As Covid cases in children rise in Delhi and Noida amid the emergence of the XE variant, the new Omicron subvariant, parents are demanding to discontinue offline classes and return to remote learning mode for their little ones. According to the latest reports, more than 30% of the 107 new Covid-19 cases in Gautam Buddh Nagar in Uttar Pradesh were reported among children. In recent days, several schools in Noida have stopped offline classes for a few days due to Covid infections among children. (Also Read: XE Variant Scare: How to Protect Your Child from Covid and Improve Immunity)
Experts, however, say there is no need for parents to panic as symptoms in children are mostly mild and children are recovering with timely treatment. Watch out for flu-like or gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, or stomach pain.
“There has been an increase in the number of children with flu-like symptoms in the last two weeks. However, parents should not panic about the detection of children with Covid-19 after schools reopen as these symptoms are mild and children are recovering with timely treatment,” says Dr. Gurleen Sikka, Department of Neonatology and Pediatrics, CK Birla Hospital, Delhi.
Symptoms of the XE variant in children
The XE variant is said to be more transmissible than previous strains of Covid-19 and the unvaccinated population, made up mainly of children, should take all measures to protect themselves against infection.
“Symptoms in children are usually mild and include upper respiratory symptoms such as fever, runny nose, sore throat, body ache, and dry cough,” says Dr. Avi Kumar, Senior Consultant, Pulmonology, Fortis Escorts, Okhla, New Delhi.
“Children who have been infected with Covid-19 manifest symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection such as fever, runny nose, sore throat, body ache, headache and dry cough. Some children are vomiting or have loose movements,” says Sikka.
Increase your child’s immunity, vaccinate him
Following a healthy lifestyle, eating and sleeping well, following hygienic practices can help prevent the spread, experts say. Children who are eligible for vaccination should be vaccinated as early as possible.
“Parents and teachers should focus on providing good nutrition and a healthy lifestyle that strengthens children’s immunity, along with maintaining basic hygiene care, which includes sanitation and handwashing practices at home and on school premises. school,” says Sikka.
“As this is a mutation of Omicron itself, there is every possibility that the new variant will be affected by the vaccine. Children who are eligible for the vaccines should get the jab as this will protect them against the severe form of the infection.” adds. the pediatrician.
20
20
20
