What explains these trends? We discuss with CNN medical analyst Dr. Leana Wen. Wen is an emergency physician and visiting professor of health policy and management at the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health. She is also the author of the upcoming book “Lifelines: A Doctor’s Journey in the Fight for Public Health.”
Another likely reason why more young people become infected is the B.1.1.7 variant. This is the variant that originally originated in the United Kingdom and is rapidly becoming dominant in the US. Studies have shown that this strain is more transmissible, which means that there is now a higher risk of acquiring coronavirus through activities that were previously fairly safe. In addition to causing more cases, the B.1.1.7 now also appears to be more virulent, meaning that it causes worse diseases and is therefore more prone to hospitalization and death.
Combine this with the fact that younger people are more mobile and participate in more activities, and this is probably the responsibility for a larger percentage and number of cases in younger age groups.
CNN: What are the implications for school? Does this mean that schools will have to close?
Win: Not necessarily. There are numerous studies that have shown that schools can be one of the safest places for children if mitigation measures are introduced – in particular forced masking, but also things like keeping children in ‘pods’ or cohorts, improved ventilation and some physical fitness. distance. Vaccinating teachers also protects them and reduces the chance of coronavirus. Additional measures such as regular tests will also help.
That said, schools will need to take into account that there are more transferable variants, so even more of these mitigation measures need to be implemented. Schools in the UK and Europe had to close to fight B.1.1.7. Schools need to be particularly vigilant for extracurricular activities – for example, in some places it is post-school sports that have been shown to spread coronavirus. Good contact detection is very important to detect the source of the virus and to direct interventions in the right way.
CNN: If it’s younger age groups that get infected, should we prioritize them for vaccination?
Win: Initially, it made sense to prioritize vaccinations for older and chronic diseases – these are the people who are likely to become seriously ill. Its priority has helped save lives and prevent our hospitals from being overwhelmed. Vaccinations are progressing rapidly, and President Biden is expected to announce immediately that states should do so. to be eligible by 19 April so that all people aged 16 and over are eligible to receive vaccinations. So it’s only a matter of weeks before anyone who wants a vaccine can sign up to receive one.
That being said, I agree with the specific access to those who are likely to contract the coronavirus and spread it as well. Vaccination efforts should be aimed at making the vaccine the easy and convenient choice. A vaccination on university campuses, for example, will bring vaccinations directly to people. In the same way, vaccines can be offered in the workplace. These efforts to improve access and convenience will be very important, especially for younger people who have other priorities.
CNN: What should people do now to protect themselves if there is a more contagious variant?
Win: The same precautions we recommend throughout are still applicable. The B.1.1.7 variant spreads through the respiratory tract, just like the wild or common species, so keep wearing masks, keep physical distance and avoid indoor encounters with people who are not in your household. Try to keep the meetings with people inside until after you have been vaccinated. After being vaccinated, you can see other people who have been fully vaccinated indoors, but until then you need to see people outside, with physical distance.
And please, be vaccinated as soon as possible. The approved vaccines appear to be very effective against the B.1.1.7 variant. If you are vaccinated, you can be protected by coronavirus, and it also reduces the likelihood of you spreading it to others.
CNN: Are there specific precautions that children need to take as children under 16 cannot yet be vaccinated?
Win: I will make sure that children who are back in school have to take specific precautions, such as wearing masks and sticking to their group. Be just as careful in social, informal settings as in formal school environments. The weather is getting nicer, so try to keep play doors outside, with kids wearing masks, instead of indoors.
Know that children tend to get much less ill than adults, but some children became seriously ill and, tragically, some died of Covid-19.
Children under 16 can not yet be vaccinated, but they can [for] parents and those around the children help to get them vaccinated. The end is not so far away, and the summer will hopefully be much better in terms of infection level. So continue to take precautions to protect your children and your family.
