- There’s growing concern about whether the B.1.1.7 variant first detected in the United Kingdom could be causing more infections in children.
- Lab studies suggest that the B.1.1.7 variant has a mutation that makes it easier for the virus to latch onto our cells and cause an infection — which could be why more kids seem to be getting the disease.
- Quickly vaccinating adults who are around and live with kids is crucial.
Children have been largely spared during the pandemic, mainly because the coronavirus has a harder time binding to receptors in their cells compared to those of adults.
Now there’s growing concern about whether the B.1.1.7 variant first detected in the United Kingdom could be causing more infections in children.
Lab studies suggest the B.1.1.7 variant has a mutation that makes it easier for the virus to latch onto our cells and cause an infection — which could be why more kids seem to be getting the disease.
But the lab studies don’t tell the full story, experts say, and it’s important to look at other factors at play.
The B.1.1.7 variant doesn’t appear to cause more severe illness in kids, and even in the United Kingdom, the vast majority of young people who contract the variant experience mild symptoms.
It’s unclear how readily young people spread COVID-19 to others, but experts agree that adults who spend time or live with kids who run a risk of exposure should be prioritized for vaccination.
Source: healthline