A study published last month looked at COVID-19 and asthma hospitalization quantity among children in Miami. The results were startling. There were associations between age, sex, and insurance type and the likelihood of revisit or rehospitalization for asthma. What are the best strategies for preventing COVID-19 infection? This article provides answers. Read on for tips on how to avoid COVID infection in children.
COVID-19 hospitalizations in miami
An analysis by the Miami Herald of COVID-19 cases in Florida shows that the disease has increased rapidly among children under 12 years of age, the youngest of all age groups. The number of children hospitalized with COVID-19 is at its highest since March, when Florida stopped reporting COVID-19 deaths to the CDC. Despite the increased numbers, doctors stress that the data do not tell the entire story. The virus is highly contagious, and some of these children may suffer from long-term symptoms.
In Miami, doctors are reporting a large spike in COVID hospitalizations among children. Last month alone, the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital treated over 20 children with the disease. By the end of July, the number of COVID hospitalizations had doubled. And in the first 10 days of August, the hospital treated 160 patients, including five children in the Intensive Care Unit.
Since the outbreak began, Florida has seen almost double the number of COVID-19 cases. Hospitalizations at Golisano Children’s Hospital in Southwest Florida have increased from four to eight children per day to more than 14 in two days. As of Friday, the hospital is seeing a significant increase in children who are unvaccinated. In Florida, nearly 50 percent of children are fully vaccinated.
Associations between age, sex, and type of insurance and risk of revisit or rehospitalization for asthma
The study included 3,151 patients with asthma. Each patient was categorized into one of four groups. The number of ED visits was significantly associated with older age, nonwhite race, lower socioeconomic status, and asthma severity. Medicaid insurance was strongly associated with NEDV. Gender and having a primary care physician were unrelated to NEDV.
The study included a subcohort of 1,531 patients with asthma who were hospitalized for asthma during the study period. Thirty-eight percent of these patients re-entered the ED within a year. Those children were largely African American and public-insured. They were also evenly distributed in age.
The study’s researchers used self-reports from patients to assess the prevalence of allergy and asthma. Age and sex were not independent predictors, but participants with asthma were more likely to be uninsured. The study’s authors recommend that nurses build trust and respect with parents and emphasize the importance of family support systems.
In addition to these studies, other researchers have emphasized the need for cross-cultural care in the United States. For instance, one study found that children who had experienced hepatitis B vaccination were more likely to re-hospitalize for asthma. Another study looked at the prevalence of hepatitis B vaccination among children in a community clinic in Boston.
Prevention of COVID-19 infection
Asthma is the most common chronic illness in children, making it one of the leading causes of hospitalization. Children with asthma have a lower risk of infection because they are less likely to develop severe SARS-CoV-2 symptoms. Children with asthma also have reduced levels of certain cell surface proteins that mediate SARS-CoV-2 cell entry. Inhaled corticosteroids can also dampen inflammatory responses in the host, reducing viral replication. These factors may explain why children with asthma exhibit infection-prevention behaviors.
The CDC issued guidance for hospitals that participate in Medicare-sponsored programs. This includes requirements related to COVID-19 patient screening, treatment, and transfer. Additionally, hospitals that participate in Medicare must follow requirements related to infection control in their emergency departments. These guidelines can help hospitals meet their responsibilities under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act. This guidance provides a better understanding of the role of infection control in preventing COVID-19 infection in children with asthma.
In this study, caregivers of participants will complete an online questionnaire if their children or family members become ill. The information collected will be used to identify potential risk factors for COVID-19 infection. Additionally, the researchers will collect stool samples from those who have COVID-19 symptoms and stool samples from a symptomatic participant. These samples will be tested for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 and gene expression in airway-surface cells. Researchers hope to find a connection between gene expression and the risk of COVID-19 infection.
