Covid in children – symptoms, causes and treatment by Dr. Shruti Jadhav

Lesser cases of COVID were detected in the children last year. However, this is not the case same as today. In the second wave of COVID-19, many children have tested positive for the infection. And these innocent minds are unaware of the seriousness of the situation. The guardians must be more conscious and aware of the details regarding COVID in children. We at Medicircle, are conducting a series of COVID in children through which we aim to raise awareness about the impact of COVID-19 on our little ones.
Dr. Shruti Jadhav is a Consultant Pediatrician in Pune. She has over 13 years of experience in children’s childcare and currently practices at Healthpoint Clinic in Pune.
She’s also a Panel consultant at Columbia Asia Hospital and Motherhood Hospital. She has been an Assistant Professor at Nair Hospital in Mumbai.

Reasons why children are getting infected more in this wave
Dr. Shruti mentions, “Last year the number of people affected by COVID was less but this year it’s definitely more. And the reason is this mutant virus which is highly infectious. It has the potential to spread to a large number of people. So that is the reason why adults and the Pediatric age group are getting more affected.
Secondly, parents are not taking that many precautions for the children and not showing them exactly how to wear marks. It is really difficult to teach them. As per WHO guidelines, there is no need for a mask for 2 years and below. 2 years and above children can use a mask, but they don’t know how to use it appropriately. While playing outdoor, it is difficult to breathe with a mask but is not impossible. Children follow their parents. They observe what parents do. If parents follow these safety precautions, then this is going to mimic in them also. Ask them not to touch their mask once you put it on. Hand hygiene, use of sanitizer is very important. Ask them to wash their hands, the moment they come from outside. Incorporate this into their daily routine.
Thirdly, vaccination is not available for children at present. But research is going on, sooner it will be available.
Fourth is, we are actually giving lots of stress to children I feel so. They are not able to play with their friends and this online school is causing too much stress on them as well. So, if we keep things positive at home, the infectivity rate itself will go down. Keeping something non-COVID every day will definitely help,” says Dr. Shruti.
Dr. Shruti adds, “So mutant strain, nonavailability of the vaccine, not able to use the mask properly and laxity on the parent’s side, these are the four points which are actually causing more and more impact on the children.”

Don’t bombard your child with lots of information
Dr. Shruti speaks, “Adults do have some experience, how to face tough times, but in kids, to make them understand it’s very difficult. Adolescents can understand but not younger kids. So just make them understand what is needed. Don’t bombard them with lots of information. Every time don’t keep on discussing COVID at home. Basically, make them understand in few words as their attention span is very less. Pass only required information, explain about this situation in simple language. Online fun is possible but only for a restricted time. They can talk to their grandparents, friends through video calls. Children above 5 years, can help you in household work, you can do many things together that will be enjoyable. Don’t allow too much screen time. Make them understand the solution to the problem. Mothers have to be a little smarter. They have to complete household work, they have to do their office work. It will be better if they will do turn by turn. We are learning so many things, at the same time we are becoming smarter. Managing all this is difficult but not impossible. Even children are adjusting to their maximum. Getting panic is not going to help,” expresses Dr. Shruti.

Only 1 – 2 % of children are requiring hospital admission
Dr. Shruti emphasizes, “Most of the children are asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic. If anyone in the family has tested positive, so they have also come positive upon screening. And if they are tested for mild symptoms of cough and cold, so due to pandemic, they have come positive. So, most of them are asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic. And it’s a good news because only 1 or 2% of children are requiring hospital admission and hospital care, remaining almost 97 to 98% of children are recovering on their own without much of the medicines. We should focus on this positive news. If at all, your child has been detected COVID positive, don’t panic. I feel as a doctor we are not seeing difficulty in managing symptoms because medicines are easily available rather managing emotions of their parents. We need to motivate them. It’s easy to tackle children at home. Only homecare, a good diet, a little bit of exercise, and diversion from the COVID thing are going to help. Only these things are needed to make recovery faster.”

Parents should know, warning symptoms and manageable symptoms of COVID in children
Dr. Shruti talks, “For parents I would like to advise them, focus on the positive things. Your child will require very few medicines but don’t treat them at home on your knowledge-based. Take the help of a Pediatrician because at least 1 or 2% of children might need help. You should know the symptoms of COVID which are manageable and warning symptoms where you need to visit the hospital. That is what you are supposed to know. So, I feel if we all understand the symptoms and warning symptoms, it will be easy to take care of them at home itself. They will not need any hospitalization or any Remdesivir and all those high-end medicines.”

Covid Pandemic & Routine Vaccination

It has been perceived that in the last year since the Covid 19 outbreak, parental fear to visit the hospital vaccination centers or clinics with their children for routine vaccination has increased.

 

During the past few decades, India has achieved a substantial reduction in the prevalence of vaccine-preventable diseases driven in large part by the ongoing administration of routinely recommended pediatric vaccines.

 

As and when the Covid 19 vaccination is recognized by the government and becomes available based on the trial findings, it can be given to the children in near future. Till then routine vaccination and Covid 19 prevention appropriate procedure are what we need to follow and this needs to be emphasized to the parents and caretakers.

 

As of now, Monsoon season puts children at high risk of various infections. Vaccination can be carried out with all safety precautions, frequent sanitization, spaced appointments & social distancing. Vaccination can protect your child from Monsoon-related illnesses like Hepatitis A Typhoid diarrhea flu etc.

 

Routine immunization is essential to make sure that we keep other epidemics away. Immunizations not only protect your child from deadly diseases, such as polio, tetanus, and diphtheria, but they also keep other children safe by eliminating or greatly decreasing serious diseases that used to spread from child to child. Vaccinations save lives and prevent the health complications that would come from catching real diseases.

 

Anticipated 3rd wave is likely to affect children more so strengthen your child’s immunity with routine vaccination. Delaying vaccines could leave you, your child, your family, and your society at risk for disease.

ABC For Your Baby’s Safety! Always Be Careful

As a parent you would want to be at your child’s disposal at all times, but, this cannot always be feasible. There might be a few situations where your child would be lonely at a few places such as parks, schools, and sometimes also at home. It is important to teach your child to take care of a few things on his/her own at an early age to help them develop into a more mature adult. All you have to do is to prepare them with some basic rules of safety to guarantee their well-being when you are not around.

Safety begins at Home

Here we reveal some safety tips that you require to train your kids with when they are alone at home:

  1. Kids should keep all the windows and doors locked and should not open them for strangers.
  2. Keep electronics and other objects away from the child’s range to avoid any unexpected injuries.
  3. Move the items which are around the tub.
  4. Leaving them alone in the bathroom or the kitchen can direct to accidents & damages.
  5. Teach them not to run on the staircase and rather be cautious while climbing up or down.

Look before you Lock – Car Safety Tips

Dr. Shruti Jadhav has highlighted few tips which you need to keep in mind:

  1. Never let your child be alone in the car.
  2. Always make sure you lock the seat belt properly.
  3. Always be selective of toys. Toys with sharpened edges might hurt your child while traveling.
  4. Be alert and always be assured that your child keeps arms and head inside the vehicle.

Stranger Danger

These 5 simple rules will help your child to grow a strong perception of stranger safety basics.

  1. If any stranger gives your child something to eat teach him/her to deny it.
  2. General communication can protect your kid’s life. Friendly communication with them can assist you to solve each and every difficulty.
  3. Kids should never go up to a stranger’s car and if they insist they should run away and shout for help.
  4. Children trust grown-ups and know that they would support them with things just like their parents do.

So, as a parent, you must make sure that your child is conscious of the fundamental safety rules. If you feel that you or your child need any kind of counseling then you may feel free to contact the best child specialist in Chandan Nagar.

How HPV vaccine is beneficial for your child in cervical cancer prevention

Globally cancer of the cervix uteri is the second most common cancer among women

We would need hpv vaccines to significantly reduce the health care burden currently required for cervical cancer prevention

Frequently asked questions

Why does my child need vaccine?

The HPV vaccine is very effective against cancer caused by HPV

The HPV vaccine is very important because it will help protect your child from the cancers and infectious caused by the virus.

What is HPV

Human papilloma virus

It is a highly transmissible virus and it is primarily transmitted by sexual contact

What diseases does it cause?

Human papillomavirus can cause cancer and precancerous lesions

Why do they need vaccines at a young age?

The higher immunological response is seen in the preadolescent age group

(9 to 13 years) as compared to adolescents and young adult

Is it safe?

Research has proven that the HPV vaccine is very safe

How many dosages are required?

3 doses at 0,2,6 months are recommended with the quadrivalent vaccine and 0,1 and 6 months with the bivalent vaccine.

Wear Your Mask Scientifically

Wear Your Mask Scientifically – It will reduce the transmission of the virus

Research has proven that the mask is a powerful tool to limit the spread of the virus. It provides protection against not only coronavirus but also many airborne infections like TB, flu. Wearing a mask is a definite advantage to both individuals and the people around them.

Let us unmask the myths and embrace new norms to save lives.

Wear Your Mask Scientifically_Dr Shruti Jadhav

  • General public can use fabric/cloth masks.
  • Fabric masks should have 3 layers
  • Clean your hands before putting it on
  • Inspect the mask and do not wear a dirty or soiled mask
  • Cover your mouth, nose and chin
  • Do not wear a loose mask
  • Do not take your mask off to talk
  • Do not reposition or adjust it by touching the front of the mask
  • Change your mask once it is dirty or wet
  • To take off the mask clean your hands first
  • Remove it by straps behind the head or ears
  • Clean your hands after taking off any mask
  • Do not share mask with others
  • Do not wear masks while exercising instead maintain a distance of 1 meter from others
  • No masks for babies under 2 or anyone who is unable to remove the mask without assistance
  • Masks are not a replacement for physical distancing and hand hygiene

For more, contact Dr. Shruti Jadhav, Child specialist in Pune.

Phone 8806181624
Website https://www.childspecialistpune.com

Why is vaccination essential during COVID pandemic?

WHO and UNICEF has already alerted an alarming decline in the number of children vaccinated during the COVID pandemic.

It might result in a surge of vaccine-preventable diseases (vpds) worldwide, which may be an additional burden for the already stressed health care system.

During the Ebola outbreak, 2014-2015 deaths due to vpds (measles malaria tuberculosis) exceeded Ebola deaths.

Amidst pandemic, we all are eagerly waiting for a vaccine against corona but on the other hand, missing out all essentials vaccines against fatal diseases. Vaccine-preventable diseases (like influenza, pneumonia) lead to reduced immunity and make an individual more prone to COVID infection.

There is no risk of immunizing a well-child during a pandemic. Vaccinations can be certainly carried out with all safety precautions.

For more, you can consult with Dr. Shruti Jadhav, the Best Child specialist in Kharadi, Pune.

Life skills to deal efficiently with the demands and challenges of everyday life

Dear parents, I am glad to share this experience with you.

Last week I was lucky enough to attend life skill education workshops.

Life skills …. Defined by the World Health Organisation as “the abilities for adaptive and positive behavior that enable individuals to deal effectively with the demands and challenges of everyday life”.

Though WHO designed these protocols for promoting positive social and mental health of adolescents, I could apply the same for myself to change my perspective on life.

Child Specialist in Kharadi

So here are these 10 secrets (LIFE SKILLS) that have helped me to change my perspective

1. Self-awareness

2. Empathy

3. Critical thinking

4. Creative thinking

5. Decision making

6. Problem Solving

7. Effective communication

8. Interpersonal relationship

9. Coping with stress

10. Coping with emotion

1. Self-awareness: It includes recognition of ‘self ‘and identifying our strengths and weaknesses, desires and dislikes.

2. Empathy: It is the ability to imagine what life is like for another person.

3. Critical thinking: It is an ability to analyze information and experiences in an objective manner.

4. Creative thinking: It is a novel way of seeing or doing things

5. Decision making: It helps us to take appropriate decisions about our lives.

6. Problem-solving: It helps us to deal constructively with problems in our lives.

7. Interpersonal relationship: These skills help us to establish a rapport with the people whom we interact with.

8. Effective communication: It means that we are able to express ourselves, both verbally and non-verbally, so that our ideas are effectively transmitted to others.

9. Coping with stress: It means recognizing the sources of stress in our lives, recognizing how this affects us, and acting in ways that help us control our levels of stress, by changing our environment or lifestyle and learning how to relax.

10. Coping with emotions: It means involving recognizing emotions within us and others, being aware of how emotions influence behavior and being able to respond to emotions appropriately

Conclusion: Try seeing the problems in different perspective you may arrive at solution.

Dr. Shruti Jadhav is the best Child Specialist in Kharadi, she is having 10 years of experience in this field. Her area of expertise Pediatric Pulmonology (Recurrent cough cold and asthma). She worked as a full-time Child specialist in the Columbia Asia Hospital Kharadi.

SAY NO TO ‘SCREEN’ AND YES TO ‘BOOKS’

Studies have shown that there are more advantages of reading books than watching screen. Child Specialist in Kharadi Dr. Shruti Jadhav here sharing some important points of Book reading Vs Screen watching.

 

child specialist in kharadi

Screen VS Books:

1. Too much screen exposure causes loss of imagination

VS reading increases creativity and imagination

2.Screen exposure causes speech delay and language problems

VS reading improves vocabulary

3.Screen exposure results in behavioral disorders (impulsive behavior, mood swings, etc.)

VS reading lowers stress level and improves mental health

4.Screen causes sleep disruption

VS reading calms your brain and improves sleep quality

5.Too much screen exposure leads to poor academic performance

VS reading improves memory and concentration

 

Dr. Shruti Jadhav is the best Child Specialist in Kharadi, she is having 10 years of experience in this field. Her area of expertise Pediatric Pulmonology (Recurrent cough cold and asthma). She worked as a full-time Child specialist in the Columbia Asia Hospital Kharadi.

Making vaccinations shots less stressful

Following are the tips to prepare your child for vaccination and minimize the stress associated:

  • Keep your calm and stop worrying since your child is very sensitive to negative vibes.
  • Get convinced of the fact that it’s a temporary pain giving lifelong permanent protection.
  • Get all your queries solved prior to vaccinations.
  • If your child is older, then you can make him understand how small needle makes him/ her stronger.
  • Hug your child while getting immunized, your embrace makes things easy.
  • Divert his/ her attention with a favorite toy.
  • For infants, breastfeeding is the best analgesic (pain reliever).
  • Adverse reactions post vaccination are rare.
  • Ice fomentation of the local part reduces pain.
  • Weight appropriate paracetamol is enough for post-vaccination fever.
  • Call your doctor if the child develops hives, wheezing (or any allergies) after the vaccination.

 

Dr. Shruti Jadhav is a leading pediatrician in Kharadi Pune. She is one of the best Child Specialist in Kharadi. Her vast experience of more than 10 years ranges from newborn kids to the adolescent age group.

 

For more details visit on : https://www.childspecialistpune.com/

Contact no : 91 8806181624 , 7666948891