‘A very rough fall in Seattle for pediatric patients’ as delta variant spreads

The now dominant delta variant has changed the well-known pandemic. While children used to be less affected by the coronavirus, they are now increasingly at risk.

Many families wonder how to balance their children’s childhood with protection from the pandemic.

“Across the country, and certainly here in Seattle, we are seeing the number of patients in pediatric hospitals increasing,” said Dr. Elizabeth Meade across from Seattle Now.

Meade practices pediatric hospital medicine at the Swedish Medical Center.

“Although the proportion of children with dramatic or serious illness is still small, the total numbers continue to rise,” said Meade. “We hear from units across the country that they are full of Covid patients. And we anticipate this will be a very severe case in Seattle for pediatric patients as well.”

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Delta is a stronger variant than the original virus that caused the pandemic. As a result, more children are getting Covid. Some show up in hospitals. Dr. Meade says children currently account for about 25% of new Covid cases nationwide. That’s an increase from the 15% reported for last week.

Meade notes that there were around 72,000 cases of Covid in children in the first week of August. That was twice the previous week and five times the numbers for June.

“While this is traditionally one of those rare viruses that children kind of spare … I think that gave us a sense of calm and protection for our children who are not yet eligible for the vaccine. But unfortunately, as we see these numbers, “We are also seeing the number of pediatric patients increasing across the country.”

Health officials like Dr. Meade hope that Covid vaccines will be approved for children aged 12 and over in the fall.

Pandemic Tactics for Families with Children

Summer is supposed to be a time of overnight stays and camps, water parks and sports. Some children (believe it or not) are even awaiting the return of school where they can meet up with friends. With the Delta variant, many families wonder whether they should take a break from such activities.

To be vaccinated

Dr. Meade says the best anyone can do is get vaccinated if they are eligible, especially if they live in a home of different ages.

In most parts of West Washington, adult vaccination rates are over 70%. According to Dr. Meade between 25-45% depending on age.

“We’re really encouraging people to get (vaccinated), especially since we are going to be going back to school very soon for many people in western Washington. It hasn’t been for many, many months. For the children in question, this vaccine is the best we can protect against all variants. “

School?

Dr. Meade says it is “critically important” that children go back to school. In fact, she believes that children are better at wearing masks than adults. She prefers:

• Maximizing outdoor activity, limiting indoor activity
• Increased ventilation indoors
• Distance as much as possible physically
• Everyone is wearing a mask

To travel?

The good thing is that airports and airplanes have a good track record of enforcing mask rules. Dr. Meade recommends keeping masks on while traveling, washing your hands regularly, and avoiding travel if you experience any symptoms. And be more selective about your travels.

“Postponing things that are just for fun and maybe can be done in a few months … because we assume the vaccine (for children) is coming soon.”

Mask yourself

Wearing a mask is an important tool in the fight against Covid. That still sounds true to kids.

“They are one of the best ways to protect children who are not vaccinated …” said Dr. Meade. “If we look at the data, it suggests that wearing a mask properly – covering your nose and mouth, switching to a clean mask, leaving it on – reduces the risk of transmission by about 50%.”

“When we combine that with other things like outdoor time, physical distancing, vaccination of adults and older children, we can reduce this transferability to a really low number.”

Dyer Oxley contributed to this report.