Buzz
The coronavirus pandemic has resulted in countless lives lost, especially among older adults. However, children and young adults are not immune to the virus, and it’s not so uncommon in kids that we can overlook the possibility that they’ll contract it. Here are a few important reminders to keep in mind.
A significant number of children are affected by COVID
The Washington Post reports that, as of September 10, over half a million cases of COVID had been recorded in children across the United States, making up approximately 10% of the total cases.
Children are not all the same; a recent CDC report found that COVID appears to be twice as prevalent in teenagers compared to younger children. (With most children out of school during the summer, and testing for kids being more difficult to access than for adults, it’s possible that these numbers are artificially low.)
Children and young adults can experience severe complications
While it’s true that young people are less likely to die or suffer severe complications from COVID, 'less likely' doesn’t mean 'never.' As noted in a Washington Post article, a pediatric infectious disease specialist remarked, 'We’ve treated quite a few very sick kids with this illness.'
A rare but serious condition can develop in some children who contract COVID, similar to Kawasaki disease. Although uncommon, it can be extremely serious.
A recent study of college athletes found that even after recovering from COVID, these young individuals showed signs of heart damage. We don’t yet know the full extent of the damage or how long it might persist.
Children can transmit the virus to their families
Although children are more likely than adults to experience mild or no symptoms from COVID, they are still catching the virus and spreading it. A recent CDC report on COVID in children highlights that schools have likely contributed to the increase in COVID transmission in European communities. In other words, even if kids aren’t showing signs of illness, they are probably spreading the virus.
Children are also affected by COVID when it impacts their family members. A recent study revealed that over 4,000 children in New York state have lost a parent or caregiver to COVID—surpassing the number of children who lost a parent in the 9/11 attacks, as pointed out by Gothamist.
By assuming that the virus poses no significant threat to children, we are putting them at risk. They can catch the virus, pass it on to more vulnerable individuals, and in many instances, suffer complications themselves. It’s time to stop perpetuating the false belief that children are immune to the coronavirus—it’s simply not accurate.
