Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children

COVID-19 in children

A systematic review indicates that children having COVID-19 have milder effects and better outcomes than many adults.[1] Children, however, are more likely to have multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children, a rare though life-threatening illness. This condition involves persistent fevers and extreme inflammation after being exposed to SARS-CoV-2, a virus that causes COVID-19.[2]

Children and adolescents may be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in several other areas. Those are education, socioeconomic status and mental health.

When children and adolescents are infected with COVID-19, they are more likely to not show symptoms or usually have mild to moderate severity.[3] Children and adolescents are not as likely to go to a hospital as adults.[4] Some children, however, develop severe illness. In these cases respiratory support, like a ventilator, may be needed.

Children and adolescents are far less likely to die than people under other age groups.

Impact on most at-risk groups change

The safety for children and adolescents is under risk while the COVID-19 pandemic is happening. Children and teenagers living in substandard or crowded conditions are particularly under risk.[5] Youth – in particular young women, people under certain racial backgrounds and migrants – face higher than normal socioeconomic and health impacts. They are also under increased risks of gender-based violence due to social isolation, discrimination and major financial stress.[6]

References change

  1. Ludvigsson, J. F. (2020). "Systematic Review of COVID-19 in Children Shows Milder Cases". Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992). 109 (6). US National Library of Medicine: 1088–1095. doi:10.1111/apa.15270. PMC 7228328. PMID 32202343.
  2. Ahmed, M.; Advani, S.; Moreira, A.; Zoretic, S.; Martinez, J.; Chorath, K.; Acosta, S.; Naqvi, R.; Burmeister-Morton, F.; Burmeister, F.; Tarriela, A.; Petershack, M.; Evans, M.; Hoang, A.; Rajasekaran, K.; Ahuja, S.; Moreira, A. (2020). "A Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children". eClinicalMedicine. 26: 100527. doi:10.1016/j.eclinm.2020.100527. PMC 7473262. PMID 32923992.
  3. Rajapakse, Nipunie; Dixit, D. (2 January 2021). "COVID-19 in Children and Teens". Paediatrics and International Child Health. 41 (1). Centers for Disease Control: 36–55. doi:10.1080/20469047.2020.1781356. PMID 32584199. S2CID 220061129. Retrieved July 12, 2021.
  4. Hoang, A.; Chorath, K.; Moreira, A.; Evans, M.; Burmeister-Morton, F.; Burmeister, F.; Naqvi, R.; Petershack, M.; Moreira, A. (2020). "COVID-19 in 7780 Pediatric Patients". eClinicalMedicine. 24. E Clinical Medicine: 100433. doi:10.1016/j.eclinm.2020.100433. PMC 7318942. PMID 32766542.
  5. "Impact of COVID-19 on Children". The Citizens for Justice and Peace. 8 May 2020. Retrieved July 12, 2021.
  6. "The Impact of COVID-19 on Women". UN Women. Retrieved July 12, 2021.