SARS-CoV-2 infection (termed COVID-19) in children differs from adult disease. Numerous studies highlight low rates of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children compared with adults: children have a lower incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection, fewer and milder symptoms, and a significantly lower case fatality compared with adults. Even for children with co-morbidities, only a few COVID-19 related case fatalities have been reported. What is underlying children’s lower susceptibility to severe SARS-CoV-2 infection compared with adults?
As a novel (new) virus, no one has acquired immunity to SARS-CoV2, so why do children seem relatively resistant to SARS-CoV-2? Theories proposed suggest an immature receptor system in the immune respiratory system of children or that children have acquired cross-protection by antibodies they developed during exposure to common viral infections in infancy. However, these theories don’t explain why more than any other age group of children, the overwhelming majority of pediatric COVID infections is in infants younger than 1 year; disparities of COVID-19 infection rate and symptom severity among 19-25 year olds; or why some adults, especially those over 50 years old, also seem resistant to COVID-19 - even if living in close quarters with the person who became ill, some adults never become ill with COVID-19.
by Lisa M Avery, MD
What follows is a focused investigation which considers poignant aspects of COVID-19, reviews basic principles of immunology and vaccines, offers an alternate theory, and proposes an interim measure to bolster immunity against SARS-CoV-2 until proper immunization can be achieved.
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proposed solution.
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