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Researchers from the University of Melbourne, the Murdoch Children’s Research Center (MCRI) in Melbourne and the University of Friborg in Switzerland have published their findings in the Archives of Disease in Childhood on the severity and symptoms of Covid-19, reviewing the vast literature about the new type of coronavirus disease. age-related causes.
Nigel Curtis, a professor at the University of Melbourne and MCRI, recalled that, in stark contrast to respiratory viruses, severe Covid-19 and mortality in children are relatively rare. “Most of them have no or only mild symptoms, usually fever, cough, sore throat, changes in taste and smell. Even with standard risk factors such as immunosuppression, children are not at high risk of having Serious Covid-19, “he explained.
Damage to endothelial cells that make up the inner walls of various organs, especially blood vessels, the heart and lymphatic vessels, increases with age and there is a link between severe Covid-19 and the conditions that affect these cells, he said. the research center in a statement.
“We know that damage to blood vessels plays an important role in the severity of Covid-19 and can lead to blood clots, causing a stroke and heart attack. Covid-19 can infect these endothelial cells and cause inflammation of the endothelial cells. blood vessels, “he emphasized.
In children, these endothelial cells are much less damaged than in adults, and their blood clotting systems are different as well, making children less prone to abnormal blood clots.
He added that diseases associated with chronic inflammation, such as diabetes and obesity, which develop in old age, are also associated with the severity of Covid-19.
Recent live virus vaccination programs, such as the MMR vaccine to protect against measles, mumps, and rubella, which can strengthen the immune system, may also play a role in protecting children.
Petra Zimmerman, a researcher at the University of Freiburg, also highlighted the important differences between the immune systems of children and adults.
Children have a stronger innate immune response, which is the first line of defense against Covid-19. Another important factor he called was “taught” immunity, which activates innate immune cells after mild infection and a vaccine, leading to “innate immune memory.”
Children with the new type of coronavirus are co-infected with other viruses. Recurring viral infections could lead to better immunity teaching, making children more effective in defeating Covid-19, he explained.
He added that the microbiota, the totality of microorganisms, also plays an important role in regulating immunity. Children are more likely to have viruses and bacteria, especially in the nose, where they can limit the growth of the coronavirus.
Zimmerman also drew attention to vitamin D deficiency, which may also play a role in the severity of Covid-19. In many countries, young children under the age of one or three receive vitamin D on a regular basis, he recalled.
Cover image: Getty Images
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