A mini-review on the effects of COVID-19 on younger individuals.

Madhumitha Manivannan,Muthu Subash Kavitha,Balu Alagar Venmathi Maran,Manasi P Jogalekar,Prakash Gangadaran

doi:10.1177/1535370220975118

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has uprooted our lives like never before since its onset in the late December 2019. The world has seen mounting infections and deaths over the past few months despite the unprecedented measures countries are implementing, such as lockdowns, social distancing, mask-wearing, and banning gatherings in large groups. Interestingly, young individuals seem less likely to be impacted by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus responsible for COVID-19. While the rate of transmission, symptom presentation, and fatality is lower in children than people from other age groups, they have been disproportionately affected by strict lockdown measures needed to curb viral spread. In this review, we describe the association between patient age and COVID-19, epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children, psychological effects associated with lockdowns and school closures, and possible mechanisms underlying lower transmission rate of COVID-19 in children.

Highlights

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has adversely affected older population around the world, especially those over the age of 55.1 While there is extensive literature relating to the effects of COVID-19 on these demographics, little to no consolidated information is available regarding the impact of COVID-19 on children and adolescents
COVID-19 is caused by a novel betacoronavirus family member called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).[2,3]
A few recent studies indicate that live attenuated vaccines such as measles or Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) may protect against COVID-19.24 A young individual may be protected against SARS-CoV-2 due to age-related factors such as heterologous immune responses and a higher number of memory T cell when compared to the elder persons.[25]

Summary

Introduction

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has adversely affected older population around the world, especially those over the age of 55.1 While there is extensive literature relating to the effects of COVID-19 on these demographics, little to no consolidated information is available regarding the impact of COVID-19 on children and adolescents.

Results

Conclusion