As the COVID-19 pandemic completes over 1.5 years of global devastation and scare through two worsening waves, early footsteps of “Third Wave” are said to be perceptible in July 2021!

Since last three months, various predictions, media projections and unfounded discussions about the third COVID wave affecting children predominantly and seriously have haunted every Indian parent, resulting into a public panic wave.

Let us know and understand the relevant facts and scientific information to build confidence and get prepared to respond wisely & appropriately on individual, family and society levels to face the probabilities.

Firstly, basic prediction of the “Probable Third Wave of COVID” is not based on any robust scientific evidence. Experienced behavior of few human pandemics over last century, suggests waning of any pandemic by two years with about two-three waves of decreasing size & severity towards the end. This significant reduction in transmission may end or phase into persistent low level global circulation of Corona virus over next decade.

The second scary prediction of “Third wave” of COVID targeting our beloved children categorically; also fails to stand on test of science. The available experience and scientific evidence suggest significantly lesser risk of affliction and seriousness in children.

The overall risk of acquiring Corona infection is less than half of that in adults, documented as less than 3% due to natural protection. The risk of hospitalisation for serious COVID illness is estimated to be less than 1% (~1 in 48000) and death risk to be 1 in 500,000 only.

Another COVID complication of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children or Paediatric Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome Temporally associated with SARS-CoV-2 PIMS-TS a rare inflammatory syndrome peculiar to childhood has to an absolute risk of just 1 in 39000. Most of these MISC cases, though likely to be more serious, survive with timely and appropriate ICU care.

The latest scientific studies thus show that the risks of severe illness or death from SARS- COV-2 infection are “EXTREMELY LOW” in children and young people as compared to adults. The healthcare providing fronts have also promptly considered, aptly and adequately prepared at all levels to deal effectively with such possible threat to child health.

We at KEM Hospital, Pune, are fully prepared to care for every child with COVID and family, backed by advanced facilities, caring vigilant fully trained ICU specialty staff and our most experienced, competent pediatric specialists leading from the front assuring personal care.

So let us break the shackles of the negativity, unfounded, undue fear and be watchful and meticulous in practicing COVID Appropriate Behavior and immunization in this receding phase of Corona pandemic.We are here 24 X 7 with you to confidently and appropriately tackle any childhood COVID query & adversity!