COVID XE Variant: Symptoms & How Dangerous For Children?
Covid-19 seemed to be subsiding and things were getting back to normal but the deadly coronavirus came back with another new Covid strain, “COVID XE Variant.”
Reportedly, a new Covid-19 variant called XE has been found with a warning of higher transmissibility. The new variant is a recombinant strain, which indicates a mutant hybrid of the Omicron variant's two prior variants, BA.1 and BA.2. Where India started recording less Covid cases every day, the announcement of this new variant has sparked a sense of fear among the people. However, the health authorities have advised to be careful instead of being fearful.
COVID infections among children have increased after several schools reopened physical education classes. As per the latest updates, over 30% of the new Covid-19 cases have been reported among children. This has caused concern among parents, who are questioning whether to send their children back to school. Awareness is the biggest strength you can have at times of uncertainties. So, know about the COVID XE variant in detail and stay informed.
What is the XE variant of coronavirus?
COVID XE variant, a recombinant virus, contains the mutations found in BA.1 as well as BA.2 varieties of Omicron. Recombination is common among coronaviruses and is regarded as an expected mutational event.
XE is an Omicron subvariant that is more contagious and ubiquitous and is responsible for more than 90% of infections this year. The variant has two prominent sub-variants known as BA.1 and BA.2. There is also a BA.3 sub-variant, but it is less common. Throughout the early phase, BA.1 sub-variant was perhaps the most common variant. However, from the third wave in India, the BA.2 is found to be more transmissible and dangerous than the BA.1 which is spreading across the globe.
Symptoms of COVID XE Variant in Children
Children usually have only mild symptoms of COVID-19, which are difficult to differentiate from other viral infections and diseases. Here are some of the common symptoms of COVID in kids:
- Fever
- Continuous cough, mostly dry
- Runny nose
- Sore throat
- Body pain
- Change in smell or taste
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhoea
- Shortness of breath
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Get A Second OpinionPrecautions for Children
As Children below 14 years of age are not yet vaccinated, it is very important for them to follow proper COVID precautions like wearing masks, maintaining social distancing, sanitizing regularly etc. Adults at home must also exercise caution in order to avoid bringing the virus into the house.
Here are the precautions for children (unvaccinated group):
- Children should be taught to adopt precautions such as keeping a physical distance of one metre from others, wearing masks and frequently washing their hands.
- They should be well educated about the virus, so that they understand the consequences of being careless.
- Children should be made aware of the signs of COVID, so that if they experience any inconvenience, they can immediately inform their parents or teachers.
COVID Vaccination for Children
Now that schools are opening, children are more likely to come in contact with a viral infection, and vaccinations are the only essential protective shield that can protect the kids. As of now, vaccination programs have not been rolled out for kids below 12 years of age.
However, Covid vaccines are being planned for children between 6-12 years of age in India.Children above 12 years are eligible to take the vaccination. It is requested that all who are eligible for vaccination must get vaccinated. We, at Medicover Hospitals, are offering safe covid vaccination to all the children between 12 to 18 years of age at our units. You must make vaccination a priority and protect yourself against covid infection. Other below the vaccination age group, must remain aware of the new variants and take necessary precautions.