-Reshma Ravishanker

Adequate psychological support and nutritional counselling are necessary for asymptomatic or those children with mild Covid-19 during the post-recovery period, a set of revised guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare suggested on Thursday.

A new section included as part of the guidelines on childcare post-Covid mandates that for children with moderate to severe COVID, at discharge from hospital, parents or caregivers should be counselled regarding monitoring for persistence or possible worsening respiratory difficulty and explained the indications for bringing the child back to facility. Also, in case of a child developing any organ-specific dysfunction during the hospital stay or subsequently should receive appropriate care.

“The Comprehensive Guidelines for Management of COVID-19 in children and adolescents (below 18 years) were reviewed by the group of experts in view of the current surge mainly attributed to the Omicron variant of concern. The available data from other countries suggests that disease caused by the Omicron variant is less severe; however, there is a need for careful watch, as the current wave evolves. These guidelines are dynamic, and will be reviewed and updated, on the availability of new evidence,” the ministry has said.

Even as India has begun vaccinating children between the ages of 15-19 with Covaxin as the only option, 4.13 crore registrations have been reported as per official data.

Among the other recommendations, masks are not recommended for children aged five years and below. Also, children aged 6-11 years may wear a mask depending on the ability of a child to use a mask safely and appropriately under the direct supervision of parents or guardians. However, guidelines have it that all children aged 12 years and over should wear a mask under the same conditions as adults

The guidelines also ask medical practitioners to refrain from prescribing antivirals or steroids to children unless deemed absolutely necessary and has also warned caregivers not to administer children over-the-counter medication.

“Steroids are not indicated and are harmful in asymptomatic and mild cases of COVID-19. Indicated only in hospitalized severe and critically ill COVID-19 cases under strict supervision,” the guidelines read.

As adults, all hospitalized children should be evaluated for risk of developing thrombosis and monitored for development of thrombosis. The history of the child and genetic factors is to be taken into account. 

Also read: Six things to do when a child tests positive, a reminder for parents