Nagpur: The change in weather has reportedly increased cases of fever, cough and even vomiting among kids. Paediatricians in city are having a tough time dealing with worried parents who are rushing their kids between six months to 16 years to clinics and hospitals as soon as the child gets unwell.
Some doctors say they are having sleepless nights as parents are calling them up at odd hours even though there is no need to worry unless there are red-flag signs.
Well-known child specialist Dr Satish Deopujari has released a video and started a YouTube channel to help out parents who are worried about their kids developing sudden fever in the backdrop of Covid19.
Dr Deopujari feels home-centric care must be preferred at least for a couple of days before parents take their kids for a doctor visit.
Maintaining a proper temperature chart after first episode of fever, giving WHO ORS and use of nebulisers or inhalers can be handy in initial phase.
“Fever is a symptom and not a disease,” he said, adding that by curtailing visits, unless really needed, parents can minimize their as well as of the doctor’s exposure to Covid 19.
“Parent-physician interaction is key in home-centric care. The Covid pandemic has brought about several changes in managing treatment. In first 24 hours, paracetamol can be given for 100 temperature and bath if above it,” Dr Deopujari said.
GMCH medical superintendent Dr Avinash Gawande, who is a paediatrician, said prevention must be priority. “Crowding must be avoided. Covid is not over yet, and distancing, mask and hand hygiene are essential. Parents can prefer steam inhalation with euplitus oil, milk with turmeric powder, honey with ginger at home,” he said adding that hospitals visit is necessary when things are not under control.
Paediatrician Dr Kush Jhunjhunwala said Covid could be one of the reasons playing on parents mind. “Some of them even ask but it is difficult to tell without a test. More number of children with cough and cold are being reported. This is mainly because of increase in pollution due to vehicle pollution and changing weather. It is a good idea if parents can handle them at home. But doctors need to explain redflag signs in their language or otherwise it may be risky. Normally, seasonal flu take 5 to 7 days to get cured with or without medication. If parents are preferring not to give medicine, then they have to be very careful.
Senior consultant at department of paediatric and neo-natal at Kingsway Dr Kuldeep Sukhdeve said there is no right answer as to when parents can stay back or visit doctor. “Redflag signs are popular among the educated and health conscious. For many things, a professional diagnosis is needed. But if with mild fever, and cough kids are able to eat and drink satisfactorily they can stay on teleconsultation,” he said.
Padetric intensivist at Seven Star Hospital Dr Vivek Charade to agreed that mild symptoms can be managed on phone. “But if condition doesn’t improve after 3 to 4 days then examination is must. “If it is mild virus it should subside in few day. A high fever indicates severe infection,” he said.
WHAT TO DO
COMMON TIPS
*Normal skin temp is 98.4
* Fever is a symptom, not disease
* Measure temperature
* Above 100 give paracetamol
* Sponge/bath above 101
* Keeping temperature record
PARACETAMOL DOSE
*15mg per kg per dose. For a 10kg child it will be 150mg
*With history of convulsions, follow you drug for prevention
DIARROHEA
*Most important treatment is WHO ORS
*Give as much as possible
*Replace the fluid loss
*Observe for urine output
*Ondenstron syrup dose 15mg/kg per dose . 15kg child will need 2ml. Repeat after six hours if needed
COUGH
*coughing child usually is not an emergency
*See a doctor if acute cough following a choking episode associated breathlessness
*In this case, consult paediatrician
*Avoid cough syprup
*Nebuliser. Inhalers are safe but with proper prescription
WARNING SIGNS
* Age less than 1 year age, any fever which goes above 101
* Refusal for feeding
* Increase in rate of respiratory without fever
* Lethargy or child is drowsy
* Not responsive, irritable, urine output less, any unusual observation keep paedertician informed
(As per informative video ‘Home Care for Kids’ prepared by Dr Satish Deopujari. Available on YouTube)