Coronavirus cases in children surged to over 61,000 last week

By Sandee LaMotte | CNN

According to the report, the nationwide surge in cases is affecting children at an “unprecedented level.” New number released on Monday According to the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Association of Pediatric Hospitals, which are tracking data reported by the state health department.

The AAP said in a statement that the last week of October had 61,000 new children, “more than the week before the pandemic.” From the onset of the pandemic to October 29, more than 853,000 children tested positive for Covid-19, AAP said, including about 200,000 new cases during October.

“This is a clear reminder of the impact this pandemic has on everyone, including our children and adolescents,” AAP President Dr. Sally Goza said in a statement. ..

“The virus is highly contagious, and as many communities see a surge, children are more likely to get it,” Goza said.

However, these numbers are probably underestimated, AAP said. Many children are not tested because their children’s symptoms are often mild and can look like a common cold or virus.

Children’s symptoms

Typical symptoms of Covid-19 in both children and adults Fever over 100 degrees, dry cough, dyspnea, headache, digestive problems, body pain and malaise, runny nose, sore throat, sneezing, etc.

Abnormal symptoms include “Covid toes” (reddish tint of the toes and other limbs), sudden loss of taste and smell, conjunctivitis, and a highly contagious condition also known as pink eye.

However, early studies suggest that children may not develop fever, cough, and shortness of breath as often as adults. Fever and cough were found in 56% and 54% of children in one study, compared to 71% and 80% of adults. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.. Shortness of breath was found in only 13% of pediatric patients, compared to 43% of adults. Sore throat, headache, muscle aches, malaise, and diarrhea are also rarely reported in children.

Severe cases of Covid-19 appear to be rare among children, but severe illnesses have been reported and most often found in infants <1 year of age.

When a child needs to be hospitalized CDC found, One in three had to be treated in the intensive care unit — the same percentage as adults.

Long-term impact unknown

According to adolescents aged 12 to 17 CDC Report in Early OctoberWas about twice as likely to test positive for Covid-19 as children between the ages of 5 and 11.

According to the CDC, more severe cases of Covid-19 are most likely to be found in children with underlying illness, with chronic lung disease, including asthma, being most commonly reported (55%). Children with disabilities (9%), immune disorders (7%), diabetes (6%), mental status (6%), cardiovascular disease (5%), and severe obesity (4%) are particularly severe, although the proportion is small. It was a case of Covid-19.

According to AAP, there is an “urgent” need for research and more data on how the virus affects children’s health in the long run, physically, emotionally and mentally.

“Not only did children feel the direct effects of the virus and get sick, but the pandemic changed their lives at an important stage of development and education,” Goza said.

“I’m very worried about the long-term harm that children can suffer, especially black and Hispanic children who are suffering from more infections,” she said. “This includes not only children who test positive for the virus, but everyone in these communities who suffer from disproportionate emotional and mental health hazards.”

Need for attention

When the temperature is low, many people move to tight spaces where the virus can spread more easily. In addition, future vacation trips may put both children and adults at greater risk as families gather.