With the onset of the second wave of Covid-19, many children have tested positive unlike last year. With the vaccination still not extended to children below 18 years, they stand more vulnerable at present. Although most children do not get admitted to ICUs, one needs to be vigilant.
Guidelines for Covid positive children
1. The child should be kept in a well-ventilated room preferably with an attached toilet.
2. The child should not come in contact with the elderly, pregnant women, other children, and persons with co-morbidities.
3. A dedicated caregiver should be assigned.
4. Make sure to keep them well-hydrated and use double mask in older children as feasible.
5. Newborn babies can be breastfed after the mother observes proper hand hygiene and wears a mask.
6. A Covid positive mother can give expressed milk to the child via the caregiver.
7. No social gatherings or visitors in the house to be allowed.
8. Dedicated linen and eating utensils should be used for the child and kept separately.
Guidelines for caregivers
1. Surgical masks (double) to be put at all times and change every 6-8 hours if possible.
2. Avoid direct contact with the body fluid of the infected child be it oral or respiratory secretions and stool.
3. Use disposable gloves and a mask to handle soiled linen or body fluids.
4. Clean and disinfect frequently-touched surfaces such as toilet or furniture in the room.
5. Clean using household bleach or 1% hypochlorite or an alcohol solution.
6. Clean the patient’s clothes, linen, and towels, by using a regular detergent in hot water or a machine wash at 60-90°C.
Guidelines for children with Covid positive parents and general hygiene
1. Strictly follow hand hygiene and physical distance.
2. Practice hand hygiene before and after removal of gloves and mask.
3. Clean visibly dirty hands with soap and water.
4. Use alcohol-based hand rub frequently.
5. Use disposable paper towels for hand drying.
6. Alternatively, use clean cloth towel and replace frequently.
7. Dispose gloves, masks, and other waste in a waste bin with a lid.
When to report to a Covid hospital
1. Breathing difficulty or breathing very fast.
2. Oxygen saturation <94% (double check the battery or fingers)
3. Signs of dehydration.
4. Unable to talk or feed.
5. Bluish discolouration of skin.
6. Severe weakness or seizure.
7. Do Not Panic
Compiled by Indian Academy of Paediatrics Nagaland Branch
