Recent reports indicate that the B.1.1.7 COVID-19 variant is spreading rapidly among children, raising concerns among parents. However, the good news is that this variant, first identified in the United Kingdom, does not seem to lead to more severe illness in children compared to earlier strains. Boston Children’s Hospital has observed that the majority of young individuals infected with this variant experience mild symptoms or none at all. Furthermore, the severity of illness remains comparable to previous COVID-19 variants, and there is no evidence that B.1.1.7 increases the risk of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) or other serious conditions.
Dr. Sarah Thompson, an infectious disease expert, emphasized that there is no indication of increased disease severity in those under 18. Interestingly, data from Health and Human Services suggests that pediatric hospitalization rates have actually declined from January to April 2021.
Researchers have noted that the B.1.1.7 variant possesses a mutation that enables it to adhere more easily to our cells, though the exact reasons for higher infection rates among children remain unclear. One theory posits that children have fewer ACE-2 receptors—the points where the virus binds to our cells—allowing the variant to infect them more efficiently.
While it is reassuring that children are not experiencing heightened severity from this new variant, the fact remains that they are contracting the virus at higher rates than before, which was not the case during the initial waves of the pandemic. Earlier this month, CDC director Dr. Emily Carter reported increased clusters of cases associated with daycare facilities and youth sports, which understandably raised alarm for many parents as children return to in-person schooling.
The primary concern is that children could potentially bring the virus home, putting parents or grandparents at greater risk for experiencing severe symptoms. Dr. James Reed, a professor of emergency medicine, noted the importance of maintaining proper precautions as children head back to classrooms, especially with recommendations for reduced social distancing from the CDC.
Given this context, it is crucial for all adults, particularly parents living with children, to get vaccinated to protect themselves and their families from the spread of this highly contagious variant.
For more information on pregnancy and family planning, check out this excellent resource for home insemination options. To discover more about insemination methods, you can explore this article as well. If you’re considering an at-home insemination kit, Make a Mom offers great insights and products.
Summary
The B.1.1.7 COVID-19 variant is spreading more rapidly among children but does not lead to more severe illness compared to earlier strains. Most infections are mild or asymptomatic. With the return to in-person schooling, it’s vital for parents to ensure they are vaccinated to protect themselves and their families from potential transmission.