The Anticipated COVID-19 Third Wave – Are children at greater risk?

The Coronavirus pandemic has started a year before. The rising number of cases during the first and second waves pushes us to keep ourselves aware and protected. The government and health facilities are ramping the required infrastructure and medical supplies intact. The unmanageable situation during the COVID-19 second wave has left many parents in a dilemma and panicking. The reason is the increase in cases of COVID-19 in kids during the second wave. Several coronavirus third wave predictions are being made, raising concerns among parents about children safety and health.

Some of the concerns of parents are as follows:

1. Will, there be a third wave of COVID-19 and How dangerous will it be?
2. Will the third wave of COVID-19 affect children the most?
3. Myths of COVID-19 associated with children
4. Which Children Are at Higher Risk of Getting Infected?
5. What can be the signs of COVID-19 in children during the third wave?
6. What precautions can you take to protect your child from COVID-19 infection?

There is no official definition of a wave in a pandemic. Generally, the rising of the infection and then declining after reaching its peak over a period is called a pandemic wave. This rising and declining trend resembles the shape of a wave. The study of the wave of infection helps to predict future outbreaks. Therefore, our scientists are regularly updating the wave chart in the laboratory, considering the possible changes which can happen in the virus that might affect our immune system and vaccination.  Therefore, helping to prepare India in future more safe and protected.

1. Will there be a third wave of COVID-19, and How dangerous will it be?

Considering the past data collected from the first and second waves of COVID-19, the third wave may hit India during the peak season of winter, that is, November 2021 till January 2022. This information laid on several predictions. But the experts have no evidence that the Coronavirus third wave will happen in India.

However, as informed from reliable sources, the Coronavirus has different variants to affect people severely in the coming time. Also, there is no prediction of how dangerous the third wave will going to be if occurred. But if preventive measures and safety norms are not taken, then the probability of an increase in the number of cases of the third COVID-19 wave is high.

These predictions are, in no way, made to create panic; it is to help prepare for the third wave in case it hits. Therefore, it is necessary to stay informed and avoid any myths or rumours making rounds.

2. Will the third wave of COVID-19 affect children the most?

The increase in the number of children been infected during the second wave of COVID-19 left the parents worried. Their worry lies in an unforeseen unmanageable situation if third wave outbreaks. However, experts believe that the third wave will not affect the children alone or will not severely affect them. But one must remember that children are at an equal risk of acquiring the infection. The reason is Coronavirus is an airborne transmission virus that remains in the air for hours after coughing, sneezing or talking.

Therefore, the parents should ensure that their kids stay home and take preventive measures when going outside. Further, the unavailability of vaccines for kids is a significant concern for parents.

3. Which Children Are at Higher Risk of Getting Infected?

A prevailing thought that every parent is seeking an answer is toddlers are at higher risk of getting infected. There is no evidence that the third wave will be dangerous for toddlers. The risk of getting infected is equal for adults and children. Although, kids become less sick or infected as often as adults. It is because the immune system of kids is more primed than adults.

Further, babies under age one might be at higher risk of severe illness with COVID-19 than older children. It is likely due to their immature immune systems and smaller airways, making them more likely to develop breathing issues with respiratory virus infections.

The age group is not a matter of concern on exposure to the virus. One infected person is sufficient to spread or transmit the virus to another and then to the community. Further, the children with underlying conditions, such as obesity, diabetes and asthma, might be at higher risk of serious illness with COVID-19. Children who have congenital heart disease, genetic conditions or conditions affecting the nervous system or metabolism also might be at higher risk of serious illness with COVID-19.

4. Myths of COVID-19 associated with children

The disaster that the people have experienced during the first and second waves of COVID1-19 gave rise to various myths or stories. Mostly the myths related to the third wave are associated with children and their health. Despite giving importance to these myths, it is requested that the parents follow the guidelines and data from reliable sources.

Some of the myths that rotate around the anticipated third wave of COVID-19 are as follows:

• High vulnerability of children to get adversely impacted by Coronavirus anticipated third wave

Older children have a weak immune system which makes them less resistant to the infection. But if there is a third wave and a massive increase in the number of patients, then there may be many kids with mild or no symptoms of the infection. But they will not be affected adversely or exclusively.

• The new variant of COVID-19 will affect children the most

Experts believe that the infections are high. Any new COVID-19 variant will affect adults and kids equally when exposed to it. The matter of concern in any new variant of the virus is that it gets easily transmitted from one person to another. The only way to deal with the upcoming scenario is to be cautious and act accordingly.

• No mental and emotional impact on children due to Coronavirus

It is not easy for children to express their feelings or what they are going through, unlike adults. The parents need to make them understand the current situation and the ways to protect themselves. Parents ensure that the preventive measures are taken seriously by kids and themselves too. The mental and emotional requirement of kids needs to be taken care of more than ever now.

5. What may be the signs of the new variant of COVID-19 in children?

Infected kids may show these signs in the third wave.

• Fever
• Cough
• Cold
• Loss of taste or smell
• Runny nose
• Congestion
• Sore throat
• Trouble in breathing
• Fatigue
• Body or muscle ache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Headache
• Stomachache
• Poor appetite

6. What precautions can you take to protect your child from COVID-19 infection?

While most children and adolescents do not become seriously ill from COVID-19, a small number do get very sick and need hospitalization. Even those who feel fine still miss out on school and important social interactions and may experience troubling side effects like headaches or loss of taste and smell.

The vaccine is the best way to keep your child and family safe from all of these risks and help our community achieve widespread immunity.

India is still vaccinating adults, while some countries have begun vaccinations for children under 18. One of the reasons for the delay is that the vaccines available in India need to clear specific regulations defined for the younger age groups. It is based on the fact that Children immune systems are very different from adults. Further, their immune responses can be different at different ages, from infancy through the teenage years. This process can take a while, especially for very young ages, as being tested last. Therefore, there is no visibility as to when COVID-19 vaccines will be made available for children.

The parents need to take some preventive measures or precautions to protect their children from the Coronavirus. These are as follows:

• Ensure your kids wear surgical masks or N95 masks when stepping out. They should cover their face adequately from nose to chin to avoid spreading the infection.
• Ensure they follow good hygiene practices and wash their hands thoroughly with soap and clean water. If soap is not available when they are outside, they may use an alcohol-based sanitizer.
• Children may ask their fellow friends to wear the mask and use hand sanitizer regularly to minimize the spreading of the virus.
• Ensure to dress them in full-length clothing to minimize any interaction with surfaces when outdoors.
• On returning from outside, ensure to wash their clothes.
• On returning, ensure to keep the shoes outside.
• On coming from outdoor, ensure that the kids wash their hands, face and feet thoroughly with soap and water.
• Clean and sanitize all the household appliances and other surfaces that the kids are likely to touch at home with surface disinfectant. For example kitchen shelves, doorknobs, refrigerator, microwave, oven, table, chair, etc.
• Ensure to use floor cleaner regularly to disinfect the floor and other related home areas.
• Avoid crowded places and social gatherings. If you need to take your kid out for unavoidable reasons, ensure that social distancing is maintained.
• Encourage kids to pursue hobbies, and engage them in indoor activities. This way, they will have something to divert their minds for time.
• Parents should ensure washing fruits, vegetables and other grocery items using baking soda or sodium bicarbonate. Also, soak the eatables for atleast 30 mins.
• Keep the other household items away from the reach of children until sanitized.
• Parents should teach the children to maintain a safe distance from the sick person from cold, cough or fever.
• Parents should give their time while kids are attending their online classes. It will keep the children engaged and motivate them to beat the situation.

Parents try to give more homemade food and avoid junk food. Encourage elder children to drink lots of water, do exercise and do yoga.