Diet charts for kids who may be hit by Covid-19 : Move part of preparations to tackle 'third wave'

SNS, 29 July 21: As part of its preparations to tackle the much anticipated 'third wave' of Covod-19, which is said to hit children the most, the state health department has prepared diet charts for children who may be admitted in hospitals with Covid during the 'third wave.'

Two diet charts have been prepared for two groups of children-l- 5 years and 6-12 years.

Anticipating a third wave of Covid-19, the Government of West Bengal has decided to augment paediatric Covid facilities across the state. As the dietary supplement is an essential part of the Covid pandemic treatment and management, the government has decided to modify the existing diet plan, particularly for the paediatric population," an order issued by the health and family welfare department reads.

For the age group between 1 and 5 years, there will be one sliced bread, one boiled egg, one banana and 100 ml boiled milk in breakfast, 25 grams of rice, five grams dal, 100 grams vegetables and 50 grams of fish for lunch, 15 grams suji, 100 ml boiled milk, one or a slice of fruit in the afternoon snack, and 25 grams of rice, five grams dal, 100 gram vegetables, chicken or egg curry of 50 grams for dinner.

The children in the age group of 5-12 years will take two sliced breads, one boiled egg, one banana and 200 ml boiled milk for breakfast, 50 grams of rice, 10 grams of dal, 100 grams of vegetables, 50 grams of fish and 100 ml curd for lunch, 25 grams of suji, 200 ml boiled milk, one or a slice of fruit as afternoon snack, and for dinner there will be 50 grams of rice, 10 grams dal, 100 grams vegetables and 75 grams of chicken or egg curry'.

The order also says that a full-day diet will be given to the caregiver who will remain with the child in the Covid ward.

Child specialists have said that nutritional diet plays a significant role in children suffering from Covid- 19.

"With precautions needed to be taken to protect children from the Covid-19 third wave, it is also important to ensure adequate nutritious food and fluid intake for children if they are infected with Covid-19," said a child care expert.