How Likely a Child Is to Get COVID-19?

Any child can contract the SARS-CoV-2 virus causing the COVID-19 disease. But doctors were less aware of this at first, because most child cases are so mild they don’t display symptoms. However, nowadays health workers are conscious of the need to check for asymptomatic kids. Today we consider how likely a child is to get COVID-19, and how serious this could be.

The Probability of a Child Having the Pandemic Disease

Mayo Clinic confirms children under 18 historically made up 16% of U.S. case load. However, American Academy of Pediatrics and Children’s Hospital Association report this has risen to 24% recently. This could be because:

1… More adults have full vaccinations, whereas the child program only recently started.

2… Mask mandates in schools are relaxing for a variety of reasons outside this post.

3… Health officials are becoming more aware of the need to test healthy kids.

Whatever the case, we appear to be facing a demographic shift that could become permanent. Adjusting to this is the main focus point of this post.

How Likely Is a Child to Get COVID-19 and Become Seriously Ill?

All children are capable of catching the virus, depending on their lifestyle and proactive behavior. Many don’t show physical signs of the infection though, according to Mayo Clinic when compared to adults. However, some do become seriously ill, and end up on a ventilator in hospital.

And a very small proportion of them perish. But a child is more likely to get severe COVID-19 if they already have another serious medical condition. Here we think of obesity, diabetes, and asthma for example. But they could be at even more serious risk if they have congenital heart disease, or a condition affecting their central nervous system.

Parents should be aware of these compounding factors. And take extra care to shield susceptible kids through education and sensible precautions, as smart moms and dads already have.