Coronavirus – the statistics

The WHO has officially declared the coronavirus a pandemic. One thing that has been noticed is that fortunately young children have been virtually untouched so far.

In fact in China, only 2.4 % of cases were children and out of that 2.4 % only 0.2 % of these children got critically ill. Furthermore, no young child has yet to lose his or her life due to Covid – 19.

On the other hand, it has been noted that 21.9 % of coronavirus infection in geriatric patients over the age of 80 have been fatal. When looking at patients between the ages of 10 to 40 the fatality rate is roughly 0.2 %. These figures are taken from a separate study drawing on patient records of 44,672 confirmed cases.

Children and their immune system

These statistics show us the coronavirus is different from seasonal influenza, as this is generally much more dangerous in young children and older patients.

Young children do not have a fully developed immune systems and it is this not yet developed immune system which usually makes them much more susceptible. As we grow older our immunity also gets compromised. However, with this virus one end of the spectrum seems to be completely spared. This pattern of disease could also be more about the patient then the virus and the symptoms that can occur. It could be that underlying medical conditions can also be causing older patients to be more susceptible while young children with very few medical conditions are a clean slate.

Previous exposure to other viruses

After reading through several studies that have been recently published about the growing pandemic I can conclude that scientists are suspecting that the virus can be more deadly to patients who have been previously exposed to several other viruses. Other theories include pollution damage to the lungs can be causing older patients to be more susceptible as well. Dr. Frank Esper, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Cleveland Children's Clinic states that "Something about the receptors in children's bodies or their lungs is interfering with the virus' ability to attach itself."

Developing a vaccine

All of this knowledge is being used in the study to develop a vaccine against this deadly virus. Studies in mice have also noted that baby mice are not being affected by the virus whereas adult mice are dying at an alarming rate. This is good news as it is allowing scientists to focus their efforts and it lets them know where they should be looking to develop a vaccine as quickly as possible.

Having said all this, the decision by several governments around the world including the Maltese government to close schools is still wise because from what we know from previous epidemiological studies in similar situations like the SARS Coronavirus, children can be carriers and result in the quick spreading of diseases. So keeping children at home in a sterile environment can be a very effective measure in containing the virus and reducing the spreading of infection.

If you would like to read about how to talk to your children about coronavirus click here!

However, if you would like to read about the statistics and studies behind the novel coronavirus, click here!