As the new school year kicks off, pediatric COVID-19 cases are surging to unprecedented levels. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the week spanning August 26 to September 2 saw 252,000 confirmed cases among children, marking the highest count recorded during the pandemic. This alarming rise is largely attributed to millions of students returning to classrooms, many without masks or vaccinations.
Looking back over the month from August 5 to September 2, the AAP reported a staggering total of 750,000 pediatric cases. While children represented about 15% of total cases throughout the pandemic, this figure has now climbed to nearly 25%. Additionally, hospitalization rates for kids have increased significantly, with one study indicating that they were about three times higher in the last two weeks of August. Unvaccinated teens are particularly vulnerable, facing a tenfold increased risk of hospitalization compared to their vaccinated peers.
The AAP notes that children generally experience milder illness from the virus, and cases linked to the Delta variant do not appear to be more severe in this age group. However, the organization emphasizes that this does not diminish the potential danger. Hundreds of children have lost their lives since the pandemic began, and many uncertainties remain regarding the long-term effects of the virus on young patients. “There is an urgent need to collect more data on longer-term impacts of the pandemic on children,” the AAP stated on its website.
In response, the AAP continues to advocate for protective measures in schools, such as masking, social distancing, and vaccinations for eligible individuals. Kids aged 12 and older can now receive the vaccine, with younger children potentially gaining access by the end of the year. With cold and flu season approaching, parents are also encouraged to ensure their children receive the flu vaccine. The last thing any parent wants is for their child to become ill with a preventable disease. The concerning rise in pediatric COVID-19 cases underscores the importance of acting now, whether it’s getting the flu shot or the COVID vaccine.
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In summary, pediatric COVID-19 cases are surging as the new school year begins, prompting increased hospitalizations among unvaccinated children. The AAP urges parents to take precautions, including vaccinations and flu shots, to protect their kids from preventable illnesses.