CAMIGUIN (PIA)--Ensuring proper nutrition, complete vaccination, and breastfeeding are among the ways to protect children against coronavirus disease (COVID)-19.

During the Alerto radio program, January 26, Dr. Higinio Lactao, a pediatrician in the province, said with the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in Camiguin, parents should consistently monitor their children and ensure that they are fully vaccinated.

"The Delta variant was not that highly contagious as compared to the Omicron so that could probably explain why we are seeing more cases in pediatrics. Then number two is, since here in the Philippines those below 11 years old have not yet received the COVID vaccine, this could also be another factor that could explain why we are seeing now cases of pediatric infection," Lactao said.

To protect those who are not yet eligible for vaccination, Lactao said parents must make sure that the six basic food groups are served to their children. 

Children with complete anti-pneumonia vaccines are also in a better position with the current problem that the country is facing, Lactao added. 

As for rearing infants, Mambajao Municipal Health Officer Dr. Lyndon Aclan said, "Dako gyud og edge ang katong naka-exclusive breastfeeding kontra atong naka-mix kay mas taas gyud ang ilang resistensya."

(Children who have been exclusively breastfed have the edge as compared to those who were mixed fed because the latter have better resistance from illnesses)

Aclan further urged pregnant mothers to avail the free vaccine from the government as such will protect their unborn child from the virus. He added that the vaccine is safe for all trimesters and undergoing prenatal is a must to make sure that the baby is safe.

For toddlers, Lactao said parents should know the normal oxygen saturation, which is 95% and above for children. "If it’s below 95, it’s not really good. It’s a more objective way of monitoring the child," he added.

Also, as per guidelines from the Department of Health (DOH), Aclan said ineligible children from vaccination who are infected with COVID-19 can stay in their homes for isolation and monitoring. 

However, parents must report to the Barangay Health Emergency Response Team (BHERT) on the child's condition.

Aclan said they have recorded eight pediatric cases of COVID-19 in the province including a newborn and children of unvaccinated parents. 

“We expect nga mutaas pa gyud na karon labi na kay daghan pa tao karon nga ga-hesitate nga magpatesting (this would increase, especially now when there are many people who are hesitant to be tested),” he added.

As of January 26, there are 23 active COVID-19 cases in the province and 186 deaths due to COVID-19. (RTP/PIA-10/Camiguin)