Page 15 - Educ Guide
P. 15
Get the facts
about COVID
and kids
As 2020 unfolded, the world learned children vary around the world. look sick, they can still transmit the
just how quickly the novel coronavirus Even though most children with virus to others, including vulnerable
COVID-19 could spread. The World COVID-19 exhibit mild symptoms or no people in their families.
Health Organization noted that, by symptoms at all, some can get severely Kids are more likely to transmit
September 2020, nearly 30 million ill, requiring hospitalization and intensive illnesses, according to health experts.
people across the globe had contracted care. Some children have even died after They have a higher tendency
the virus, and that was before the COVID-19 infection. That is why doctors to interact with each other and
resurgence of the virus in mid-fall. and other health professionals urge touch different objects and body
While the elderly and those with pre- parents not to minimize the threat posed parts, which only underscores the
existing conditions are among the by COVID-19. importance of exercising caution
people most vulnerable to COVID-19, when letting children interact with
children are not immune to the virus or Development of MIS-C others outside their households.
its potentially deadly consequences. The Centers for Disease Control and
The Mayo Clinic reports that children Prevention and other health partners Infants and health-compromised
of all ages can become infected and ill continue to look into a rare but serious children at risk
with COVID-19, but most children who medical condition called multisystem The CDC notes that babies
are infected typically do not become as inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS- under age 1 might be more
sick as adults. Furthermore, some may C),which is associated with COVID-19. likely to have severe illness from
not show any symptoms. This condition can cause inflammation COVID-19. Children of other ages
The American Academy of in various parts of the body, including with underlying medical conditions
Pediatrics and the Children’s Hospital the kidneys, heart, eyes, skin, lungs, might also be at increased risk of
Association says that children and gastrointestinal organs. Doctors do severe illness. Underlying medical
younger than age 14 are less likely not know what causes MIS-C, but many conditions that can put children at
to become infected with COVID-19. children diagnosed with it also had the greater risk include diabetes, asthma
Nick Davies, an epidemiologist and virus that causes COVID-19. and heart disease since birth. In A Special Advertising Section of The Morning Call
mathematical modeler at the London MIS-C can be serious, and even addition, children who receive
School of Hygiene and Tropical deadly. It may leave lasting scars on immunosuppression therapies may
Medicine, published a study with the lungs, and can lead to more severe be vulnerable to severe illness from
other researchers in Nature Medicine. illness down the line, says Rachel COVID-19.
Using data from China, Italy, Japan, Graham, an epidemiologist at the Fever and cough are the most
Singapore, Canada, and South Korea, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. common symptoms of COVID-19
Davies found the risk of catching in children. Families must remain |
COVID-19 for children and teens Unwitting carriers diligent, learn to recognize symptoms
(under age 20) was half that of people Children may not know they and ensure their children practice
older than 20. Still, contraction rate have COVID-19 because they are social distancing. Sunday, June 27, 2021
models and corresponding ages of asymptomatic. Even if they do not feel or
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