A Fresh Look at COVID-19 and Flu in Children
Youngsters tend to harbor COVID-19 infections more frequently than flu cases, suggests a recent study.
When it comes to children's health, two common viruses often pose a challenge - COVID-19 and the flu. A recent analysis, courtesy of experts from Dickinson University, delved into the medical records of 164 pediatric patients hospitalized with confirmed COVID-19 and compared them with a cohort of flu patients from 2016, as reported by Medportal.
Typically, children hospitalized with COVID-19 stayed for an average of two to 14 days, with two unfortunate fatalities. A few required treatment in the ICU. However, among flu patients, nearly 41% needed ICU care, and tragically, seven children passed away. Notably, none of these flu patients had received the vaccine, according to the study's authors. The gender distribution was similar in both groups, but there were just a little more boys among COVID-19 patients.
Interestingly, children hospitalized with the flu had a lower red blood cell count and higher levels of white blood cells, specifically leukocytes and neutrophils. Various biomarkers like S-reactive protein, procalcitonin, and others were markedly higher in these flu patients.
The researchers concluded that while COVID-19 and the flu potentially provide similar clinical symptoms in children, their results suggested that COVID-19 has a less severe clinical course compared to the flu.
Meanwhile, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the hospitalization rate among children aged 12-17 with COVID-19 is 2.5 to 3 times higher during the current pandemic compared to the seasonal flu epidemic. On average, there are 35 or more hospitalizations per 100,000 people associated with COVID-19 in this age group. This figure was only 15 during previous flu epidemics.
COVID-19 vs Flu: A General Outlook
For a broader perspective on this comparison, research suggests that children generally have lower hospitalization rates for COVID-19 compared to adults, though noticeable variability exists based on the pandemic's phase and the transmissibility of specific variants.
On the other hand, influenza can lead to significant morbidity and hospitalization, particularly in children under five or those with underlying health conditions. Hospitalization rates can vary significantly based on the severity of the flu season and the effectiveness of the annual vaccine[1].
When it comes to clinical outcomes, children typically experience milder symptoms with COVID-19, such as cough, fever, and shortness of breath. However, the rare but severe Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) can occur. Influenza, on the other hand, can potentially lead to severe outcomes, including acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), respiratory failure, and secondary bacterial pneumonia[1][2].
Prevention remains the key to mitigating the risks associated with both diseases. Vaccination is essential for preventing severe illness from COVID-19, while annual influenza vaccination is crucial for reducing hospitalization rates among children[1][3]. Despite this, concerns about vaccination coverage and hesitancy persist.
Staying informed about the latest developments in the fight against these viruses and adhering to recommended health guidelines and precautions are essential for protecting children's health.
- The study comparing pediatric patients hospitalized with confirmed COVID-19 to flu patients from 2016 found that children with the flu had a lower red blood cell count and higher levels of white blood cells, specifically leukocytes and neutrophils, as well as higher levels of certain biomarkers like S-reactive protein and procalcitonin.
- Despite children hospitalized with COVID-19 having fewer hospitalization rates compared to adults, influenza can lead to significant morbidity and hospitalization, particularly in children under five or those with underlying health conditions.
- The researchers concluded that while COVID-19 and the flu can potentially provide similar clinical symptoms in children, their results suggested that COVID-19 has a less severe clinical course compared to the flu.
- Prevention, such as vaccination for both COVID-19 and the flu, is essential for reducing hospitalization rates among children, but concerns about vaccination coverage and hesitancy persist.
