This virus  originated in China towards the end of December 2019 has spread rapidly all over the world and hence labelled as the corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This virus belongs to the Corona group, which commonly causes minor upper respiratory tract infections in both children and adults. There is hue and cry for this virus specifically because of :

1. A novel mutation increasing susceptibility (that makes practically every human susceptible).
2. An easy transmissibility (that has caused rapid spread worldwide).
3. It can involve practically every system of body and make you ill with variety of old and new symptoms.

Pediatric cases/ kids are involved all over the world, though we can say involvement of them is less, that can also be related to various factors :  as kids went of very less of their homes in this pandemic, parents usually restricted them to home, lot of vaccination given to them in developing and developed countries. May be some innate immunity can also be reason.

In children COVID 19 disease symptoms is more of less like a viral illness,  vary from cough cold fever , not able to eat, irritability, rashes, high grade fever with fits etc. In severe cases in which infection is more symptoms range from difficulty in breathing to respiratory failure and finally multiorgan failure leading to death. Most of kids recover well, still we have to be very vigilant in kids less than 10 years of age because of their weak immune system.

The following steps will help an individual in preventing spread or minimizing contact with SARS CoV-2:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds especially after coming back from a public place or after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose. If soap and water is not available, then using hand sanitizer with minimum 60% alcohol concentration is recommended. Avoid unnecessary touching of nose, mouth or eyes.
• Maintain social distancing in public places and from household members who are sick.
• Avoid crowded places and gatherings – this is of paramount importance.
• Cover your nose and mouth with cloth cover (cloth mask or hand kerchief) when in public or going out for daily errands. Follow cough etiquette.
• Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces like door knobs, light switches, mobile phones, tablets, laptops, table surface etc. is recommended. Any household level disinfectant can be used.

Role of diet in kids:

• Plenty of liquids to be given to maintain hydration in summers.
• All three major meals should be given with home made food , with all kind of vegetables , pulses, curd, salad.
• Fruits play an important role in giving micronutirents.
• Do not rush for starting supplements of vitamins , or immunity boosters, believe in home made food .

Important :

• do not be reluctant to consult your pediatrician in case of any of symptoms of viral illness : keep in mind IT CAN BE COVID 19.

 Follow the dictum ::::: Stay safe , stay healthy.