Will the third wave of COVID-19 hit children more than adults?

India is barely out the horror of the second wave of COVID-19 and Maharashtra has already hit an alarm bell for the third wave. The Delta variant of the novel coronavirus, which was the culprit behind the second wave, was found in Maharashtra for the first time last year. This variant has been found to be deadlier causing a more severe form of COVID-19 infection and increasing the rate of hospitalization. 

Now, a new variant, known as the Delta-plus variant, has been detected. This, according to experts, is likely to trigger the third wave in the next six to eight weeks. Media reports suggest that at least seven cases of the Delta-plus variant have been found in samples collected from Maharashtra’s Ratnagiri, Navi Mumbai and Palghar. More samples have been sent for genome sequencing to figure out if the variant is dominant or scattered. According to experts, this new variant of the novel coronavirus is currently a ‘variant of interest’ which cannot be classified as a ‘variant of concern’ yet. 

 It was first discovered in Europe in the month of March last year and isolated in some samples in India and 10 other countries. However, experts are yet to find out if Delta-plus is a more severe or fatal variant.    

Delta-plus variant of COVID-19 and kids 
Media reports suggest that experts in Maharashtra speculate that the third wave can increase the case load, taking it up to eight lakh and 10 per cent of them could be children. However, pediatricians are of the opinion it is needlessly alarmist to apprehend that the third wave will hit children worse. A statement released by the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) said, “Children are as susceptible as adults and older individuals to develop infection but not severe disease. It is highly unlikely that the third wave will predominantly or exclusively affect children.”  

Recent data (June 16) shared by the Delhi government reveals that among the 40,000 positive cases in the last month, nearly 1,600, or 4% were kids under the age of 14. However, a serological study conducted by the World Health Organization and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences among 2 to 17-year-olds between March 15 and June 10 showed that seropositivity among kids below 18 years of age was 55.7 per cent. This figure is comparable to the adult population, where the seropositivity was found to be 63.5 per cent. This study was conducted across five states with a total sample size of 10,000.  

Precautionary steps to protect children 
Follow these vital strategies in order to shield the children from the onslaught of the third wave of COVID-19:  

• Make sure that your child wears a mask, uses a hand sanitizer, maintains a a social distance of 6 feet.  
• Keep your kids away from sick people and teach them to cover the mouth while coughing and sneezing.
• Get yourself and all the elderly members of the family vaccinated against COVID-19. This will reduce the risk of spreading the infection to kids.  
• If you or any family member exhibit COVID-like symptoms, isolate from children.  
• Disinfect the surfaces frequently touched by children. These include doorknobs, handles, faucets, and even the furniture. 
• Boost your child’s immunity with fresh fruits and veggies and a balanced diet.  
• Avoid going out, especially in crowded places. 
• Exercise at home with your kids. This will also enhance immunity.