The highly contagious Delta variant of COVID-19 has been spreading rapidly across the world, causing concern among parents, healthcare workers, and lawmakers alike.
As schools reopen and kids return to in-person learning, there is a growing concern about the risk of this variant on children. In this article, we will investigate the risk of the Delta variant on kids and what parents can do to keep their children safe.
What is the Delta Variant?
The Delta variant, also known as B.1.617.2, is a highly transmissible variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19. It was first identified in India in December 2020 and has since spread to more than 100 countries worldwide.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Delta variant is now the dominant strain of COVID-19 in the United States.
How Does the Delta Variant Affect Kids?
According to current research, the Delta variant appears to affect children differently than adults.
While the risk of severe illness and death is still low for children, the Delta variant does seem to cause more symptomatic disease in children than the original strain of the virus.
A study conducted in the United Kingdom found that the Delta variant was more likely to cause symptomatic disease in children under the age of 12.
The study also found that children infected with the Delta variant were more likely to experience fever, headache, sore throat, and loss of appetite than those infected with the original strain of the virus. However, hospitalization rates and the overall severity of illness were still low in this age group.
What Can Parents Do to Keep Their Children Safe?
The best way for parents to protect their children from the Delta variant is to get vaccinated themselves, wear masks in indoor public settings, and encourage their children to do the same.
The CDC recommends that everyone over the age of 2 wear masks in indoor public settings, regardless of vaccination status.
Other measures that can help reduce the risk of transmission include regular hand washing, social distancing, and getting tested if you or your child develop symptoms of COVID-19.
What Are Schools Doing to Minimize the Risk?
Schools across the country are taking steps to minimize the risk of transmission of the Delta variant among students and staff. Many schools are implementing mask mandates for all students, teachers, and staff, regardless of vaccination status.
Some schools are also offering regular COVID-19 testing for students and staff, and some are even requiring vaccination for eligible students and staff members.
The Bottom Line
The Delta variant of COVID-19 poses a risk to children, but the severity of illness and hospitalization rates are still low in this age group.
The best way for parents to protect their children from the Delta variant is to get vaccinated themselves, wear masks in indoor public settings, and encourage their children to do the same. School systems are also working to minimize the risk of transmission among students and staff. By taking these precautions, we can help keep our children safe and healthy as they return to in-person learning.