The first wave of Covid 19 had spared the children. It was concluded that children have less ACE receptors (ACE 2 is a type of protein present on the surface of various cells and the SARS COVID virus binds to these receptors). Since these are less in children, hence the virus does not bind .
But with the advent of the second wave, there has been a mutation of the virus and the virus has become more deadly and it has started affecting families as whole.
Can children get affected by COVID 19?
There is no vaccination available for children and those under 18 years are at a higher risk to contract the infection. Paediatricians have reported an increase in number of children turning positive. Often the symptoms are confused with seasonal flu.
The various symptoms that have been observed are cough, fever with chills, body aches etc.
How bad could the infection get for children?
While the data says, that only one percent of infected children can get serious as compared to 8-9 percent of adults. This is due to less ACE receptors present and children usually do not have associated co- morbidities like diabetes, hypertension etc. However children could be at the risk of multi system inflammatory disease but the incidence is still rare.
But many states have seen a rising number of infections in children during the second wave. This is an indicator that the numbers could be higher in children.
What are the most common symptoms in children?
Fever
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Loss of appetite
Various other gastrointestinal symptoms
