The aftermath of the two-year-long Covid lockdown continues to manifest in the health of young children in Pune, with pediatricians noting a significant rise in severe infections caused by common viruses. The disruption of regular immunization during the lockdown period has contributed to children being admitted to neo-natal intensive care units with ailments that could have been prevented through vaccinations.
Pediatricians from the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) discussed these concerning trends during a three-day conference in Pune, where over a thousand medical professionals gathered. The primary focus of their discussions revolved around strategies for enhanced child management and addressing the increasing incidence of infections post-pandemic.
Physicians emphasized that the interruption in routine immunization schedules has triggered a resurgence of dormant viruses. Viral infections such as the common cold, mumps, rubella, and measles are now causing more severe symptoms, including pneumonia, in children.
Adenovirus, a common cold-causing virus, has been identified as a culprit behind the surge in respiratory infections and pneumonia cases in children. The reduction in immunity during the lockdown period is believed to be a contributing factor. Additionally, interruptions in regular immunization schedules have been linked to a significant increase in cases of measles, rubella, and mumps.
A senior doctor highlighted the serious consequences for children when parents neglect to adhere to vaccination schedules. The call for mandatory pneumococcal and mumps vaccinations by the government was also emphasized.
In addition to infectious diseases, doctors noted a rise in non-communicable diseases among children, with diabetes and obesity posing significant challenges. Given the nonspecific symptoms of these conditions, early diagnosis is challenging. Efforts are underway to educate teachers on guiding children in checking food packaging for sodium, sugar, and artificial preservatives, aiming to reduce the consumption of unhealthy foods.
