Govt Revises COVID Guidelines For Children: Here¡¯s Everything Parents Need To Know

Use of antivirals or monoclonal antibodies is not recommended for those less than 18 years of age, irrespective of severity of Covid infection, and if steroids are used, they should be tapered over 10 to 14 days, subject to clinical improvement, the government said.

The earlier guidelines were reviewed by a group of experts in view of the current surge mainly attributed to the Omicron variant.

Usage of mask

Revising COVID guidelines, the Centre emphasised more on post-covid care. According to fresh guidelines, masks are not recommended for children aged five years and below.

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Those aged 6-11 years may wear it depending on the ability of the child to use a mask safely and appropriately under the direct supervision of their parents.

Those aged 12 and above should wear a mask under the same conditions as adults.

Use of antimicrobials

In asymptomatic and mild cases, antimicrobials are not recommended for therapy or prophylaxis, the ministry said. In moderate and severe cases, antimicrobials should not be prescribed unless there is clinical suspicion of a superadded infection.

timesofindia

Children with asymptomatic infection or mild disease should receive routine childcare, appropriate vaccination (if eligible), nutrition counselling.

Use of antivirals, steroids

The use of antivirals or monoclonal antibodies, however, is not recommended for children less than 18 years of age, irrespective of the severity of infection.

AP

Steroids are not indicated and are harmful in asymptomatic and mild cases of COVID-19.

Steroids should be used at the right time, in right dose and for the right duration.

Corticosteroids may be used in rapidly progressive moderate and all severe cases.

They can be continued for five to seven days and tapered up to 10-14 days, depending on clinical assessment on daily basis.

Further, steroids should be avoided in the first three to five days since onset of symptoms as it prolongs viral shedding.

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