Differences in their immune systems and the best condition of their blood vessels are among the factors that protect children from severe Covid-19, Australian and Swiss researchers have found.

Coronavirus: the second wave, the second closure

Later than expected by many, but in mid-November, the Hungarian government also decided to try to curb the second wave of the coronavirus epidemic by introducing restrictions. At the time of the decision, 5,000 new infections had been identified per day and the number of deaths from the virus mostly ranged from 50 to 100 in 24 hours. The first step is a partial closure, but how effective it is is questionable. Follow our news!

Researchers from the University of Melbourne, the Murdoch Children’s Research Center (MCRI) in Melbourne and the University of Friborg in Switzerland have reviewed the vast literature on the new type of coronavirus disease. Childhood Disease Archives published its findings in a pediatric journal, Covid-19, to explore the causes of age-related Covid-19 symptoms.

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,” he explained, adding that even with standard risk factors like immunosuppression, children do not are at high risk for severe Covid-19. .

Damage to endothelial cells that make up the inner walls of various organs, especially blood vessels and cardiac and lymphatic vessels, increases with age, and there is an association between severe Covid-19 and conditions that affect these cells, he notes. the study.

“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 “, emphasized the professor. 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.

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 vaccination programs, such as the MMR vaccine to protect against measles, mumps and rubella, which could boost the immune system, the researchers say, could 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. In children, the innate immune response, which is the first line of defense against Covid-19, is even stronger. 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 can lead to better immunity teaching, making children more effective at defeating Covid-19, Zimmerman explained. The microbiota, the totality of microorganisms, also plays an important role in the regulation of immunity. Children are more likely to have viruses and bacteria, especially in the nose, where they can limit the growth of the coronavirus.

[Kutatóorvosok üzenik: ha jót akar magának, szedjen D-vitamint a következő hónapokban]

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.

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