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While we were waiting for the new year with bated breath, it has given us quite a shocker! Over the past few days, the surge in Omicron cases, a new variant of Covid-19 has raised an alarm, and we are back to feeling anxious. We have already known the impact of the virus on people across age groups, but certain instances in the recent past have also made us realize how babies are at a high risk of contracting the infection.
TV actor Nakuul Mehta’s wife Jankee Parekh Mehta recently penned a note on Instagram, speaking about the struggles of her 11-month-old son Sufi, after he was diagnosed with Covid-19. Here’s what she wrote, “While most of you may know that my husband tested positive 2 weeks ago, I also got the symptoms a couple of days later. I thought not attending my sister’s wedding was the worse that Covid-19 could do to me, not realizing that what I was about to experience in the coming week were to be the hardest days of my life, yet.”
Her son Sufi started to develop fever the day after she tested positive, and it refused to reduce, despite water sponges and medication.
Jankee added, “We rushed him in the middle of the night to the hospital, when his fever crossed 104.2 and what followed were very hard days in the Covid ICU with my baby boy. My fighter went through it all. Right from being rushed to the hospital in an ambulance, to him getting pricked 3 IVS, a bunch of blood tests, RTPCR, bottles of saline, antibiotics, and injections to get his body temperature down. Sometimes, I wonder how did this tiny human get so much strength to face all of it?.”
His fever finally broke after 3 days.
Check out the post for yourself:
Although Omicron is said to have high transmission levels, its symptoms are said to be milder than other variants. But in no way does that mean we let our guards down! Unfortunately, babies cannot even get vaccinated or wear masks, which is what makes them more risk-prone too. But is the virus quite common among babies?
Also, read: Covid-19 third wave scare: Here’s how to protect your child
Dr Anil Batra , Pediatrics, Madhukar Rainbow Hospital, tells HealthShots, “Covid-19 is not very common in babies to date, but the incidence is going to rise as we are seeing a spike in cases over the last few days. Yes, it will be riskier because children are not vaccinated, and have low immunity as compared to adults.”
Since babies are highly vulnerable to infections, Dr Batra recommends parents to exercise more caution. “Adults should get themselves vaccinated and avoid coming in contact with children if they have any symptoms. Maintaining social distancing and avoiding social gatherings is going to help,” he adds.
Also, read: Covid-19 cases are rising. Boost your immunity with these 5 kadhas
In the case of kids aged 2 years and above, they must wear a mask, when in public places, as per Centre for Disease control guidelines.
As per Dr Tushar Parikh, Consultant Neonatologist, Motherhood Hospital, Kharadi, Pune, “There is a small risk of suffocation in smaller children who are unable to remove the mask, so they should be in adult supervision when wearing a mask. Children should not wear a mask when playing sports or doing physical activities, such as running, jumping, or playing on the playground, so that it doesn’t compromise their breathing.”
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An independent writer and journalist, Geetika loves sharp and fresh humour, just like her coffee! If not writing, you'll find her cafe-hopping and raiding the best book stores in town. ...Read More
