COVID in kids…here are the numbers

Let’s all take a deep breath. I know I need a reminder to do that sometimes.

Now let’s dive in. I deal in facts, hard numbers and evidence backed and supported medicine. Navigating COVID has been difficult enough for all of us, so here are the numbers as reported by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Children’s Hospital Association collaboration. This post is to give you the hard data and not an opinion. Because sometimes we just need to cut out the rest and see the facts for ourselves.

National data as of Sept 9th:

• Total # reported COVID cases in children 5,292,837

• Children represent 15.5% of all COVID-19 cases overall during pandemic.

9/2/2021-9/9/2021

• Children represented 28.9% of cases reported. 

• Over the two weeks 8/26-9/9, 10% increase in the cumulated number of child COVID 19 cases

• 0.1-1.9% of all child cases resulted in hospitalization. 

• Mortality rate 0.0-0.27% of all child COVID-19 cases from states reporting data, with 7 states reporting zero child deaths.

-The proportions of hospitalized children with severe disease during this Delta predominant surge is similar to previously reported data during other surges. In general there are increased numbers of child cases of COVID due to increased number of cases reported in the community. 

-Number of reported cases of MIS-C due to COVID-19 4,661, total deaths due to COVID-19 MISC 41. 

All of that said what do we do with this information? COVID-19 is surging. We have seen a slight decrease in positivity rate over the recently in Florida which is reassuring, however, only time will tell if we will continue to trend down. 

When it comes to masks….

The studies show that multilayered masks can help block exhaled droplets by between 50-70%. So yes, universal masking will help reduce the spread of COVID-19. There is a lot of disparity in masks types. Multilayer cloth masks and surgical masks are a better choice all around.

What can we do? 

1) Stay home if you are sick or not feeling well and get tested. 

2) Wash hands frequently. 

3) Live a healthy lifestyle to maximize your immune system. (Drink plenty of water, get plenty of sleep, exercise regularly, eat a diet rich in whole foods and nutrients, get regular doses of sunshine.) 

4) Consider getting vaccinated, especially if you have never had COVID-19. Though efficacy rates are changing, vaccination is still the best way to reduce your chance of developing severe disease and requiring hospitalization from COVID-19. 

Questions? We want to help! Drop your comments and questions below.