Omicron Symptoms in Kids & How to Treat Them

The SARS-CoV-2 virus has mutated dramatically, making the infection far more contagious, particularly among vulnerable populations- like infants & children. Parents are concerned about the impact of the highly infectious variation in kids as the number of Omicron-related Covid-19 cases increases across the country. Since vaccination for kids is not readily available now, the fear of them getting infected by Omicron is growing with each passing day. While the children's immune responses to the SARs-COV-2 virus have improved, they are still susceptible to infection and can experience modest symptoms. Now that Omicron has emerged, health officials are on high alert and have advised everyone to take the required measures. This variant mostly affects the upper respiratory tract, and children have more upper respiratory tract infections than adults, rendering them more sensitive to different pollutants in the air.

Omicron Symptoms in kids:

Symptoms associated with Omicron include:

• Fever
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Malaise
• Diarrhoea
• Nausea
• Rhinorrhoea
• Body ache
• Headache
• Congestion or runny nose

Severe signs and symptoms include grunting, seizure, lethargy, drop-in oxygen rate, shallow breathing, chest retraction and lips or nails turning blue, if these symptoms persist the child may need hospitalization.

• Things parents must follow while their kid is dealing with Omicron:
• Make sure you get your kid RT-PCR tested. You can get your child tested between 2-4 days after onset of symptoms.
• Keep your kid well hydrated throughout the day as dehydration may worsen the infection.
• For bringing down the fever, kids can be given paracetamol or ibuprofen.
• Anti-allergic medicines can be given to treat congestion or runny nose.
• Instead of junk food and fried foods, feed your child a diet high in proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Citrus fruits, ginger, garlic, broccoli, turmeric, spinach, and other nutritious and healthful choices like taking supplement that will help strengthen immunity. This helps to enhance the body's immune system and lower the danger of infections.
• Check your child’s oxygen levels at regular intervals.
• Make sure your kid follow all COVID norms like masking, maintaining proper hygiene and avoiding crowded places.
• To avoid infection, get your kid vaccinated as soon as possible.

The COVID-19 pandemic has left every parent with dread, worry, and uncertainty. Follow these precautions to ensure your child is infection free.