The third wave
Experts have warned the next wave is coming for our children. What can we do to keep our kids safe?
Mumbai is breathing a bit easy today, but the mood is sombre. The city has learnt its lesson from the past two instances. It is preparing for the third wave of the pandemic which in all possibility will affect our children the most. How you say? In 2020, the pandemic affected the elderly the most. This year, those below the age of 50 have been hit hard. This makes the youngest population more vulnerable. As is evident, the virus burns through a set of the population before mutating and moving on to the next. What makes this increasingly worrying is the fact that children below 18 cannot take the vaccines leaving them highly susceptible to the virus.
So, how can we prevent the virus from affecting our children and what must you do in case it comes to the worst? Here are some things to know and do to get things under your control.
Know the what and how
Governments, international organisations and medical associations have put up guidelines, FAQs and protocols on how to manage COVID-19 among children. Here are some of them.
WHO guidelines for pregnant women and breast-feeding infants
Government of India protocol for management of COVID-19 in the paediatric age group
Get vaccinated
There is no way you will be able to take care of your kid when you yourself have no protection from the virus. Once vaccinated, your chance of getting infected and passing it on to your kid is minimal. Moreover, no parent will allow their kids to be left alone in an isolation ward. Managing children is dramatically different from taking care of an adult who does not need constant monitoring. I do know that the age group of 18 to 44 is finding it difficult to get themselves vaccinated, but the moment you get a chance, do not miss that jab.
Local support and child helpline
Call, tweet, write to, or message your local authorities. Get them to act if they have not already. Medical care for kids needs specialised equipment such as paediatric beds, ventilators and family newborn care unit (FNCU) beds. Know about the nearest paediatric COVID care centre. 1098, the Childline number, has been supporting children and parents on various issues, including COVID-19, and offers counselling services.
Being ill-prepared can be horrendous. Our experience with the second wave has already taught us that. The stakes are extremely high now.
#Watch Mom and gorilla bond over their babies at the zoo: ‘It was so beautiful’ from Motherly