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Risk Factors Associated With Severe COVID Disease In Children Identified

Given the fact that the vast majority of children remain unvaccinated, it is important to identify the risk factors associated with severe disease in them.

Written by Longjam Dineshwori | Updated : September 17, 2021 4:41 PM IST

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COVID-19 Disease In Children

Over the course of the pandemic, we have seen that COVID-19 disease affect people differently. Older adults and those with underlying medical conditions such as hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, are at higher risk of getting severe illness from coronavirus. While risk factors for hospitalization and poor outcomes associated with COVID disease are well documented in adults, the reasons for the disease severity in children is less understood. With the possibility of third wave of COVID-19 soon and given the fact that the vast majority of children remain unvaccinated and susceptible, it becomes more important to identify the factors that can put children at high risk of developing severe COVID disease. This can help in planning preventive strategies for children. With these thoughts in mind, a group of physicians at Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt studied data from 45 children's hospitals located across the United States -- 20,000 children with COVID-19 were included. The study, Factors Associated with COVID-19 Disease Severity in U.S. Children, was recently published in the Journal of Hospital Medicine.

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Factors That Make Children More Vulnerable To Severe COVID-19

Among other factors, older age and chronic co-morbidities such as obesity, diabetes and neurologic conditions were found to be associated with severe disease and poor health outcomes among children admitted to the hospital with COVID. The findings may help identify who should be prioritized for COVID-19 vaccines when available for children less than 12 years of age, the researchers noted.  Also Read - Exploring Drug-Free Solutions: Insights Into Migraine Care From A Neurologist

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Obesity And Severe COVID-19

In a report released on March 12, 2021, the US CDC stated that patients with the highest body mass index (BMI) scores had the greatest risk of developing severe COVID-19 and being hospitalized with the disease or dying of it. Obese people have an increased prevalence of diseases like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, certain types of cancers, all of which are major risk factors for COVID-19 severity and mortality. In addition, growing evidence also suggests that obesity is an additional risk factor associated with worse outcomes in COVID-19 patients.

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Diabetes And Severe COVID-19

Some studies suggest that low immunity increases the risk of Covid-19 infection in people with diabetes. High blood sugar levels can weaken their immune system defense. Also, the virus thrives in an environment of elevated blood glucose, which can make recovery from the illness more difficult for people with diabetes. Also Read - Age With Strength: Must-Do Exercises For A Vital And Active Lifestyle

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Neurological Symptoms

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