For all of these reasons, it's important to take steps to reduce risk of infection. Lastly, we're still learning about possible long-term effects of COVID‑19 – even from mild COVID‑19 infection. Children can also spread the virus to others who are at high risk. However, children with certain medical conditions remain at increased risk for severe illness. In general, children are still at lower risk for severe illness from COVID‑19 than adults. Parents may take comfort in the fact that Omicron does not appear to cause more severe illness in children than prior variants. In fact, the rate of new COVID‑19 hospitalizations in children reached a record-high with the Omicron surge. As cases increase, the number of children hospitalized with COVID‑19 is also rising. This includes children, who may be at increased risk for infection if they are too young to be vaccinated. Children are being affected by Omicron.īecause Omicron is highly contagious, more and more people are becoming infected with COVID‑19. 'Of course, we can't know this for sure.' 2. 'This variant is spreading through our country very quickly, and what we may experience is a very intense but narrow peak of activity,' says Dr. While this may be frightening, one silver lining of the variant's quick spread is that the spike in cases may be short-lived. 'The way the Omicron variant is spreading right now, there is a great likelihood you're going to get exposed if you're out in public,' says Dr. Experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expect that anyone with Omicron infection can spread the virus to others, even if they are vaccinated or don't have symptoms. This can help it evade immunity, or a body's built-up protection to the virus. One reason for this may be the variant's high number of mutations in the spike protein. Omicron is much more contagious than prior COVID‑19 variants, including Delta.

'This variant is spreading like wildfire,' says Dr. – Omicron accounts for about 98% of all new COVID‑19 cases in the country. The Omicron variant is spreading fast.Īs of January 2022 – only one month after the variant was first detected in the U.S. Here are six facts about the Omicron variant that parents should know. It was first identified in South Africa in November 2021 and found in the U.S. Omicron (also known as B.1.1.529) is a variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID‑19. What is the Omicron variant and what should parents know? Kahn explains what we know about the Omicron variant and the best ways to keep your family healthy. But as the virus continues to evolve, it's more important than ever for parents and children to stay vigilant.'ĭr. 'Everyone has COVID-fatigue, and it's difficult to deal with another variant.

'We've been at this for a long time,' says Dr. Jeffrey Kahn, M.D., Director of Infectious Disease at Children's Health℠ and Professor at UT Southwestern, encourages families to continue to take precautions as Omicron spreads. For many parents, it's also causing renewed concern about their child's health.

The highly transmissible variant is causing a surge in cases. The Omicron variant is now the most widespread COVID‑19 variant in the U.S. Resources for Transgender Youth and Their Families.Pediatric Clinical Trials & Experimental Medication.Nursing Transition to Practice Programs.Child Life and Music Therapy Training Opportunities.Fellowship and Subspecialty Training Programs.Children’s Health is proud to become the first pediatric health system in the country to offer Amazon Lockers, self-service kiosks that allow you to pick up your Amazon packages when and where you need them most – 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

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