Increase in Covid cases among children in Gujarat

The entire state of Gujarat, including Ahmedabad, is witnessing a second wave of coronavirus pandemic. The symptoms of the pandemic in the second phase has turned dangerous. This time, the deadly virus has also targeted children in Ahmedabad, Vadodara and Surat.

Ahmedabad/Surat: The entire state of Gujarat, including Ahmedabad, is witnessing a second wave of coronavirus pandemic. The symptoms of the pandemic in the second phase has turned dangerous. This time, the deadly virus has also targeted children in Ahmedabad, Vadodara and Surat. The incident of the death of a 13-year-old boy, who was asymptomatic, has caused grave concern. As the possibility of coronavirus infection is greater in children, doctors have advised not to let the children venture out of homes without taking necessary precautions.

Children too can be a super spreader

Child specialist of Surat, Dr Purvesh Dhakecha, who has treated coronavirus infected children, told ETV Bharat that people need not be scared. This is the second phase of the pandemic. The first phase had seen the peak. Last year also children had got infected but they were lesser in number. But this time more children are getting infected because all in their family are getting infected. Children show symptoms of fever, cold and cough which was not seen last year during the peak of the pandemic.

However, there is no reason for panic as children up to the age of 14 years do not have the receptor of coronavirus and so they do not suffer from breathing difficulties. Children are asymptomatic and therefore super spreaders. Hence, it is necessary to keep children quarantined. Children should be kept away from older members of the family. In case the child shows some symptoms, he/she should be referred to a child specialist.

In Surat, nearly 150 to 200 children with symptoms of fever, cold and cough are being registered with and are being tested for CRP blood test and antigen test. After treating them for mild flu, these children become asymptomatic. Symptoms of fever, cold and cough are quite common among children but if the fever continues for more than three-four days, a doctor should be consulted.

Known paediatrician of Ahmedabad Dr Nischal Bhatt gave details of safety measures against coronavirus in an interview to ETV Bharat. He said besides the precautionary measures advised during the last year, one needs to be extra careful this time. He said it is of utmost necessary to maintain social distance, wear a mask, wash hands with soap and sanitiser and get vaccinated in time with both doses.

Put children in reverse quarantine

In view of the increasing cases of coronavirus infection among children, Surat municipal commissioner Banchanidi Pani said it is necessary to keep children under reverse quarantine. This means, even the people who are coronavirus negative must not venture out of home because they are likely to catch the infection if they go out.