New York Sees Rise in Pediatric COVID-19 Hospitalizations

As Omicron cases rise, New York has recorded a four-fold rise in children being hospitalized for coronavirus.

According to the New York State Health Department, the increase was observed in children aged 18 and under beginning the week of December 5 through the current week, ABC News reported.

COVID in Children | Guidelines for Management of COVID-19 in Children
Covid-19 virus has affected many children during the second wave. Many factors play a role in COVID in children and the management of COVID in children. Therefore, it is highly essential for parents to know and understand the symptoms in children.

‘Please give your children the gift of vaccine protection as soon as possible as our case (numbers) are increasing rapidly.’

Tweet it Now

At the hospitalization, none of the 5- to 11-year-olds with COVID-19 were fully vaccinated, the Department said.

However, about one-third of 12- to 17-year-olds admitted to COVID-19 are fully vaccinated.

"The risks of COVID-19 for children are real," acting State Health Commissioner Mary Bassett said in a statement.

COVID-19 in Children: US Child Coronavirus Cases Top 6 Million
In the United States, the cumulative number of COVID-19 cases in children has surpassed 6 million, according to a report.

"We are alerting New Yorkers to this recent striking increase in pediatric COVID-19 admissions so that pediatricians, parents, and guardians can take urgent action to protect our youngest New Yorkers."

About 27 percent of 5- to 11-year-olds and nearly 72 percent of 12- to 17-year-olds in New York state have received at least one vaccine dose, state data shows.

COVID-19 in Children Mostly Less Severe
COVID-19 infection causes milder symptoms in children compared to adults. This makes them more resilient to the infection and also reduces their need for hospitalization.

"Unfortunately, NY is seeing an increase in pediatric hospitalizations (primarily amongst the unvaccinated), and they have similar (5- to 11-year-old) vaccination rates," Erica Pan, the California state epidemiologist, said on Twitter.

The State Department of Health issued an advisory reminding parents to "not assume a mild respiratory illness" as a routine "cold," but to test for COVID-19.

First Fetal COVID-19 Death Confirmed in S.Korea
In South Korea a fetus has died of COVID-19, reported health authorities. This is the first case in the country.

"Although COVID-19 is usually mild in children, there are risks of serious illness and sequelae for children, and if not isolated, they can contribute to community transmission," the statement read.

The advisory also "strongly" recommended COVID-19 vaccination for children age five and up and boosters for those eligible; wearing a well-fitting mask, social distancing, and avoidance of crowds.

Source-IANS