Patna: Even when children have mostly avoided the worst results of Covid-19 infection in the country so far, the new Omicron variant can be proven to be more dangerous for a younger population under 18 years, warn health experts.
According to them, with relaxation in the Covid-19 guidelines, schools have begun to function in offline mode and children have started visiting the market and recreation center along with their parents, increasing the risk of infection because they have not been vaccinated, parents have not been vaccinated, said they .
AIims-Patna Covid In-Charge, Dr.
Sanjeev Kumar, said that even though there was no clear evidence so far to show that Omicron was more dangerous for children, they certainly risked greater because they were still unprotected.
Omicron hasn’t made a sign on Bihar, but it might appear here anytime.
Elementary school functions must be limited immediately after several new variants cases are reported, he said.
Pediatrician Dr.
Arun Shah said that the initial report from South Africa showed the Super Mutant Omicron variant had increased hospitalization among children under five years.
However, infection has so far been mild.
Because the nature of the virulation is still investigated by experts, someone can’t say anything about it for sure.
The best way to protect children from this infection is to strengthen the Covid protocol with all strict and begin to vaccinate children, if the dose is quite available, he added.
Another pediatrician, Dr.
Vivekanand, observed that children were certainly vulnerable to this new variant due to greater transmission.
He said Omicron would likely infect children such as flu and, therefore, parents must be careful to protect their children from infection.
Adults must follow the Covid protocol sincerely and teach their children to maintain basic cleanliness by washing hands regularly and avoiding crowded places.
In addition, children must be given a dose of multivitamin and vitamin D which is enough to strengthen their immunity, he said.
Dr.
Satish Kumar from the Department of Medicine at Medical College Nalanda Hospital said children were the most vulnerable populations as far as the omicron variants.
They have not been vaccinated and most of them are not infected with Coronavirus in the last two waves.
Parents at home and teachers at school need to be careful with children following the Covid-19 protocol.
If there is an increase in the number of people infected with a new variant, the school must be closed and the class must be held only in online mode, he said.
Gynecologist Dr.
Pamam Raman believes that all adults must be vaccinated with a mandatory dose as soon as possible to counteract the threat of a new variant.
Risks in children can be mitigated by following public health measures that have been recommended by health authorities, such as – maintaining hand hygiene, covering and keeping a safe distance and keeping a crowded place, he added.
‘Children are more vulnerable, need protection from Omicron’
