Question

What role does COVID-19 pandemic play in the continuity of care for children with chronic conditions?

Answer 1

COVID 19 pandemic has been one of most severe pandemic that affected a huge portion of population. It affected the health as well as economics globally.
COVID 19 disease is caused by SARS CoV 2 virus and attacks the respiratory system of the host. The disease is highly contagious with no cure or vaccination at present. As such the only way to protect oneself from it is practicing healthy behaviour, taking extra care of elderly, young children and those with compromised immune system or chronic illness.
Chronic illness impairs the immune system and results in low imminity. Also children have a less developed immune system. As COVID 19 affects the one's with low immunity easily, healthcare services are paying extra attention on caring for children with chronic illness. Safety precautions are being taken to promote health for children with chronic diseases. More emphasis is given on safe hygienic practices such as hand washing, using of gloves, masks and gown when required. Emphasis is being given on proper nutrition of the children to develop immune system and overall fitness. Regularly screenings and monitoring of children with chronic conditions is being practiced. We can say that the care for children with chronic conditions has improved greatly. The quality of care has improved. But due to ongoing health crisis demand for healthcare services has increased to many folds and there is an acute shortage of health care workers. This has affected the continuity of care for children with chronic diseases but healthcare system is trying their best to provide continued care for children. Also the pandemic has impacted the economy badly which resulted in impairing the healthcare services to those with chronic illness due to financial constraints.