The increasing COVID cases led by the Omicron wave has caused a lot of concern among parents of newborns and young children who are not vaccinated. Reports of increasing hospitalisations in this age group in countries like the US have also caused some panic.

As the data suggests, the Omicron variant may cause more 'mild' illness, but it is highly transmissible.

FIT speaks with pediatricians on what to do if your newborn and toddler has COVID-19.

So far, data on hospitalisation of children in the third wave of COVID-19 is not officially available in India.

Dr Maninder Singh Dhaliwal, Associate Director, Pediatrics, Medanta Gurugram, says,

"About 80% of Omicron cases have reported cough and cold as primary symptoms, 10% reported high fever with chills, 10% vomiting, upset stomach and fatigue," adds Dr Dhaliwal.

Symptoms of Omicron most commonly found in children include:

• Fever

• Cough and cold

• Body ache

• Sore throat

• Vomiting

• Diarrhoea

• Less urination

• Tiredness

Consult your doctor via video as soon as you notice the symptoms in young children.

Follow these important tips:

• Keep the child in isolation for 7 days (the adult caregiver should wear a mask at all times.)

• Ensure medicine is given on time as prescribed

• Keep them hydrated (water, juice, coconut water, ORS, soup)

• Don't let the fever go above 102 degree celsius

• Sponge when fever goes above 102

• Keep a check on oxygen saturation

• Do not overdress the child when they have fever

• Keep the child in a ventilated room so that fresh air can circulate

• In case of sore throat, gargle with salt water

• Provide nutritious food

Parents, do not panic but be alert. Take these situations seriously and contact a doctor immediately, if:

• If the fever has not broken for 3 days

• When the fever is more than 102

• When the child is coughing a lot

• When they are vomiting

• When they are urinating less

• Their breathing is impacted

• When the child is sluggish

• Dehydrated

• Oxygen saturation is below 95

Symptoms of Omicron in newborns:

• Fever

• Sluggishness

• Drinking less milk

• Heavy breathing

• Frequent vomiting

• Less urination

• Irritability

"During the last wave, there were reports of pre-mature delivery among many pregnant women. It could happen this time also. Therefore it is important for pregnant women to protect themselves from any risks," advises Dr Sanjay Wazir.

In the last wave, weeks after COVID, some children were seen to have multi-system inflammatory syndrome (MISC) with fever, red eyes and heart problems. If you notice any of these symptoms post COVID, please contact your doctor without delay.