New Delhi: In view of the ongoing surge in daily cases of Coronavirus in various states of the country, the Central government on Thursday issued revised guidelines for use of drugs and masks for children (below 18 years).
As per the new guidelines, use of antivirals or monoclonal antibodies is not recommended for those less than 18 years of age, even if the severity of Covid infection is higher.
The Health Ministry also said that if steroids are been given to children they should be tapered over 10 to 14 days, subject to clinical improvement.
The guidelines were revised after a meeting of a group of experts in view of the current surge that is mainly attributed to the Omicron variant.
Here Are Some Key Points From Govt's Revised Guidelines For Children
1. Antivirals or monoclonal antibodies are not recommended for those less than 18 years.
2. Face masks are not recommended for children aged five years and below.
3. Children aged between 6 to 11 years may wear it depending on the ability of the child to use a mask safely and appropriately under the direct supervision of parents.
4. Health Ministry also said that children aged 12 and above should wear a mask under the same conditions as adults.
5. The new guidelines also state that Covid-19 is a viral infection and antimicrobials have no role in the management of uncomplicated, thus in asymptomatic and mild cases, antimicrobials are not recommended for therapy or prophylaxis.
6. The ministry also stated that steroids are not indicated and are harmful in asymptomatic and mild cases of Covid-19 cases. They can be administered only in hospitals under strict supervision. It should be avoided in the first three to five days since the onset of symptoms as it prolongs viral shedding.
7. Meanwhile, anticoagulants are not indicated routinely and all hospitalised children should be evaluated for risk of developing thrombosis and monitored for development of thrombosis, the ministry said.
8. Children with asymptomatic infection or mild disease should receive routine childcare, appropriate vaccination (if eligible), nutrition counselling, and psychological support on follow up.
9. Additionally, the guidelines also added that parents or caretakers of children, who suffered moderate to severe Covid, during discharge from hospital, should be counselled regarding monitoring for persistence or worsening respiratory difficulty and explained the indications for bringing the child back to the facility.
10. Children who develop any organ-specific dysfunction during hospital stay or subsequently, should receive appropriate care, the ministry said adding that these guidelines are dynamic and will be updated accordingly on availability of new evidence.
(With inputs from PTI.)