Covid 19: Experts flag unnecessary drug usage in kids, issue advisory
With the onset of the third wave of Covid-19 in India, concerns regarding the high number of infections among children have increased. However, the expert has suggested that there is no need to panic and Omicron, the new variant which is said to be highly contagious is mild.
Expert, on the other hand, has suggested avoiding unnecessary medications and radiation exposure. Prof Anupam Sibal, Group Medical Director and Senior Pediatrician claim that children do not need X rays or radiations.
"Parents ask us for D dimers and CRP which are really not needed. Children do not need X rays and they definitely don't need CT scans. We don't want to expose children to radiation," he stated.
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Dr Sibal also stated that Omicron is mild and in most cases, children get better by the fourth day.
"About Omicron, what we know so far is that children tend to get a very mild infection. They get a mild fever that can go up to 103 degrees Celsius. The fever usually starts to decrease by the third or fourth day," he said, adding that the child may experience ich in the throat, discomfort, cough, nasal blockage and nausea in some cases.
"Some children can develop body aches and weakness," he added.
Omicron is a mild and but those with comorbidities should be cautious," Dr Sibal added.
"In children with predisposing conditions such as cancer, kidney or liver failure, as well as other underlying problems, one must be extremely careful and vigilant to ensure that nothing else is missed. In that case, more intensive monitoring is required," he noted.
The doctor then suggested that in the case that a child tests positive for Covid-19, the best course of action is to approach a paediatrician.
"On a case-by-case basis, the paediatrician will determine whether any investigations are required and what the treatment strategy should be," he explained.
Dr Sibal also explained the Omicron symptoms in children and stated that he is "actually not concerned about falling saturation."
"Throat irritation, cough, nasal blockage or some kids can develop nausea, body aches and weakness," he said.
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-PTC News
