half of their in-person schooling in these two years duringthe pandemic. This impacted their chances of learning and growth and mental health, the effects of which will be lifelong.
- Mental health issues due to isolation: Apart from bodily issues, protective confinement, social isolation, and increased stress levels of parents and caregivers have impacted the emotional and psychological health of children and teens. Studies suggest that there were consequent potential losses for brain development.
- The lingering health issues: According to a study by a new Preprint study, a quarter of children who have had COVID and related symptoms, showed lingering issues even after their recovery. Some of these problems were mood issues, fatigue, sleep disorders, gastrointestinal, heart, and psychological issues, etc.
Even though the schools have opened and the severity of the disease has decreased, it is best to take precautions given the long-term effect of the disease. Some of the precautions that children and teens should take to avoid the bad effects of Covid are:
- Getting vaccination and booster doses: The Indian government introduced vaccination for the 15-18 age group in January and for the 12-14 age group in March this year. And the vaccination for children aged 5-12 years is yet to begin in India. Getting vaccinated depending on the age group of your child is the first step that you can take towards safeguarding your children.
- Maintaining distance and using masks and other protective equipment: While the symptoms of Covid are milder as compared to adults as per various sources and studies, it is better to take all precautionary behaviours. Maintaining distance and using masks and other protective requirements like sanitizer, etc., in public places and at home, if anybody is suspected to have the infection, is a must.
- Avoiding closed contact: With all the schools open everywhere, it is difficult to maintain social distancing. However, closed and crowded spaces and close contacts should be avoided as much as possible. Children should be constantly reminded of the same by their parents and teachers. Also, schools should make sure to ensure enough spacing between students within and outside the classrooms.
- Regular screenings of people in contact: People who come in continuous contact with children and teens like the home caregivers, child caregivers, teachers, therapists, and other school staff should be regularly screened for symptoms and tested and isolated.
- Opting healthy diet and exercise: Numerous studies have suggested that children and teens with obesity and sedentary lifestyles are more prone to Covid related complications. Hence a well-balanced diet with regular exercise is crucial during these times for children. Also, to fight with infection your child needs to develop strong immunity for which both, a good diet and regular workout are crucial.
Last but not least awareness can make a difference. Children and teens should be constantly made aware of the necessity to maintain all precautionary habits. Have conversations with your child and the authorities to make sure that he or she is washing or sanitising hands at regular intervals, wearing masks, and maintaining social distance in crowded places.
But at the same time, try not to panic yourself and your child in the process. The fear of getting infected can be far more than getting infected itself. Hence, try making your kid understand to take necessary precautions. And even after that if an infection happens then it can be taken care of with the help of health practitioners.