While it is expected that the third wave of COVID-19 may affect the kids and children likely, the union health ministry on Tuesday revealed data showing the rane of kids who had contracted the novel coronavirus.
Lav Agarwal, Joint Secretary, Health Ministry, said in the age group of 1 to10 years, 3.28% of children contracted COVID-19 infection in the first wave while 3.05% were affected during the second wave.
Besides, in the age group of 11-20 years, 8.03% got infected in first wave and 8.5% in the second wave.
However, according to a new report, there appears to be no substantial evidence to suggest that children will be more affected or have greater illness severity due to COVID-19 in the anticipated third wave. As per Lancet COVID-19 Commission India Task Force report, the infection’s symptomatology in children in India appears to be globally comparable.
“Most children with COVID-19 are asymptomatic, and amongst those symptomatic mild infections are predominant. Most children have fever with respiratory symptoms, and often present with gastrointestinal symptoms (such as diarrhea, vomiting, pain in abdomen) and atypical manifestation compared to adults. The proportion of symptomatic children increases as age increases as does the severity in such age groups,” the report stated.
Meanwhile, Lav Agarwal in his address further urged people not to travel much, it should be avoided as much as possible. Adding that vaaccination is an additional tool in the fight against coronavirus Mr Agawral urged to prioritise hygiene and abide by covid appropriate behaviour including wearing masks and social distancing.
Meanwhile, India recorded 60,471 new COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours, the lowest since Apr 1, according to health ministry data. The country has reported less than 100,000 daily new cases for the eighth consecutive day.
The death toll rose to 377,031 after 2,726 lives were lost in a day, data showed. The national COVID-19 tally, meanwhile, rose to 29.57 mln. As many as 117,525 people were discharged in the past 24 hours, taking the cumulative figure of recoveries to 28.28 mln, the health ministry said.