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A pediatric infectious disease defended this Monday, based on a study carried out at the Doña Estefânia Hospital, that in children the new coronavirus “is not transmitted” like the flu and that this can be “comforting” for the decision to reopen schools.
“This virus is not transmitted in the same way as the flu virus or other respiratory viruses. Therefore, the closure of schools that led us to fear that the infection began from children to adults, which is what happens with flu, does not really seem like the model that occurs with this virus and this can be comforting in the decision to reopen schools “, said Maria João Brito, pediatric infectious disease of the Dona Estefânia Hospital during a meeting on the evolution of covid-1 in Portugal, which brings together experts, politicians and social partners and which took place today in Porto.
During her speech, with the topic ‘Covid-19 in children’, the pediatric infectologist also stressed that all children and young people can contract the infection, but that it manifests itself “differently in age groups.”
“Opening kindergartens is one thing, opening secondary schools is another and opening schools is another. Therefore, in very young children, the transmission rate seems to be lower,” stressed Maria João Brito, adding that the transmission will be different depending on the type. of school. .
The specialist, who presented a study based on data from children infected by covid-19 who passed through the Dona Estefânia Hospital – Centro Universitário Lisboa Central, 285 in total, pointed out that although the new coronavirus is “rare in pediatrics”, it can reveal however, is “potentially serious”.
“Mortality is very low,” emphasized Maria João Brito, adding that of the 285 children, 114 were hospitalized and of these, 23% were asymptomatic.
Maria João Brito also warned that the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in pediatrics remains “an enigma” and that, along with the remaining infections, it could be “an additional problem”.
“The other infections could be this winter and with the opening of schools an additional problem (…) Despite the initial state of emergency, on March 18, 45% of the children who were hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2 had co-infections, “he said, warning that with the flu that comes next winter,” children will be able to transmit the flu in the community. ”
“Although it is not surprising that the impact of this social distance on children is impressive, the number of co-infections has decreased significantly, but as schools open and depending on the rates of covid-19 infection, infections by other respiratory viruses and SARS-CoV-2 can increase in children ”, he concluded, recalling the need to maintain safety and hygiene measures.
The meeting brings together the President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, the Prime Minister, the President of the Assembly of the Republic, Eduardo Ferro Rodrigues, party, businessmen and union leaders.
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