COVID-19 management guidelines issued for children- Key points here
The Union Health Ministry on Wednesday (June 9, 2021) has issued clinical guidelines for the management of COVID-19 among children amid concerns that COVID-19 third wave can possibly target those aged below 18.
New Delhi: The Union Health Ministry on Wednesday (June 9, 2021) has issued clinical guidelines for the management of COVID-19 among children amid concerns that COVID-19 third wave can possibly target those aged below 18.
The Union Health Ministry issued a detailed document titled 'Comprehensive Guidelines for Management of COVID-19 in Children' which revealed:
Remdesivir NOT recommended
6-minute walk test
The 6-minute walk test should be used on children above 12 under the supervision of parents to assess cardiopulmonary exercise tolerance. "Attach pulse oximeter to his/her finger and ask the child to walk in the confines of their room for 6 minutes continuously. Positive test: any drop in saturation < 94%, or absolute drop of more than 3–5% or feeling unwell (lightheaded, short of breath) while performing the test or at end of 6 minutes; Children with positive 6-minute walk test may progress to become hypoxic and early admission to hospital is recommended (for observation and oxygen supplementation)," it said.
(Picture credits: PTI)
In-home monitoring
Use of Steroids?
Use of mask?
The guidelines also stated that children aged 5 years and under should not be required to wear masks while those aged 6-11 years may wear a mask depending on the ability of the child to use a mask safely and appropriately under direct supervision of parents/guardians. Children aged 12 years and over should wear a mask.
(Picture credits: PTI)