Coronavirus epidemic is rapidly spreading across the world and has, unfortunately, reached the Indian shores too, with the first case being detected in New Delhi. What is far more panicky is that the suspected patient came into contact with a big crowd at a party, forcing as many as two schools in Noida to shut down. Among the ones who went through proper screening include the young schoolchildren who came in contact.
However, new reports suggest that kids tested negative for coronavirus infection. Globally too, most infections are being suspected amongst the elderly population and kids make up for a small percentage of the affected population. Amongst the most prominent cases involving children have been a 9-month-old girl, a 10-year-old boy with an infected father and an infant who caught the infection 30 hours after birth, from her infected patient. They all live in China.
With most cases rampant in those over the age of 60 and diagnosed with pre-existing medical conditions, it is quite likely that kids, may not be the readiest hosts for coronavirus to creep in.
While coronavirus, by large, is a global pandemic, it is natural for parents to worry about their children falling sick- and touching germy surfaces. While it does not act as any kind of safety net, there is strong evidence which suggests that kids are less likely to catch the deadly coronavirus infection and experts suggest this might indeed be a good thing.
Here's why
If the epidemic spread does not reach the younger population yet, it will help lessen the brunt of the outbreak. Although symptoms of coronavirus are similar to that of flu and fever, which are the most commonly detected diseases in kids, experts also say that in the past, only a few kids fell victim to the SARS virus (which belongs to the same family of viruses as COVID-19).
One of the prime reasons why the outbreak hasn't reached kids in the first place could be the reason that they were less exposed to the main risk factor, which was the poultry market at Wuhan. Hence, there was lesser chances of children spreading the deadly infection. Plus, if adults are not transmitting the infection onto kids (by practising necessary hygiene and caution), they are less likely to catch the disease.
While it is still unclear as to how our kids are potentially safe at this point, there is only some scientific evidence which suggests why they are less susceptible to developing the infection. Even if they do showcase symptoms, the infection might be a milder reaction as compared to the adults who fall prey to Coronavirus and related infection.
Don't ignore this as yet
Even if children might not be the primary carriers for COVID-19, be aware the infection is spreading across at an alarming rate. The more countries it spreads to, the higher is the risk of transmission.
Another risk factor is that kids are less likely to practice good hygiene. Not to forget, kids, come in contact with a lot of unsanitary and germy surfaces all the time. One kid sneezes or coughs, it can quickly spread onto others, just like how one kid passes on the common cold.
There are a few things parents can do to stay on top of the risk and prevent their kids from developing complications. Assert on the importance of practising good protective hygiene (washing hands, using sanitizers), check if their vaccinations and health records are done and most of all, ensure that your kid eats immunity-boosting foods which help their bodies fight infections and germs.
If your kid is sick, or complains of a nagging cold, fever, or nausea, assist them with care and do not send them to school. Most importantly, make them stay away from people.
While we report on the spread of coronavirus in India, we also need to emphasise that the need for caution shouldn't lead to an atmosphere filled with anxiety and fear. We stand by #CautionYesPanicNo
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