Govt issues revised guidelines for Covid management in kids & adolescents below 18 years

Jan. 20: The Comprehensive Guidelines for Management of COVID-19 in CHILDREN and ADOLESCENTS (below 18 years) were reviewed by the group of experts in view of the current surge mainly attributed to the Omicron variant of concern. The available data from other countries suggests that disease caused by the Omicron variant is less severe; however, there is need for a careful watch, as the current wave evolves. These guidelines are dynamic, and will be reviewed and updated, on availability of new evidence.

While issuing revised guidelines government said use of antivirals or monoclonal antibodies isn’t recommended irrespective of infection severity. CRP level for diagnosis of multisystem inflammatory syndrome has been revised as >5mg/dL. If steroids are used, they should be tapered over 10-14 days, subject to clinical improvement.

Children with asymptomatic infection or mild disease should receive routine childcare, appropriate vaccination
(if eligible), nutrition counselling, and psychological support on follow up. In addition, for children with moderate to severe COVID, at discharge from hospital, parents/ caregivers should be counselled regarding monitoring for persistence/worsening respiratory difficulty and explained the indications for bringing the child back to facility. Children who develop any organ specific dysfunction during hospital stay or subsequently should receive
appropriate care.