JAMMU: A sense of apprehension is prevailing around the impending “third wave” of Covid-19 among the masses. It is said that it is going to target children, a section of society which might never be able to defend the infection as the other age groups. In this regard, several pediatricians of Jammu shared their advice.

Professor Department of Pediatrics, SMGS Hospital Jammu, Dr Sanjeev Kumar Digra has said that irrespective of the hyped third-wave of Covid-19, young children have always been at risk of contracting the infection. Although, in earlier waves, the infection was observed to be asymptomatic and mild in nature, it could become more serious in future, he said.

‘The onus of protecting children from Covid-19 lies upon elders. If they religiously follow Covid appropriate behaviour, they can make sure that the infection doesn’t reach their kids at home’.

The doctor has also reminded parents to get children their routine vaccines in order to prevent other deadly diseases. ‘Vaccines help prevent numerous deadly diseases in children. If only they’re protected from them all, can we expect our children to have strong immunity against Covid also’, he said.

Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics at SMGS Hospital, Dr Anuj Bhatti said that if a child is suffering from high grade fever for more than three days, is not eating well, starts vomitting, not breathing naturally, has bluish discolouration on body parts, has sunken eyes or dry lips, and his/ her oxygen saturation level dips below 94, has conjunctivitis or pain in neck, stomach ache, one must immediately consult a doctor telephonically, or through eSanjeevani telemedicine facility. If a child displays symptoms of Covid, get the child tested for Covid, and treat him accordingly, he adds.

Lecturer SMGS Hospital Jammu, Dr Pallavi Sharma, says that, due to nonchalance towards Covid appropriate behaviour, many patients are infecting young children in their families. She requests parents and other family members to keep children under watch and  immediately get them tested for Covid if they show any symptoms. ‘Fever, redness of eyes and passage of loose stools are among the major symptoms being observed in kids’, she says.

‘Families must adopt Covid appropriate behaviour whole-heartedly so that the young generation is saved. It is usually the adults who venture out of the house and it is them who could bring home the infection’, informs Dr Pallavi. She also warned that the suspected third wave of Covid is expected to attack the young age group and said, ‘since they are the ones not-vaccinated, they could be an easy prey to the pandemic’.

She also requested parents to inculcate the habit of frequent hand washing, sanitisation and properly wearing a mask, in their children.

Senior Resident Pediatric Doctor, SMGS Hospital, Dr Sachit Sharma, tells that if a lactating mother is Covid-positive, she can feed her milk to her child. ‘She should wear a mask and collect the milk in a bowl. The same milk can be fed to the child with a spoon, by another healthy member of the family’, he informs. On the other hand, if she is Covid positive and asymptomatic, she can feed the baby while wearing a mask and observing other Covid appropriate hygiene. He also advises that such a mother keep distance between her bed and the baby’s cot.

JAMMU: Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Dr Raghav Langer today set the timeline for the completion of pending work of the Auto-Mechanically Operated Gated Barrage (AMOGB) on Tawi River, during an inspection visit to the construction site.

Around 80 per cent work on Tawi Barrage project, which is popularly known as Artificial Tawi Lake project, has been completed and for remaining work the Div Com has given strict directions.

The Divisional Commissioner inspected the different components of the Tawi River Front and  assessed the pending works on Barrage project.

Pertinently, the Government of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has engaged the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee, for detailed assessment of works already executed on Tawi Barrage Project and to give expert advice on the completion of left-over work and recommend measures required to be taken to prevent erosion of the embankments and suggest required flood protection works. Under the Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project (JTFRP) a Portuguese firm—Aqualogus, was also assigned the task of conducting morphology study of River Tawi, so that effective measures can be taken for flood protection.

During his visit to the site, the Div Com directed Irrigation and Flood Control Department to take corrective measures to complete the project and submit Detailed Project Report (DPR) within stipulated time frame after incorporating the recommendations of IIT and Aqualogus.

The Div Com gave four months time to I&FC to invite bids for balance works to be executed on the project; after incorporating recommendations of IIT-R and feasibility report of River Morphology study.

It was observed that there has been much delays in the execution of the prestigious project and Jammuites are eagerly awaiting for its completion.

He also took a round of both the River Banks from 4th bridge to Main Tawi Bridge and enquired about the works which would be taken under the proposed River Tawi River Front.

The Div Com directed JMC to conduct a cleanliness drive in the area while JDA and Floriculture were directed to properly maintain the parks developed on the river banks.

The Jammu Smart City Limited is also conceptualising a DPR to develop Tawi River front to give an aesthetic look to the River Tawi and to promote it as a major tourism attraction.

The 3.5 KM long river front is proposed to be completed in 2 phases. The first phase starts from 4th bridge to Main Tawi Bridge and phase 2 from Main Tawi Bridge to Gujjar Nagar Bridge. It was informed that pathways would be constructed on both the sides (banks) of the river to provide easy access to the public.

The Div Com was accompanied by Chief Engineer, Irrigation and Flood Control; Director ERA, Additional CEO JSCL, ADC Jammu, Project Consultants of JSCL, Tehsildar Bahu, Tehsildar Jammu South and other concerned officials.

REASI: A centenarian in Reasi district of Jammu division set an example for others to follow by getting first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine during an inoculation drive organised by the district administration.

The 118-year-old Sher Mohammad of Mahore Tehsil in Reasi got the first jab of anti-corona vaccine. After taking the vaccine he feels others should follow the suit to tackle the deadly disease.

“Today after getting the vaccine, I feel more confident and protected as the vaccine is the biggest shield against the deadly disease,” he said.

Sher Mohammad appealed to the people of the district to come forward and get vaccinated against the infection. He said the vaccine has been advised by top doctors and experts and the people should not pay heed to the rumours.

“If I at this age can receive the dose, I feel others shouldn’t shy away from getting vaccinated and pay no attention to hearsay,” he said. He also prayed for the good health and safety of the whole mankind.

He said till the pandemic is over people should continue to wear masks, maintain social distancing norms besides, follow other SOPs being issued by the government.

Sher Mohammad also thanked District Administration Reasi for vaccination as it was the part of “vaccine on wheels campaign”,

“ It is because of this campaign I got this vaccine at home and I would like to suggest others also to participate in this campaign and come forward to get vaccinated as this is the way we can fight with this deadly virus and can protect not only our lives but the community as well”, he said.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Commissioner Reasi said they have repeatedly appealed to the public to cooperate with the district administration to break the chain of transmission.

In view of the spike in COVID-19 cases, the district administration Reasi has taken several initiatives in the recent past for expediting the vaccination process.

“Though a lot needs to be done to achieve vaccination targets set for different age groups, yet a large number of people are coming forward for inoculation which is a good sign,” a statement of the district administration said.

The DC has asked the health department to expedite the vaccination campaign in a mission mode and achieve the set targets within the stipulated time frame.

He advised the public to adopt COVID appropriate behaviour and follow SOPs like wearing face masks, washing hands with soap regularly and maintain social distance.

‘Doctors, nurses made all the difference,  we are grateful’

KISHTWAR:  The daily COVID figures might be disheartening but if one looks closely, there is always a ray of hope somewhere. Here is a story of Poonam Sharma from Panditgam Kishtwar who along with her twin kids recently recovered from COVID and is already back home.

While narrating her story Poonam said, on 8th of May 2021, she started feeling slightly warm with a gritty throat, cold and felt drained.

“I spoke to my husband about the same and we both decided to take COVID-19 voluntary as a mobile Van for testing arrived in our village Panditgam. I tested positive and my husband’s was negative, we immediately consulted a doctor and I declared self-isolation as a precaution.”

But unfortunately the next day one of my Kids (05yr old) suffered from fever, vomiting and his pulse rate started racing, my husband immediately took him to hospital where necessary tests were conducted besides doctors also did COVID-19 test and my kid was confirmed positive.

On 11th of May, Poonam Sharma and her kid were admitted in COVID Care District Hospital Kishtwar for 04 days. After getting asymptomatic we were discharged from district hospital Kishtwar for further self-isolation at home.

Meanwhile, the tests of all other family members of Poonam Sharma were taken and her mother- in- law and other kid also tested positive with no symptoms and they have been advised for home isolation by doctors.

Poonam Sharma stated that, “It was very tough time for me because I love to spend most of the time with my kids but we were isolated in Hospital but the doctors and nurses were just phenomenal. They used to come to us for a regular checkup, prescribe medications, proper diet plan, besides they provided us oxymeter, COVID kit also. “They treated us like a family, not a patient. Their comfort and passion helped me get through one of the toughest times of my life,” she said happily.

In times like these, it’s important to focus on the things we can control and try to remain optimistic—not to live in fear, but to take care of yourself and the people around you. -she further maintained.

She appealed general public, don’t take covid lightly, and protect their children and if one finds a slightest symptom go for voluntary COVID 19 test which is free of cost to get necessary treatment.