The first case of the corona was reported in India on January 31, 2020. like last year, a new variant of the coronavirus has started spreading its feet at the beginning of this year. Things were improving that the new variant Omicron, which came from South Africa, has increased the heartbeat of the people.
Omicron Effect on Children & Adults
The Omicron variant is said to be more dangerous for children. According to the WHO, a tsunami of corona can occur due to the Delta and Omicron variants. Although people of all ages are at risk of this variant, its effect on children will be more. In America, children are increasingly falling prey to Omicron, and the pediatric departments of hospitals are filled. Seeing the condition of the children, experts are worried and are telling the need to increase the vaccination of children.
Dr. Neeraj Nischal, Additional Professor, Department of Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, said that children’s immune system is more robust than that of adults. They have a low risk of infection. But keeping this in mind alone, we cannot say that children are safe. However, it is also being said by pathologists and immunologists that Omicron is not causing more severe infections, but it is infecting more children.
After getting the vaccine, we can’t say that adults are safe from this variant. In some cases, even the vaccine on this variant is not proving to be as effective. So now preparations are on to apply booster dose for adults.
What do parents have to take care of?
Parents who have not yet been vaccinated should get them vaccinated as soon as possible so that children will be less susceptible to infection from them. Along with this, it is also necessary that people strictly follow the rules of Covid and get the children also done. There is no panic with this variant.
When will children start getting the vaccine in India?
Children aged 15 to 18 years old will start getting the corona vaccine from January 3 in India. At the same time, the trial of the vaccine is going on for children from 2 to 15 years. According to Bharat Biotech, their corona vaccine BBV152 (Covaxin) has been found safe and immunogenic for young children in the second and third phase studies.
A new study of Omicron variants
A new study by the University of California regarding the effect of Covid vaccines on Omicron variants has increased the concern. The impact of the Covid vaccine on the Omicron variant of the coronavirus is likely to be less than on other variants. However, the vaccine is still capable of protecting against serious diseases.
Symptoms of Omicron in children
According to the National Health Service (NHS) of America, specific symptoms of the new variant of corona are being seen in children. Such as high fever, a persistent cough (continuous for an hour), fatigue, headache, sore throat, and loss of appetite.
Symptoms of Omicron in adults
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Fatigue
- Frequent sneezing
- Lower back pain
- Muscle pain
- Night sweats
Ways to prevent Omicron in children
Parents need to take care of keeping their children away from crowded places. Take the children out of the house only by wearing a mask. Along with this, cleanliness of hands and social distancing of children is also necessary. It is essential to get the corona test done when symptoms of infection are seen, and at the same time, it is required to isolate when symptoms appear. There should be no delay in getting children vaccinated if they become available to be vaccinated. Every parent must get the vaccine. According to doctors, most of those whose condition is getting serious in hospitals right now have not got the vaccine.
Ways to prevent Omicron in adults
Many countries like America, Britain, Spain, Russia, Germany, and Australia are issuing booster shots of the Covid-19 vaccine because of the threat of Omicron. Elders are also required to take care of hand hygiene, wear masks, and social distancing. Get a corona test done and isolate yourself if you see symptoms of infection. Give a booster dose as soon as it becomes available.
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