Hey friends, have you heard the latest news? It turns out that a whopping 20% of all pediatric COVID cases in the U.S. have popped up in just the last two weeks! According to the American Academy for Pediatrics, more than a million kids got infected last week alone, which is a huge jump from the week before. In fact, around 1,151,000 new cases were reported for the week ending January 20, marking a 17% increase from the previous record of 981,000 kids infected. That’s wild!
The Impact of the Omicron Variant
Even though the omicron variant seems to be settling down in many areas, it’s still hitting our little ones hard. It’s kind of scary, but the good news is that serious illness in kids is still quite rare. Hospitalization rates are still low, dropping slightly to 0.7% this month. The CDC has pointed out that the surge in pediatric cases doesn’t necessarily mean kids are getting sicker—it’s just a result of how contagious the omicron variant is and the low vaccination rates among children. If you’re looking for more info about vaccination, check out this resource from March of Dimes.
Expert Insights
Dr. Jenna Torres from the CDC mentioned that it’s just a reflection of more cases circulating, rather than increased severity. “Our kids are more vulnerable when there are more cases around them,” she said at a recent press conference. So, if you have little ones ages 5 and up, make sure to get them vaccinated as soon as you can!
At-Home Insemination Options
And if you’re curious about at-home insemination options, Make a Mom offers a great reusable option, and you can even check out how it works here. Plus, if you need supplies, Make a Mom has fantastic intracervical insemination kits to help you along the way.
Stay Informed and Connected
So, as we navigate these challenging times, let’s stay informed and keep our kiddos safe. And hey, if you’re looking for support, consider joining the Make a Mom group on Facebook to connect with others on a similar journey.
In Summary
COVID cases among children have surged dramatically, accounting for a significant percentage of total pediatric cases in a short period. While serious illnesses remain rare, vaccination is crucial. There are also great resources for those considering at-home insemination.
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