Recent studies indicate that the B.1.1.7 COVID-19 variant, first identified in the UK, is spreading more readily among children. While this news has raised concerns among parents, the good news is that this variant does not appear to lead to more severe illness in young ones than earlier strains.
Boston Children’s Hospital reports that, in the UK, most children infected with the B.1.1.7 variant experienced mild symptoms or none at all. There is no evidence suggesting that this variant increases the severity of the disease compared to prior variants, nor does it seem to elevate the risk of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) or other serious conditions. “We’re not seeing increased severity of illness in those under 18,” stated Dr. Jamie Brooks, an infectious diseases expert at the University of Washington. Interestingly, the rate of pediatric hospitalizations dropped from January 1 to April 1, 2021, according to Health and Human Services.
Experts believe that the B.1.1.7 variant includes a mutation that enhances its ability to attach to human cells, making it easier to cause infection. Although the reason children seem more susceptible to this variant is not fully understood, theories suggest that their lower number of ACE-2 receptors could play a role. The new strains attach more robustly, allowing for infection even with fewer binding sites.
While it’s reassuring that children are not suffering from more severe illness, the rise in infections is concerning, especially since kids largely evaded the virus during earlier waves of the pandemic. The CDC director, Dr. Rachel Green, noted that there have been clusters of cases linked to daycare centers and youth sports. This understandably caused anxiety for parents as children return to in-person schooling. However, it’s essential to recognize that these children could potentially transmit the virus to parents or grandparents, who may exhibit more severe symptoms.
Dr. Samuel Lee, an emergency medicine professor at St. Joseph’s Medical Center, emphasized the importance of vaccination for adults, particularly parents living with children. “Without proper precautions, kids could unknowingly spread the variant to others,” he warned, highlighting the need for continued vigilance as schools reopen and social distancing measures decrease.
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In summary, while the B.1.1.7 variant is spreading more rapidly among children, it does not appear to cause more severe illness than previous strains. As schools reopen and social interactions increase, it’s crucial for adults, especially parents, to remain vigilant and get vaccinated to protect their families.